Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Arcidiacono.
Hi Jenna , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story starts in Manhattan where my parents met- Mom was from a little town named Kittanning in Pennsylvania and my dad immigrated from the Netherlands to Montana. They transferred to Grand Rapids for work at American Seating. My mom was a teacher. I grew up in Kentwood Schools and loved tennis and art. I graduated from GRCC and moved on to MSU to get my art degree. My first job was at a place called Cook’s Drive In. It served chili dogs and root beer floats in frosty mugs. I fell in love with the fast place of lunch rushes and creating my own menu items even at 14 years old. At MSU I worked at a Korean restaurant after the owner of my previous job there closed abruptly and he tried to pay me with hummus. (You can’t buy college books with hummus!) After college I moved to San Francisco and worked a multiple restaurants. In the city, I started at a place where the owners were Italian. As a midwestern kid, who had never been to Italy, the menu was foreign to me. I learned what Campari, prosciutto and focaccia was. I eventually moved a few doors down to a tourist trap restaurant called Mona Lisa. One day while I was folding silverware, a very handsome Italian walked in for an espresso and we have been married even since. Maurizio took me on a whirlwind tour of Italy and I met my muse, his mom, Vittoria. We lived in Italy for 3 years where I learned to speak and cook Italian. We moved back to Grand Rapids and worked together at Tre Cugini and opened a little sandwich shop called Cafe Piazza. We have 2 amazing daughters, Gioia (22) and Giada (19). When they were 3 & 5 we took the leap to open Amore Trattoria Italiana. We decided to turn our place into a drive thru during Covid and just celebrated our 16th restaurant anniversary and 27th wedding anniversary. Out of turbulent times of Covid, Food Hugs, my non profit was born. We bring joy with random acts of kindness through food.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We had a dream but no money to open our restaurant so we maxed out our credit cards and had a partner until we could buy them out. Covid was hard. We pivoted and made it work with the drive thru in our parking lot. Our kids only know the restaurant and have both worked there at all stations. Restaurant kids are a different breed!
We’ve been impressed with Amore Trattoria Italiana & Food Hugs, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Amore specializes in authentic Italian cuisine. We are known for our arancini (risotto fritters) , 11 layer lasagna and our wild flavors of tiramisu. I love, as the chef, to greet tables and make connections. I am known for my hot pink car and hair. My brand is pretty specific! Food Hugs, my non profit, is another thing I am proud of. We deliver 10-12 Food Hugs to people who need pick me ups every week. They are nominated and our volunteers deliver an insulated bag with a 1/2 pan of our lasagna, assorted desserts, salad. Homemade bread. Freeze dried candy, a positive pickle key chain, a blanket and a flower bouquet
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
There are so many things I wish I knew. I wish someone told me I could be a chef. It was apparent I loved food and cooking and serving others from a young age. I always tell people who want to be chefs or own a restaurant to follow me for a week to really see if they like it. I wish someone told me that owning a restaurant won’t make you money. The overheard is high and the profit is low. You need to be super cautious and smart. Luckily Maurizio is a genius at that!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.foodhugs.org
- Instagram: Jennamoretrattoria
- Facebook: Jenna Arcidiacono
