What do you love most about having a small business in House District 47?
We are so blessed to be part of District 47. This community is made up of many small family businesses which creates diversity and culture within the community, which makes it a tourist destination. People travel from all over to visit this district. We love having an amazing chamber that is very active and does so many things for the community. I was so fortunate to partake in the Leadership Winter Park program that taught me so much of the history of this beautiful city and connected me with other leaders in the area. We love to give back to our local schools and surrounding churches. We are truly so proud to be part of District 47.
What inspired you to begin Antonella’s Pizzeria and what keeps you going now?
My dad and his passion for this industry is what got me started. My younger brother and I practically grew up in the restaurant as my dad has owned and operated many successful restaurants for the past 35 years. My brother Lenny has followed in his footsteps and added his own culinary flair to his dishes. My husband Frank is a professional Pizziolo. He has been making pizza from an early age with some of the best pizza chefs in NYC. I can’t ever get bored being around all this talent and inspiration. My purpose and driving force is to keep this passion alive by delivering our delicious eats and sharing this love with our guests.
What advice would you give to someone else wanting to open a small business?
My advice to someone who is interested in owning a small business would be, first, to learn about the industry thoroughly and then learn about the community you are thinking of being part of. Join the local chamber and participate in events within the community. To have a better sense of your future clientele, you must engage with them. Secondly, do whatever it is that you do, but with love and passion being your driving force.
What is one memory from Antonella’s that will always stick with you?
We spend more time at the pizzeria then our own home, so we have made many special memories there. It’s hard to think of just one. Some of my most favorite everlasting moments are when we surprise people with our food when they least expect it. Their expressions are always priceless and fill my heart with joy. During Hurricanes Maria and Irma, I remember not having power for days. Luckily for us, we have a gas pizza oven and generator for our fridges. Although we couldn’t open our business for full service since lots of our employees were affected by these storms, we managed to make a few pies and spread the love. We fed lots of workers that were working on getting power on. I still remember a truck full of workers and their smiles were priceless. We have fed our local police department and fire department. We love to do this when it’s least expected and I don’t need to post about it everytime we do something like this. It’s from our hearts and some of those moments can’t be captured thru pictures. We have fed teachers for teacher appreciation days and many families in need. We have also fed hospital workers during the pandemic. Being able to deliver hot, fresh, delicious food when not expected is probably my most fondest memories. It also fuels my staff and makes us all feel like we are part of something amazing.
How can readers get plugged into your business or show support in 2021?
Readers can show support by actually choosing local small businesses. Writing a great review or following a small business page are all very crucial for us. Thank you for having a blog that highlights small local businesses such as mine. We truly appreciate all that you do for our community!