At Luigi’s Italian Chophouse & Bar in Fayetteville, North Carolina, three siblings carry on the dream their parents began more than 70 years ago. Through tragedy and triumph, the Parrous family has built an enduring restaurant legacy rooted in warmth, resilience, and genuine hospitality.

“Our restaurant reflects decades of resilience, innovation, and a deep bond between our family, our business, and the community,” says co-owner Linda Higgins. “We honor our legacy by preserving our heritage, embracing innovation, and striving not just to survive, but to thrive.”

Boxerbrand: How did the tragic loss of your parents unite the family behind the Luigi’s brand?

Linda: After a Fort Bragg soldier opened fire inside the restaurant, we took time to process everything before deciding as a family that we wanted to continue our parents’ work.

My father discovered his passion for cooking while serving overseas in World War II. When he returned home, he opened his first restaurant in the early 1950s and later founded Luigi’s in 1982.

We all grew up in the business. I worked the hostess station as a kid, and my brother Nicholas had just finished architecture school when we decided to set aside our careers and devote ourselves to hospitality full time.

Boxerbrand: How did you and your siblings put your mark on the restaurant your parents built?

Linda: We spent five years planning the next chapter for Luigi’s. In 1999, we closed for renovation and reimagined the restaurant from the ground up. Nicholas used his design background to give the space an inviting, old-world feel—warm wood, Italian arches, and timeless hospitality.

We refined the menu, moving away from pizza toward steak, fresh fish, chops, and refined Italian fare. That shift inspired a new name: Luigi’s Italian Chophouse and Bar.

Nicholas expanded our wine program, which has earned Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence every year since 2003. As business grew, we added two private dining rooms to meet demand for celebrations and events.

Boxerbrand: Who are your customers?

Linda: We draw both locals and visitors—especially travelers visiting Fort Bragg from across the country and around the world. Our chophouse menu and wine list have become a destination in themselves, attracting new guests through online searches.

We’re also blessed with loyal regulars. Fort Bragg supports the local economy, and our goal has always been to turn first-time diners into long-term friends of the restaurant.

Boxerbrand: How does Luigi’s maintain its reputation for excellence?

Linda: Training is everything. When we reopened after Covid, our focus was on rebuilding comfort and confidence with in-person dining. We added a greeter at the door to set the tone immediately.

We also implemented table-management software—a game-changer. It helps balance reservations, avoid kitchen overload, and keep service smooth.

Each table is assigned to one server who acts as a personal point person—not just an order taker, but a true ambassador of the brand.

Boxerbrand: How have you achieved staff buy-in?

Linda: We completely restructured our training four years ago. Today, our staff act as guides—helping guests navigate the menu, recommend pairings, and anticipate needs.

Our leadership team is hands-on. A family member personally walks each new server through the wine list, menu, and computer systems. After training and shadowing our top performers, they’re carefully evaluated before working solo.

Training takes time, but it pays off in consistency, professionalism, and guest satisfaction. It’s one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.

Boxerbrand: How does Luigi’s carry forward your family ethos?

Linda: My parents were incredible mentors—entrepreneurial yet grounded in family. My grandmother’s meat sauce appeared on my father’s first menu and is still served today.

They instilled in us grit, humility, and gratitude. Luigi’s was their gift to us, and we’ve built upon that foundation with a deep sense of purpose. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished—and even prouder of the family spirit that continues to guide us. — Luigi’s Italian Chophouse and Bar uses Boxerbrand’s Iridescent line in their table presentation. Thank you!