What is Maida Trattoria?
Maida Trattoria is inspired by MAIDA, a small town in the Calabria region of southern Italy—where our family’s roots run deep. Known for its rolling hills, medieval charm, and views of the Ionian Sea, Maida represents tradition, simplicity, and connection to the land. Our family immigrated to the U.S. from Maida in the early 1900s, and the name has been passed down through generations ever since.
A TRATTORIA is a traditional, family-style Italian eatery known for its warm, casual atmosphere and hearty, regional dishes. A trattoria offers the comfort of home, where recipes are handed down through generations and meals are made with love, often from scratch. It’s where hearty, regional dishes are served alongside house wines, laughter, and good conversation. Welcoming and unpretentious, a trattoria is a place to gather, connect, and share the simple joy of food with those who feel like family. They offer an authentic taste of Italian hospitality, where food and family come first.
At Maida Trattoria, we blend these two traditions—our family’s heritage and the spirit of a true trattoria—to bring Fort Collins a taste of Italy, served with warmth and authenticity.
From our Family to Yours
Maida is a family-run restaurant led by longtime Fort Collins locals with a passion for food and community. Owners, McCabe and Marli Callahan have been in the restaurant business for over 20 years, also running the beloved Mugs Fort Collins since 2002. Marli’s sister, Kai Churman, brings 15 years of hospitality experience to her role as General Manager, ensuring every guest feels right at home. In the kitchen, Chef Andy Lipps brings 18 years of culinary expertise and a deep love for Italian flavors to every dish.
Together, this close-knit family team blends family roots, professional know-how, and a shared commitment to creating an inviting, delicious, and memorable dining experience. Maida is a true labor of love—built to bring people together over great food, warm hospitality, and a strong sense of community.
Rooted In History
Maida Trattoria is proud to call the historic Avery Building its home. Built in 1905 in the heart of Old Town Fort Collins, the Avery Building was originally home to the Avery Milling Company. This local grain mill played a vital role in the city’s agricultural roots, processing wheat and grains from nearby farms and helping to establish Fort Collins as a regional hub for commerce and food production.
Constructed by J.M. Avery, the building quickly became a symbol of the city’s early growth and entrepreneurial spirit. As Fort Collins evolved, so did the Avery Building—housing a variety of businesses and offices over the decades. During the downtown revitalization efforts of the 1980s and 1990s, the building was preserved and thoughtfully repurposed, maintaining its architectural character while gaining new life as a commercial and cultural landmark.
Today, Maida Trattoria continues the tradition of bringing people together through food and community in this iconic space. We’re honored to be part of the next chapter in the Avery Building’s rich history—celebrating both the past and the future of Fort Collins with every meal we serve.