Opened last October, Maryann Welch's shop is the culmination of a lifetime of training, and a whole lot of recipes from her family.

Though Welch grew up with eight siblings, her biggest influence was her mother, Rose Cupaiuolo, who emigrated to the U.S. from Italy as a child. Growing up in Philadelphia, Welch studied her mother's home-style Italian recipes and fell in love with cooking.

Welch's first job was cooking at a Philly cheesesteak shop where she eventually became manager. The unique East Coast delicacy was difficult to perfect at first and she had to take classes on perfecting the technique.

Still, Welch feels that her years of training have led to the perfection of a final recipe that is something truly special. Since moving to Tombstone five years ago with her husband and three children, she's been proud to offer her cheesesteaks to fellow residents and even travelers visiting from the east.

"I've challenged some 'East Coasters' to trying my Philly cheesesteak sandwich who come through Tombstone and they never leave disappointed," said Welch.

The thinly sliced steak and cheese sandwich is not the only meal that Welch is known for; she won the grand champion "Best of Show" award at the Cochise County bake off this past September for her mint brownies. Welch also claimed first place for her apple and banana breads in other categories at the bake off.

The small eatery is developing its interior style. Presently, large windows on the side open up to the street and small wooden tables and chairs line the inside, near the Italian-style exposed kitchen, which faces the counter where orders come through. At one end of the restaurant there is a white board menu with daily specials and a list of fresh-baked cakes and breads.

The blend of traditional presentation and the simple amenities are nearly analogous of the wide variety of tastes that the shop serves up.

Everything in the store is homemade daily, including Welch's popular meatballs and a variety of soups generally prepared for the winter months, and Welch is always looking to revamp her lineup with new meals. She says she makes up recipes and tries out new ingredients until she gets her dishes right.

"This summer I plan to have homemade gelato when it's hot, to change up the desserts," Welch said.

Welch's Italian roots are very apparent in the dinner options, including dishes like lasagna and chicken parmesan. Certain Italian dishes are directly from her mother.

Continuing the family tradition, Welch's 17-year-old daughter Marissa works with her mother. She knows how to make most of the restaurant's sandwiches, but she is still learning the Philly cheesesteak from her forbearer mentor.

Over the years, Welch has been saving her recipes and developing a cookbook of her favorites to pass down to her children just as her mother did with her.

She hopes this will continue the tradition of cooking pure, authentic Italian food.
The Shoppe, connected to the Poker Palace, currently under construction, is located on 15 N. Fourth St. and is open every day of the week for diners looking to eat in or have food delivered.