Episode Details

Simone D'Antonio: From Michelin-Starred Kitchens to Mamma Mia, How a Chef Turned Italian Tradition into a Bold New Business

Episode 198 Published 1 week ago

Guest: Simone D'Antonio, Co-Founder of Mamma Mia Host: Julie Riga

Growing up in a family of restaurateurs in Salerno, Italy, and choosing to work in his father's restaurant over university
Training at Alma, the International School of Italian Cuisine, and learning how a professional kitchen really runs
Why timing is everything in a kitchen, and how precision becomes a lifelong habit
Why service is half of the dining experience, and how hospitality has changed over the years
The career transition from chef to founder, and why Simone wanted a life beyond the restaurant world
How Mamma Mia turns Italian cities into products: Capri, Torino, Roma, and Milano
Building a brand as a founder, from order fulfillment to Instagram, Meta ads, and founder videos
Embracing growth even when being on camera feels uncomfortable

Timing is a leadership skill: preparation and precision allow a team to deliver together
Your past is your foundation: your background can become the base of your next chapter
Service shapes the experience: people remember how they were treated as much as what they received
Growth requires discomfort: stepping into a new role is part of the journey
Build with purpose and personality: a brand with a clear vision invites people in

People from Salerno are known as Pisciaiuoli, which means fishermen, so Simone grew up eating seafood. His favorite dish is spaghetti with clams.

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