Madelyn Alfano is the chief emotional officer and president of Maria’s Italian Kitchen, which she transformed from a family-owned grocery and deli into an eight-location multimillion dollar dining, central commissary and catering enterprise.
In 2020, Alfano served as chair of the Statewide California Restaurant Association, where she worked with state and local government officials to secure public policy to protect 100,000 restaurant owners and their employees during the Covid-19 pandemic. Furthermore, she is co-chair of the YPO Food and Beverage Network, a frequent panelist and member of the CNBC Small Business Council and a resident of Venice Beach.
Who has inspired you throughout your business journey and what is the most important thing you’ve learned from them?
My mother,Maria, was my inspiration; she told me to always be curious and to never settle for okay. She also taught me to listen to our customers about what they need, and then to always give them the best.
What made you decide to go into the industry you’re in now? What have you learned about it?
I grew up in an old-school Italian delicatessen and grocery store. My mom and dad were always ahead of the times; in 1968 they were preparing international food to-go. I’ve learned that people love neighborhood locally owned businesses, to treat everyone with respect, and to make people happy!
Has Covid-19 left any noticeable impacts on how you or your company operate?
Technology has proven to be most important during the pandemic. It is now a larger line item in our budget.
What is the top piece of advice you’d give to women who want to start or operate their own businesses?
Be prepared for everything that can go wrong. Have a Plan A, B and C, and then work the plan and be nimble, communicating often and clearly. Also, find time to think. Seek advice from those you respect. Laugh often with your girlfriends.
What have you done this past year to ensure that your business is a leader in its industry?
We have great partnerships with our vendors, which allows us to expect the best-quality products and the best prices so that we can prepare the best Italian food the old-fashioned way, with love.
What steps do you take to build community and positive work culture within your business?
We believe in treating our employees and customers like family; we treat them with respect, wanting the best for them and their families. Many of our employees have been working at Maria’s for over 30 years, and Maria’s serves five generations of families. We give generous amounts of our time and food to local nonprofits, too.
What aspects of operating your business do you find the most challenging?
Government regulations and anti-business legislation make running a small business challenging. The most rewarding part is knowing that Maria’s has provided careers and opportunities for thousands of people, as well as the gratitude of our loyal customers who enjoy Maria’s with their family and friends.
Has being a woman in your industry provided you with a different or unique perspective?
Yes, the perspective of being a woman, wife, daughter, mother, and CEO (chief emotional officer) is that you’re always on call. There is always someone that needs or wants something, so be organized and prepare for the fact that your day may not go as planned.
Has your path to success differed because of your gender identity?
No! Since I was 5 years old I always believed that I could become and do anything I set my mind to.