Rio Linda is about to welcome a brand-new addition to its culinary scene. The Grotto, an Italian-American comfort food restaurant, is set to open in the MarVal Plaza, marking a significant milestone for the community. The restaurant is the brainchild of Natalee and Jeremy Price, owners of the highly regarded A Taste of Tuscany in Antelope.
A Homecoming for Natalee Price
For Natalee, this is more than just a business venture—it’s a homecoming. Born and raised in Rio Linda, she attended Elverta Elementary and Alpha Middle School before spending her freshman year at Rio Linda High School in 1997. Her family moved to Missouri following the tragic death of Michelle Montoya, but Natalee found her way back to the Sacramento area after graduating in 2000.
She now lives in Citrus Heights, where she serves on the city’s planning commission and is an active member of the Antelope Lions Club. But her heart has always been with Rio Linda, a place she describes as uniquely tight-knit.
“People here take the time for each other,” Natalee shared. “You walk into Creekside Diner, and you’ll see someone sitting alone with a cup of coffee, and before long, others join in. That sense of community is what I love. These are my people.”
The Vision for The Grotto
The Grotto is designed to be a cozy yet versatile space, equally suited for family dinners, date nights, or post-football celebrations. “I want this to be a place where you can grab an appetizer and a beer after work or celebrate homecoming in a nice setting without having to drive out of town,” Natalee said…