Couple Brings Beloved Lake Highlands Restaurant Back to Life

Wende Stevenson and Aaron Gross revive MoMo Italian Kitchen after purchasing the longtime neighborhood spot.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 6:55pm

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Wende Stevenson and Aaron Gross, a couple who met at a local bar in the early 2000s, have revived MoMo Italian Kitchen in Dallas' Lake Highlands neighborhood after purchasing the longtime restaurant in 2017. Stevenson had previously worked as a server at the original MoMo location, and the couple had frequented the restaurant over the years, making it a cherished date night spot. After the Gattini family looked to sell the business, Stevenson and Gross saw an opportunity to turn their fond memories into the realization of Stevenson's dream of owning her own restaurant. While keeping much of the restaurant's beloved menu and staff, the couple has made some updates, including adding a full-service bar and hosting special events like prix fixe wine dinners.

Why it matters

In a neighborhood that has seen significant changes over the years, the survival of a locally-owned, community-focused restaurant like MoMo Italian Kitchen is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a commitment to preserving the character of a local business district. Stevenson and Gross's story highlights how a couple's shared love for a place can breathe new life into a cherished establishment.

The details

Stevenson and Gross met in 2000 at Cosmo's Lounge during the Texas-OU weekend and quickly made MoMo Italian Kitchen their regular date night spot. Stevenson had previously worked as a server at the original MoMo location in 1988. When the Gattini family looked to sell the business in 2017 to open a new gelato shop, the couple saw an opportunity to purchase the restaurant and revive it. While keeping much of the staff and menu the same, Stevenson and Gross have made some updates, including adding a full-service bar and hosting special events like prix fixe wine dinners. One nod to the couple can be found on the way to the bathroom, where paintings depict Cinque Terre in Italy, where they married in 2007.

  • Stevenson and Gross met at Cosmo's Lounge in 2000.
  • Stevenson worked as a server at the original MoMo location in 1988.
  • Stevenson and Gross purchased MoMo Italian Kitchen in 2017.
  • Stevenson and Gross married in Cinque Terre, Italy in 2007.

The players

Wende Stevenson

Co-owner of MoMo Italian Kitchen and industry veteran who previously worked at restaurants like The Green Room and Shinsei.

Aaron Gross

Co-owner of MoMo Italian Kitchen and industry veteran who previously managed concepts like Savory in Lakewood and Taste.

Gattini family

Previous owners of MoMo Italian Kitchen who sold the business in 2017 to open Botolino Gelato Artigianale.

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What they’re saying

“It became one of our favorite restaurants over the years, so that was like the early 2000s, all the way until we took it over.”

— Aaron Gross, Co-owner (advocatemag.com)

“It was probably more my dream and goal to have my own restaurant. And then Aaron just kind of walked that path with me.”

— Wende Stevenson, Co-owner (advocatemag.com)

“(My favorite part has been) collaborating on the wine list, sometimes the menu, and doing some fun events.”

— Aaron Gross, Co-owner (advocatemag.com)

What’s next

MoMo Italian Kitchen will soon host a special Galentine's Day event in February with menu and drink specials.

The takeaway

Stevenson and Gross's story demonstrates how a couple's shared passion for a local business can breathe new life into a cherished establishment, even in the face of changing neighborhood dynamics. Their commitment to preserving MoMo's legacy while making strategic updates has allowed the restaurant to thrive and continue serving as a beloved community gathering place.