A Love Story Served Fresh: Meet Maria and Will Negron

Photo by Karen Presecan

In the heart of Fredericksburg, where history meets hospitality, Maria and Will Negron have been serving up more than just delicious food—they've been dishing out life lessons, love stories, and authentic connections for nearly three decades. This dynamic duo has transformed their passion for food and people into a thriving business that nourishes both body and soul in the local community.

Roots Run Deep

Maria's connection to the area spans generations, with her family settling in Spotsylvania in the 1980s when her great-grandmother made the bold move from the West Coast. "After Maria finished at the University of Virginia, it just made sense to settle here," Will explains about their decision to make this region their permanent home. 

“In 1996, I arrived in Charlottesville on a Greyhound bus with only two suitcases,” Will laughs. Charlottesville, would be the beginning of this together forever story. For 27 years, they've watched their community grow and change while remaining a steadfast cornerstone of the local food scene.

The couple's appreciation for their location goes beyond mere convenience. "We love the centrality of where we are. The beach, the mountains, the country, and major cities are all within a 4-hour drive," they share enthusiastically. This geographic sweet spot perfectly complements their adventurous spirits and love for exploration, whether they're seeking culinary inspiration or simply enjoying a spontaneous getaway.

A Modern Fairy Tale

Their love story reads like something out of a romantic comedy, complete with 90s nostalgia and a healthy dose of fate. "Will and I love telling the story of how we met 31 years ago!! We were young and oh so foolish in our late teens," Maria recalls with evident fondness. The meet-cute happened at the mall—because where else would teenagers find love in the early 90s?

But here's where the story gets interesting: "It was not by chance that we did NOT exchange numbers the day we met, but my cousin had a huge can full of numbers that she had collected…out of the two I picked out of the bin, his number was the first one I paged."

In an era of beepers and chance encounters, destiny had a sense of humor. Their journey together has been anything but ordinary, including memorable moments, such as appearing on the Ricki Lake show and even experiencing a private Mass with former Pope Benedict at the papal summer home in Castel Gandolfo. 

Their marriage has had its tough times as well though. 

“We had to buckle down and do some serious work to get where we are,” Maria explains. “Through our couples coaching work, we share our story to help others that may be struggling but have the desire to navigate marital repair.”

Their story continues to be a success, though, because of the work and effort they put into their relationship. “We have made the sweetest lemonade out of the most tart lemons, which– by the way– we drink exclusively,” Will laughs.

Blending Cultures in the Kitchen

Will, a University of Mary Washington alumnus, and Maria, who holds degrees from both the University of Virginia and Howard University, have created something special with their food truck and takeout kitchen. Will's passion shines through in every dish, as his love of history and culture manifests in unique fusion creations that tell stories on every plate.

Their collaborative approach extends beyond the kitchen into their innovative Supper Club dinners, intimate gatherings that "boast 8-10 guests intimately enjoying both unique and nostalgic four-course meals." These aren't just dinners—they're cultural experiences that connect food with heritage and community.

While Will commands the kitchen as head chef, Maria serves as his trusted sous chef, though her primary calling lies in mental health. Running her private practice, she provides therapy for children, teens, and adults, with a particular passion for helping couples navigate infidelity. She provides her clients with the same nurturing spirit she brings to their food business.

Family First, Always

The Negrons are proud parents to three adult children—Franki, Jovani, and Jovi—who grew up immersed in the sports culture of Fredericksburg. 

"Growing up in Fredericksburg, sports and school events were a regular part of our daily lives," they recall, having coached their children in soccer through organizations like the former Fredericksburg Area Soccer Association (FASA), while also supporting them in golf and swimming.

Their parenting journey spanned both private and public education in the area, and they admit with characteristic humor: "We can't lie, the best day was when the last one graduated!! No more school for us!" But don't mistake this for relief—their children remain integral parts of their daily lives and business, "often helping [us] on the truck or trying to catch a bite to eat together."

Giving Back Through Food and Connection

The Negrons understand that their role in the community extends far beyond serving meals. Their upcoming "Baking Boys to Men" series exemplifies their commitment to local youth, where Will plans to combine his culinary skills with life coaching to help middle and high school young men "develop their skills and increase their emotional intelligence while learning how to bake."

Their establishment serves as an unofficial community center where "people stop by not just for a bite to eat but for encouragement and conversation." This open-door policy reflects their belief that food is a universal connector, breaking down barriers and building relationships.

Adventures Near and Far

Despite their busy schedules running a restaurant, the Negrons maintain their adventurous spirits. Cape Charles ranks as a favorite destination, along with Niagara Falls and the New England coast. They've traveled extensively throughout Europe and the Caribbean, always seeking new experiences and culinary inspiration.

When time is limited, they embrace spontaneous local adventures: "Often we just get in the car and see where we end up when we have time." Frequently, these impromptu journeys lead them to Washington, D.C., where they explore museums and visit Eastern Market, which holds special significance for Maria, whose grandparents once lived directly across from the market on North Capitol Street.

Local Favorites and Simple Pleasures

Even food industry professionals have their go-to spots, and for the Negrons, it's Benny's Pizza. "We ask for the pizza cooked crisp, and it is PERFECT!" says Maria, who is from Long Island, so believe her when she says "it's not a NY slice, but it's the best slice in the 'BURG!"

Their downtime preferences remain refreshingly simple: walking downtown, spending time by the water, and engaging with their community. "We have mixed business and pleasure, shamelessly LOL!" they admit, acknowledging how their professional and personal lives have beautifully intertwined.

The Negrons represent the best of what makes small communities thrive—authentic people who've built something meaningful while staying true to their roots. In a world of corporate chains and impersonal service, Maria and Will continue to prove that the secret ingredient in any successful recipe is genuine human connection, served with a side of humor and a generous helping of heart.