About Us
Three Unique Concepts. One Passion for Excellence.
At the heart of everything we do is a love for exceptional food, genuine hospitality, and creating memorable experiences.
Chef Francis and his wife, Nui, are the owners of three distinctive culinary destinations: Birchrunville Store Café, Butterscotch Pastry Shop, and L’Olivo Trattoria. While each concept has its own identity and character, they all share the same commitment to quality, creativity, and heartfelt service.
With classical training in both French and Italian cuisine and more than two decades of culinary experience, Chef Francis brings artistry, technique, and passion to every menu. Nui's dedication to hospitality ensures that every guest feels welcomed, appreciated, and cared for from the moment they arrive.
Together, they have built more than restaurants—they have created gathering places where great food, warm service, and meaningful connections come together. Whether enjoying an elegant tasting menu at Birchrunville Store Café, a handcrafted pastry and coffee at Butterscotch, or a vibrant Italian meal at L’Olivo, guests are invited to experience the same attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
At L’Olivo, Executive Chef Jon Amann, formerly of Amani, leads the kitchen with creativity, passion, and a fresh culinary perspective. General Manager Leslie Myers brings more than twenty years of hospitality experience, guiding the front-of-house team with warmth, professionalism, and an unwavering focus on guest satisfaction.
We are grateful for the support of our community and honored to share our table with you. We look forward to welcoming you and creating experiences that keep you coming back for years to come.
Meet Chef Francis Pascal
Originally from France, Chef Francis Pascal began his culinary journey with classical French training, later expanding his experience in both France and Italy. In 1989, a unique opportunity brought him to the United States when a restaurant owner from Monte Carlo Living Room in Philadelphia invited him to join their team.
In 1999, Chef Francis opened The Birchrunville Store Café, a charming and intimate BYOB that quickly became a local favorite for its refined French-Italian fusion cuisine.
In 2017, Francis and his wife, Nui, brought new life to the building next door by opening Butterscotch Pastry Shop — a warm and welcoming spot that serves breakfast, lunch, pastries, and coffee, offering guests a cozy place to enjoy the simple pleasures of Birchrunville.
Now, we are proud to introduce L’Olivo Trattoria, a heartfelt tribute to Chef Francis’s Italian roots and his mother’s heritage. L’Olivo blends tradition with elegance, offering a menu inspired by generations of family recipes and a deep passion for authentic Italian cuisine.
Executive Chef Jonathan Amann
Cooking has always been at the heart of Chef’s life—rooted in family, tradition, and the joy of bringing people together. After graduating with honors from Johnson & Wales University, he began his culinary career in Manhattan at Hudson River Club before continuing his journey at Maggiano’s Little Italy and Sullivan’s Steakhouse in King of Prussia.
He later became Managing Partner, General Manager, and Executive Chef at Grady David’s before going on to open and lead his own acclaimed concepts, Amani’s BYOB and Amani’s North in Downingtown.
Recognized as one of the best chefs in Chester County, he competed in local culinary competitions from 2010–2012 and was invited back as a judge in 2013. Today, he is the perfect person to bring L’Olivo to life, working seamlessly alongside Chef Francis. Together, their shared passion and creativity make them truly unstoppable.
General Manager
With over 20 years of experience in hospitality, Leslie Myers brings exceptional leadership and a genuine passion for service to L’Olivo. She spent two decades on Martha’s Vineyard, where she honed her expertise in restaurant management and luxury events, working with notable destinations including Lambert’s Cove Inn, State Road Restaurant, and her own event company, FETE MV.
She also served as House Manager at Amani’s BYOB and Amani’s North, leading front-of-house operations and executing countless private events with precision and care.
Known for her warmth, attention to detail, and ability to create seamless guest experiences, Leslie leads our front-of-house team with both heart and professionalism. We are truly lucky to have her bringing the spirit of L’Olivo to life each day.
The Story Behind Our Name
L’Olivo means The Olive Tree—a symbol of peace, friendship, and longevity.
For me, it is also a tribute—a way to honor my mother’s heritage and the traditions she passed down to me. It brings me back to my childhood in Gubbio, where time seemed to slow down and life revolved around the table. Surrounded by olive trees, I spent countless hours with my family—hands dusted in flour, learning to craft pasta alongside my mother, sharing stories, laughter, and simple, beautiful meals.
Those moments shaped everything I believe about food and hospitality. They taught me that a meal is never just about what’s on the plate—it’s about connection, tradition, and the people you share it with.
L’Olivo Trattoria was created to bring that feeling to life. A place where guests can gather, linger a little longer, and experience the warmth, joy, and spirit of an Italian table—just as I remember it.
