HOLLAND -- When Karin Sisson thinks back to her childhood, she remembers sailboat racing with her father.
Years later, while exploring a rebranding of Holland's Paisley Pig, she used that love of sailing for her business' new name and interior design.
Tell Tales Trattoria specializes in Italian fare, with appetizers like Citrus Parmesan Calamari and Herb Mushroom Crostini, entrees like Seafood Pizza, Sicilian Pizza, Italian Stewed Chicken Alfredo, Italian Stuffed Peppers and Beef Bolognese, and desserts like Tiramisu and Flourless Chocolate Torte.
Sisson purchased Holland's Paisley Pig in July 2023 after years spent working as an accountant. She didn't forge into the complete unknown, though, having gone to school for restaurant management.
After operating the Paisley Pig for over a year, Sisson made the decision to close in August 2024 for a remodel and rebranding. The eatery reopening in October as Tell Tales at 1642 S. Shore Drive in Holland.
Sisson admits that closing toward the end of summer and reopening during the slower season has been difficult, but said the business is gaining momentum.
"After my mom and dad died, I was really at a point where I needed something to do," Sisson said. "It was a huge leap of faith, but I feel the community is going to embrace it because of the aesthetics and because of the need for a real Italian restaurant in the area."
The remodel meant new paint, new lighting, a brand-new design, an overhaul of the menu and a new name. Sisson handed the keys to the kitchen to Chef Mike Brancaccio, a 24-year veteran of the industry, and hasn't looked back.
Brancaccio said the menu includes recipes he learned from his grandfather.
"It's nice for me to be able to put something forward that's so personally important," Brancaccio said. "Something that I learned when I was little, and I now feel I'm in the right setting to share with others."
With a few months under their belt, Sisson said they're now in the process of revamping the menu, a task Brancaccio said has involved feedback from customers.
The restaurant also offers a full bar with draft beer, wine and cocktails, and will soon have live music.
Sisson hopes to remain open year-round in future seasons, but is waiting to see what happens with state legislation on tipped wages and paid sick leave. She's grateful to the customers who've supported the restaurant so far.
Subscribe: Get all your breaking news and unlimited access to our local coverage
"I want to say thank you to everyone," Sisson said. "I wanted something to do because it's overwhelming grief to lose your parents. I wanted to be busy and this is keeping me busy. I did this because I wanted to give something to the community that I thought we needed."
The restaurant is currently open 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays. Learn more at tell-talestrattoria.com.
-- Contact reporter Austin Metz at ametz@hollandsentinel.com.