In June 2025, when Maida Trattoria opened its doors in Old Town Fort Collins, the historic Avery building took on new life. Bringing generations of Italian family history and twists on classic specials, the restaurant was offered as a love letter to community, connection, and the joy of new experiences. There are many great options for a night out in Fort Collins, but this one absolutely deserves a spot on your rotation. 

Behind the concept are Marli and McCabe Callahan, Fort Collins residents for 25 years and longtime pillars of the local food scene. The couple are Colorado State University alumni and own the Mugs coffee shops, uniquely positioning them to step into the local full-service dining scene. “Maida wouldn’t be what it is without Marli,” McCabe Callahan added. “She had a clear vision of what she wanted to bring to the Fort Collins community, and her attention to detail is one of the things that defines the restaurant today.” What began as the idea for a sunset-facing, family-friendly Italian restaurant has put down roots in the city, grounded in the Callahans’ commitment to hospitality.

“Our whole goal is that people feel fancy being here, but don’t feel like they have to be fancy to be here,” McCabe Callahan said. This philosophy shows, from the approachable pricing to the craftsmanship in each dish, making Maida an inviting choice for diners who appreciate the thoughtfulness behind the establishments they support. 

“It always feels so good to be proud of what you’re offering,” McCabe Callahan said. “The ingredients, the quality, those are very important to us.” And it’s true, the food whisks the rustic flavors straight from Maida, Italy, a small town off the southeastern coast that anchors McCabe Callahan’s family lineage and surname, Maida. Dishes like chicken cacciatore, pasta parmigiana, and carbonara project the region’s classic, homey flavors right into the heart of Fort Collins. The restaurant also offers half, full, and family-size portions, giving diners some much-appreciated flexibility. 

That attention to detail extends beyond the plate. The Callahans are strong supporters of their employees, “If we take care of our people, then they’re going to take care of the customers,” McCabe explained, when asked about the couple’s ownership philosophy. The result is a staff that radiates warmth and pride, including server Sam Grimes, recently named NoCo Style’s “No. 1 Best Server,” who has been with Maida since its opening. 

Visually, Maida is just as thoughtfully composed as its mission. Designed by Marli Callahan, the interior features a warm, cozy elegance with personal touches, like a windowpane (originally from the Mugs building) that gives diners the chance to see their food being made in real time. Family portraits speckle the walls, showcasing generations of the Maida family. The space has a way of grounding diners in its context, reinforcing the foundational values that shape the atmosphere. 

Fort Collins is known for its vibrant dining scene, and Maida Trattoria adds a new, but familiar twist. The establishment prioritizes building relationships with its staff, its customers, and the Fort Collins community. Shaped by family history, grounded in values, and infused with a sense of home (and, of course, Italy). True to the restaurant’s tagline, the Callahans welcome diners “from our family to yours.”