Many are aware that last year Waypoint Seafood & Grill, located at the QuarterPath Crossing shopping center came under the new ownership of Mario Buffa. Mario Buffa's extraordinary journey from humble beginnings to trailblazing entrepreneurship and community leadership showcases the transformative power of ambition, determination, and unwavering dedication. Growing up in his family's restaurants, he absorbed the values of hard work and the art of creating culinary experiences, laying the foundation for his future endeavors in the industry.

 

Born in 1964 in Milan, Italy, Mario Buffa's formative years were marked by a spirit of resilience and a deep sense of family values. In 1967, alongside his mother, Rosaria, he embarked on a new chapter of life, immigrating to the United States in search of the American dream. Settling in Brooklyn, New York, Mario's journey was a testament to his family's determination and the pursuit of a better life.

 

In 1968, the Buffa family, including Mario's brother Joe and sisters Mimma and Anna, joined him in the United States. In 1970, the Buffa family relocated to Buckroe, Virginia, where they opened Anna's Pizza, followed by Joe and Mimma's in Grafton in 1972, and a second Joe and Mimma's location in the Newport Shopping Center in 1973. It was during these early years, at the tender age of eight and standing at just four feet tall, that Mario first dipped his toes into the restaurant industry. Eager to learn and contribute, he would ingeniously stack tomato sauce cans to stand on, carefully balancing himself as he stretched pizza dough late into the night.

 

Mario's upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for hard work and a shared passion for the culinary arts. These early experiences shaped his understanding of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

 

Under the new ownership of Mario Buffa, Waypoint Seafood & Grill has transformed into an establishment that offers guests a truly delightful experience. Demonstrating this transformation was a recent remarkable event held at Waypoint on the first day of summer. Bringing together a group of Ford's Colony residents and Stroll sponsors, the evening was filled with mingling, refreshing cocktails, and an exquisite spread of culinary delights. While some attendees had initial reservations about the change in ownership, they were pleasantly surprised by the remarkable improvement in the quality of food under Mario's skillful leadership.

 

Upon arrival, the guests were welcomed into a warm and inviting space, providing ample room for the approximately 30 attendees. The well-designed layout allowed for a buffet-style spread of hors d'oeuvres, and Melissa and Rebecca, the attentive and professional staff, ensured that guests were well taken care of throughout the event.

 

When asked about their favorite dish, guests found it difficult to choose. The calamari received high praise, as did the crab and shrimp fritters. Others favored the chicken skewers and appreciated the addition of fresh oysters on the half shell, as well as the assortment of fresh berries and cheeses.

 

The unanimous consensus among attendees was that the evening was delightful. Guests were thrilled to meet new neighbors and discover talented businesspeople. Sue Liddell expressed her satisfaction with the opportunity to meet vendors and sponsors from Ford's Colony.

 

Whether you're planning a date night, wine and dine outing, ladies' luncheon, office party, or any dining experience, Waypoint Seafood & Grill offers the perfect space, staff, and culinary experience to suit your needs. Mario Buffa's dedication to excellence ensures that guests will have a memorable and enjoyable time.

 

Waypoint Seafood and Grill

1480 Quarterpath Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185

757.220.2228