Cucina Verona

Overview

Cucina Verona occupies the distinctive red two-story building at 124 E. Laurel Street in downtown Fort Bragg.

With its large ground-floor storefront windows, upstairs bay windows and alley access, the building represents the mixed-use commercial architecture of an earlier downtown.

Over the decades, its storefronts have housed model car racing, a pet shop, Laurel Street Deli, a gift shop, radio studios and restaurants. The upstairs also provided residential accommodations.

Since 2014, Cucina Verona has continued the building's tradition as a gathering place, combining Italian cuisine with live music.

Location

The building stands at 124 E. Laurel Street, near the center of Fort Bragg's downtown business district.

Its two-story design accommodated commercial businesses at street level and residential or office space upstairs.

Across the alley stands the building associated with Headlands Coffeehouse and the neighboring frame shop. According to local recollections, the two buildings originally had matching upper stories.

A fire destroyed the second story of the neighboring building, leaving only its ground-floor commercial spaces. Longtime owner Stuart Tregoning reportedly hoped to restore its original appearance, but the reconstruction never took place.

History

The building's history reflects the changing businesses and everyday activities of downtown Fort Bragg.

During the early 1960s, residents remember a model car racing track occupying the left side of the building, while Foster's pet shop reportedly operated on the right.

The pet shop is particularly remembered for displaying dyed baby chicks around Easter, although some residents recall a pet shop across the street during the late 1950s.

Later, Laurel Street Deli occupied part of the building. Another remembered business was The Store, a Mendocino-style gift shop.

After Laurel Street Deli relocated, KMFB established its radio studio in the former deli space. Bob Wolfel was associated with the station during this period.

In the early 1990s, KMFB became KOZT. The station remained in the building for several years before moving to the former Cal's Tavern property.

Roundman's Smoke House is also remembered among the building's earlier commercial occupants.

Throughout these changes, the upstairs continued serving residential purposes. Former residents and visitors remember families living above the storefronts, including Dennis Tuomula.

Another unusual chapter involved a restaurant space furnished with dining tables, tablecloths and napkins but also containing numerous computers. The interior was visible from Headlands Coffeehouse, although the restaurant apparently never opened.

The building later housed V'Canto, remembered for its dining and musical performances.

In 2014, Chef Joe and Kathleen opened Cucina Verona, beginning the building's present restaurant chapter.

Today, Cucina Verona continues the property's longstanding role as a downtown gathering place. Its Italian cuisine and live entertainment, particularly accordion performances by Jan Kessner, have become part of the building's more recent history.

Community Memories

Longtime residents remember the model car racing track and Foster's pet shop during the early 1960s. One particularly vivid memory involves dyed chicks displayed in a pet shop window around Easter.

Others recall Laurel Street Deli, The Store, Roundman's Smoke House and the years when KMFB and later KOZT operated from the building.

The radio station years remain especially memorable, connecting the property with Bob Wolfel and Fort Bragg's local broadcasting history.

Former residents and visitors remember the upstairs apartments, including the Tuomula family.

The neighboring Headlands Coffeehouse building also figures prominently in local recollections. Residents remember its original second story and the unrealized plans to restore its appearance after the fire.

Another memory describes looking across from Headlands Coffeehouse into a fully furnished restaurant space containing dining tables, tablecloths, napkins and numerous computers. Despite its appearance, the restaurant never seemed to open.

The restaurant years have produced their own memories. Customers recall V'Canto's musical performances and Cucina Verona's Italian dinners, especially the eggplant Parmesan and evenings accompanied by accordion music.

Jan Kessner's performances on Tuesdays and Saturdays have become a particular favorite among regular customers.

One former employee remembers working at Cucina Verona for three years, adding another personal connection to the building's continuing history.

Timeline

Late 1950s–early 1960s: Community memories place a pet shop in the area, with dyed chicks displayed around Easter.

Early 1960s: Model car track racing reportedly occupies the left side of the building, with Foster's pet shop on the right.

Later years: Laurel Street Deli and The Store operate in the building.

Radio era: KMFB establishes its studio in the former deli space, with Bob Wolfel associated with the station.

Early 1990s: KMFB becomes KOZT. The station later relocates to the former Cal's Tavern property.

Other commercial chapters: Roundman's Smoke House and additional businesses are remembered at the property.

Before 2014: V'Canto and other restaurant-related uses contribute to the building's dining and entertainment history.

2014: Chef Joe and Kathleen open Cucina Verona.

Today: Cucina Verona continues the building's tradition as a downtown restaurant and gathering place.