About Us

Executive Chef Cole Winchester

Equal parts passion, dedication and natural ability form the recipe for success for Cole Winchester, Executive Chef of Bella Monte.

His passion for culinary started at a young age as he used to cook in the kitchen with his grandmother. At age 16 he started working in professional kitchens getting his start right here at Bella Monte in 2001. Cole graduated from Johnson and Wales University in 2004. While at the University he did a six-month internship at Atlanta’s Bluepointe under the direction of Chef Ian Winslade. He returned here as Sous Chef in summer of 2004 under Chef Jerry Beaudry and was later promoted to Executive Chef in late 2005. He then moved to Charlotte, NC in 2006 to work at Mama Ricotta’s as Chef Scott Roule’s Sous Chef. He has learned a lot from his travels in the culinary field and rejoined our team in 2009 to continue his dream of running his own successful kitchen.

Chef Winchester has participated in numerous culinary competitions and helped with charity events including, winning a scholarship thru C-CAP (Careers Through Culinary Arts Program), won a gold medal in the IFSEA competition, 1st place team finishes in Intercollegiate Iron Chef Competitions while attending JWU. Chef Winchester was a part of Atlanta Share Our Strength Fundraiser. He was chosen to bake a birthday cake for the Mayor of Virginia Beach and has given back to the competitions he has won as a judge and mentor.

In his spare time when not in the heat of the kitchen he enjoys being outdoors participating in adventure sports or on his boat fishing and relaxing enjoying the weather.

Robin Tuite, Owner/Operator

Robin Tuite can credit the success and longevity of Bella Monte to her love of fresh ingredients, authentic recipes and family traditions. Coming from a very large family, she has wonderful memories of sharing great food at family dinners. These memories helped fuel the desire to please even the most discriminating palates.

Robin started her career in food service sales with Sandler Foods, where she became their top sales person. This experience helped her to transition to owner/operator of Bella Monte.

For the past twenty five years, it has been Robin’s mission to create authentic Mediterranean and local cuisines using the finest imported and fresh ingredients. Working with some of the best “culinary creators” in the Hampton Roads area, Robin works with her culinary team to develop delicious menus for the café, deli and catering clients.

Travel is an important component to the success of Bella Monte. Robin annually attends trade shows to find new and distinct products for the ever-expanding retail marketplace. She has often been the guest of the Italian Trade Commission on her trips, even traveling to Italy to study the cuisine and wine of that country. The knowledge she brings back to Virginia Beach is shared enthusiastically with our local clientele.

Robin Tuite is on a mission…to bring the best food, the best wine, the most unique merchandise to the people of Virginia Beach and beyond.

If you would like to join our team, please download our employment application.