About
Welcome to Cornerstone Italian Kitchen, where we celebrate the rich flavors of Italian cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Under the new ownership of Alex Prentice since July 11th, 2024, we are excited to enhance your dining experience with recent renovations that reflect our commitment to quality and community.
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Located in the heart of small-town Ellensburg and close to the vibrant university community, we offer a delightful menu featuring a variety of delicious pizzas and pastas, thoughtfully prepared with care and passion. Our upstairs bar serves a curated selection of wine and cocktails, providing the perfect accompaniment to your meal. Additionally, we host seasonal live music to create an enjoyable and lively ambiance.
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As we continue to evolve, we're thrilled to introduce upcoming catering services, allowing us to extend the warmth of our kitchen to special events and gatherings. Stay tuned for our grand opening, and join us at Cornerstone Italian Kitchen, where culinary tradition meets modern flair, and every meal is a memorable occasion!
Mission
At Cornerstone Italian Kitchen, we aim to highlight the authentic flavors of Italy in a welcoming atmosphere that brings our community together. We are committed to using premium ingredients to craft delectable pizzas and pastas, all while creating unforgettable experiences for our guests. With exceptional service and a lively ambiance, we celebrate Italy’s culinary traditions and look forward to expanding our offerings with catering services that extend our passion for great food into special events.
Vision
Our vision is to be the heart of Ellensburg’s dining scene, where every meal becomes a cherished memory. We aspire to be a gathering place that unites friends, families, and the university community through the love of Italian cuisine, exceptional hospitality, and lively entertainment. As we grow, we will continuously innovate our offerings, expand our catering services, and embrace sustainability, all while remaining true to the timeless traditions that inspire us.
Our Team
Alex Prentice
Restaurant Owner
Meet Alex Prentice, the owner of Cornerstone Italian Kitchen and
The Dirty Olive in Ellensburg! With over 35 years of experience in the food and hospitality industry, Alex’s journey began at Sysco Foods and led him to successfully own a beloved restaurant in Lake Oswego, Oregon, for over 12 years. Now, Alex is thrilled to bring his passion for delicious food and unforgettable dining experiences to Ellensburg, where he is dedicated to making every visit to Cornerstone and
The Dirty Olive a truly memorable one!
Jessie Davison
General Manager
Meet Jessie Davison, the heart and soul of Cornerstone Italian Kitchen! With nearly ten years of hospitality experience, Jessie brings a passion for creating unforgettable dining experiences as our General Manager. She ensures every guest feels like family, providing exceptional service that keeps you coming back. Jessie’s vibrant leadership shines through her commitment to training our team, making sure they have everything they need to deliver top-notch service. She believes a warm, welcoming atmosphere is key to a great meal and works tirelessly to
make each visit to Cornerstone feel special.
Connor Reed
Catering Manager
With years of experience in high-stakes customer service as a successful car salesman, Connor Reed brings a sharp sense of professionalism and an effortless ability to connect with people. As Cornerstone Italian Kitchen’s Catering Manager, Connor ensures every event is seamless, warm, and personalized. His dedication to detail and passion for hospitality elevate each catering experience, making every guest feel like family. Whether coordinating an intimate gathering or a large celebration, Connor delivers service rooted in sincerity, efficiency, and genuine care.
Elaina Watts
Marketing Manager
Elaina Watts brings years of expertise in digital marketing to her role as Cornerstone Italian Kitchen’s Marketing Manager. With a unique blend of strategic insight and creativity, she crafts campaigns that resonate both online and in person. A longtime member of the Cornerstone family—performing as one of our musicians for the past four years—Elaina’s deep connection to the restaurant fuels her passion for building authentic community through every post, partnership, and promotion.
