For many years, the Groita family lived and worked abroad, but they always wanted to return home, in Moldova, and start their own business. Inspired by the atmosphere of family restaurants in Italy, Anatolii Groita, Microinvest client and his family decided to create a place where people could not only enjoy good food, but also take a break from the rush of the city, surrounded by beautiful nature. This is how Bella Vista came about – a family pizzeria in Hincesti that welcomes guests with authentic Italian pizza, a warm atmosphere and picturesque views.
Read this interview to discover how the business idea was born, why the restaurant received this name and what role Microinvest played in its development.
How did the idea of opening a pizzeria in Hincesti come about?
The idea of opening our own business appeared back in 2010, when we were working abroad. While living in Italy, my family and I often visited restaurants and pizzerias located outside the city, in scenic places surrounded by nature. We really enjoyed that peaceful atmosphere, the beautiful views and the quality cuisine.
When we returned home, we wanted to create something similar in Moldova – a space where people could come not only to eat well, but also to relax from the rush of the city. That is how the idea of Bella Vista gradually took shape, a pizzeria that today combines Italian hospitality traditions with the beauty of Moldovan nature.
Bella Vista is a very beautiful name. How did you choose it?
We did not choose the name Bella Vista by chance. In Italian, it means “beautiful view” or “beautiful panorama”. When we created this place, we wanted the name to reflect not only the Italian vibe, but also what surrounds us here. On one side, there are picturesque views of nature, and on the other, a beautiful rural landscape. That is why the name came almost naturally.
Anatolii, tell us about your menu. What does Bella Vista offer its guests?
The main dish on our menu is, of course, pizza. We prepare it according to Italian traditions: on thin, crispy dough and with authentic Italian ingredients. My son Adrian is responsible for this flavour. He learned from masters in Italy and today puts his knowledge into every pizza we serve to our guests.
Besides pizza, our guests can enjoy various dishes from Italian and Moldovan cuisine, including pasta, appetizers and other favourite recipes. At the same time, we are constantly developing the menu, listening to our visitors’ preferences and adding new dishes that are truly in demand. We also host small events, such as birthdays, family celebrations, corporate meetings and other special occasions. For this, we have prepared a separate hall where guests can spend time in a cosy atmosphere and choose a menu that suits the format of their event.
What does truly delicious pizza mean to you?
For me, delicious pizza means thin, crispy dough, quality ingredients and a balanced flavour. A real pizza should be light and tasty even when it cools down a little. If you still enjoy eating it as much as when it has just come out of the oven, then everything has been done right.
You lived and worked abroad for a long time. What changed in your life after opening your own business at home?
After many years abroad, it was very important for us to return home and start something of our own here in Moldova. Of course, having your own business means a lot of responsibility and constant movement. There is no complete peace of mind, because every day you have to make decisions, put in effort and be ready for risks.
At the same time, we are happy to be working at home. For us, business is not only about income. It is, first of all, about stability, development and the opportunity to create something valuable for our family and for the people who visit us.
What role did Microinvest play in the development of Bella Vista and what were the attracted funds used for?
When we started this project, we had already invested most of our own resources. But at the final stage, in order to complete the works and actually launch the pizzeria, we needed additional support. We approached several financial organizations, but specifically Microinvest became a real lifeline for us. Thanks to this support, we were able to complete what we had started, prepare the premises for activity and open our doors to our first guests.
Later, when it became clear that people were interested in our place and that we needed to expand, we applied for financing again. These funds helped us modernize the kitchen, install more powerful equipment and arrange the second floor for events. That is why, when we say that Microinvest became a lifeline for us, these are not just nice words – this is the real story of our business.
What advice would you give to beginning entrepreneurs who want to develop their business in Moldova?
My main advice is to believe in what you are doing and not expect quick results. Having your own business requires time, patience and the willingness to work hard. Not everything works out from the first day, and you need to be ready for that. If you have a goal, the desire to grow and the readiness to take responsibility, results will gradually come. And if something is missing for the next step, Microinvest will add it.
*Microinvest is the only financial organization in Moldova that holds the international GOLD certification in client protection (according to the Cerise+SPTF Client Protection standards and methodology). This reflects a responsible and transparent lending process, fair financing, and a constructive approach to every request.
