Our Story
A Family Story of Resilience, Passion & Love
Malvagio’s Italian Trattoria & Catering Co. is more than a restaurant. It’s a story of family, faith, resilience, and the belief that some of life’s most meaningful moments happen around a table.
Nestled in the heart of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Malvagio’s was founded by Tricia Whitney with a simple vision: to create a place where exceptional Italian food, genuine hospitality, and a sense of belonging come together.
With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Tricia has always believed that dining should be about more than just a meal. It’s about the laughter shared, the memories created, and making every guest feel like they’ve been welcomed into someone’s home.
At the heart of Malvagio’s is family.
Tricia’s daughter, Teegan, brings warmth, strength, humor, and an unmistakable personality to the restaurant. Her passion for people and ability to make guests feel genuinely welcomed are part of what makes Malvagio’s so special. Together, they have built something far more meaningful than a business—a place rooted in love, determination, and the importance of family.
And then there’s Preston.
Tricia’s son and Teegan’s brother, Preston, will forever be a part of Malvagio’s story. A gifted athlete with a deep faith, a love for hockey, and a remarkable spirit, Preston continues to inspire everything this family creates.
His favorite simple cheese pizza holds a special place on the menu, lovingly named in his honor. His jersey number, #16, and his favorite color, royal blue, are reminders of the young man whose memory remains woven into the heart of the restaurant.
The number 16 will always hold a special place in our hearts.
For our family, Malvagio’s represents more than a dream of owning an Italian restaurant. It represents finding purpose through heartbreak, celebrating life’s beautiful moments, and creating a place where people can gather, connect, and feel at home.
From our handcrafted Italian dishes and wood-fired pizzas to the celebrations we host and the families we welcome, everything we do is grounded in a genuine love for hospitality.
Whether you’re joining us for a quiet dinner, gathering with friends, or celebrating one of life’s milestones, we hope you’ll experience what Malvagio’s means to us.
Because here, you’re never just another guest. You’re family.
La famiglia è tutto — Family is everything.
Welcome to Malvagio’s. Welcome to the family.