Barcenas Gets Back in Business in Fayetteville

Chef Juan is back in business.

Juan Barcenas, who was chef at Bordino’s for many years before opening Picasso’s Pizza in west Fayetteville, opened Mezza Luna on March 4.

Located in the former home of Hog Wild Pizza in a strip center just north of Baum Stadium, Mezza Luna’s menu will look familiar to fans of Barcenas’ work.

Salads from Ceaser to Caprese and fine appetizers like focaccia bread and crab cakes are Barcenas standards, and his Tuscany-style pizza earned him at least one rave review soon after he opened.

“A woman called back later and said it was the best pizza she ever had,” Barcenas said, beaming. He uses only the best cheeses and the marinara sauce is homemade.

Barcenas said after serving nine customers the first night he had 60 the next. He’s hired 12 people, four cooks and eight servers, and will be offering an all-Italian wine menu as well.

Once the business is more established, he will also add his salmon, beef tenderloin and chicken marsala specialties.

Mezza Luna, which means “half moon” in Italian, opens at 11 a.m. for lunch and will be open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Barcenas said he plans to modify the mood in the evenings by closing shades and lowering lights for a more intimate feel.

Barcenas was able to negotiate a favorable lease in the recently available location and is using his own money to bankroll his new venture.

“I feel this is a blessing,” he said.