When chef Roberta Campani arrived in Wilmington in 2006, her life took a series of unexpected twists. She and husband Jim Gannon purchased their first home here, their two daughters were born here and in 2008 they opened La Gemma Fine Italian Pastries. It was their first time owning a business.

“I never expected that I would open a bakery,” Campani said. “I had always worked as a chef and I assumed that was what I would do here. But I’m so glad I took the chance and went with the bakery because I’ve grown so much and now I can do it all, cooking and baking, A to Z.”

Campani closed La Gemma to the public in early 2013 in order to focus on wholesale and farmer’s market sales and also address her youngest daughter’s health concerns. La Gemma was reopened to the public when she and Gannon sold the business to current owner Ben Rose later that year; and Campani has continued to work for Rose, baking and teaching cooking classes.

Recently Campani held a series of pop-up dinners and brunches at San Juan Café as a means of bidding her friends and customers farewell. She and her family will depart for her native Italy early next month.

“Wilmington has given me so much,” Campani said. “I’m returning to Italy only for my children and my parents to have some time together. I could not forgive myself if I didn’t allow them both the chance to know one another.”

Campani plans to work in agrotourism upon her return. She will work with several bed and breakfasts in Tuscany to offer tours of local agricultural and culinary sites such as farms, wineries, cheesemakers, bakers and restaurants. She will also provide custom cooking classes, private dinners and parties.

Campani says that once she arrives in Italy she will establish the business and its website which can help provide American travelers with customized vacation plans. She is hopeful that when Wilmington residents are looking to travel in Italy that they will consider contacting her. In the meantime anyone who would like to receive updates via an email newsletter can contact Campani.

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