Although this establishment just opened earlier this year, the story of Meatballs began over 40 years ago with Crystal’s mother, Karen Martar: a wild Italian woman who was destined to change a small mountain town forever. Karen moved from bustling New York to the quiet village of Sylva, North Carolina, armed with a cherished family meatball recipe and endless ambition. In 1983, she opened the aptly named “Meatballs” on Main Street where she served up delicious pizza and, of course, her famous meatball recipe. People didn’t just come for the cuisine, though. Karen’s positive energy, outgoing personality, and love for her community quickly made an impact on all who visited. That passion for her new hometown extended well outside the doors of Meatballs as she dedicated countless hours of service as a Guardian ad Litem, Treasurer for ARF, and member of the town’s zoning board. Sylva fell in love with her just as she fell in love with Sylva, and having your picture displayed on the walls of her restaurant even became one of the most esteemed status symbols that locals could achieve.

 
The closure of Meatballs in 2000, followed by Karen’s passing in 2007, truly left a void in this tight-knit community. Sylva Mayor Brenda Oliver described Karen’s passing as “a loss to the town”, and locals mourned both the loss of a dear friend and a gathering place where countless memories were made. 23 years after Meatballs closed its doors, Karen’s daughter Crystal Pace and her husband Chef Santiago Guzzetti re-established this iconic Sylva eatery right across from their award-winning Italian restaurant, Ilda. Today, they carry on Karen’s legacy of good food inspired by a loving community and promise to keep the flame of her memory burning bright. With a unique menu of wood-fired pizzas, draft beers from neighboring Innovation Brewing, and that famous meatball recipe, each visit is sure to leave you with a smile!