The Restaurant
Sugo Trattoria is a casual Italian restaurant that marries the traditions of the old world with Wine Country culture. Taking inspiration from the artfully hand crafted pastas, sauces and cured meats of Italy and integrating these recipes with local ingredients and California sensibility. The restaurant aims to showcase a selection of house-made offerings with local wines, as well as wines of various regions of Italy.
The Founder
Loriana Shea is an Italian-born chef and longtime restaurateur who immigrated to America at the age of 7. At 27, she launched her first food venture, New York Subs, marking the beginning of a vibrant culinary career. Over the years, she founded a series of beloved restaurants, including New York Pizza, New York Subs & Buffalo Wings, Caffe Giostra, Baci, Sugo Trattoria, Foodbar, and Blu American Eatery. Sugo was started here in Petaluma in the early 2000s and still maintains her traditional ideals to this day. Now, Loriana brings her passion for cooking into the heart of her home kitchen, sharing her recipes and culinary adventures on her blog, Lorianasheacooks.com, and on Instagram @lorianasheacooks.
Next in Line
Sugo Trattoria stayed in the family when Loriana’s daughter, Annette, and her husband, Peter White, took over in 2007. This was their third successful food endeavor. The first being the legendary New York Subs on Petaluma Boulevard, followed by Twisted Vine in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Annette descended from Italian immigrants and learned the art of making traditional dishes at a very young age in the many kitchens of her family’s restaurants and preparing food for their Sunday afternoon gatherings. Her mom was responsible for passing down dishes to her without a single written recipe, because ingredients would change by the season or by what was available in the moment. Annette followed her other passion for checking the world off her bucket list one adventure at a time and now has created a second career as a traveler. She is the author of the book Bucket List Adventures and creator of the award winning travel blog, Bucket List Journey.
Peter’s restaurant background came from many years in the industry, including several of them as a general manager for the PF Changs and Paradise restaurant groups in Arizona. His passion was handcrafting his own products; from an assortment of handmade cheeses to grain mustards and specialty salumi. He was committed to taking traditional dishes and revamping them, putting on a modern twist using quality products and techniques. Peter now travels with his wife and dedicates his free time to his Native American heritage.
Current Owner
Kim Wheeler started at Sugo Trattoria as General Manager in May of 2022. After thoroughly familiarizing herself with the Sugo way and building a solid relationship with both staff and guests alike, she became the owner in April of 2024. She is dedicated to upholding the quality and consistency of what’s been built here, while adding her own special touch. Kim’s story starts right here in Petaluma, where she was born. She started her journey in the restaurant industry while in High School at the KFC on East Washington Street. Over the years she worked as a busser, server, bartender, event coordinator, banquet server, and manager in various restaurant settings. Prior to joining the Sugo Trattoria family, she managed with the Hotel Healdsburg group at Pizzando, The Rooftop at Harmon Guest House, and Spoonbar.
Keeping with tradition, Kim’s daughter, Vanessa, has been with Sugo since October of 2022. Starting out as Assistant Manager, then being promoted to Manager in April of 2024. She comes with her own food service experience, including 7 years at Marin Country Club, where she worked her way up from a hostess position to the Assistant Events Manager.
Kim and Vanessa are honored to continue the Sugo Trattoria story.