Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Patrick Costa, Founder & Executive Chef of De La Nonna, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is De La Nonna, a market-driven pizza restaurant in the heart of Los Angeles' Arts District. Our customers are local Angelinos and pizza lovers beyond! We opened up shop during the heart of the pandemic and welcome all those who are interested in familial hospitality, craveable food, memorable cocktails, and natural wine.
Tell us about yourself
I was born in Southern California but spent my first six years in Rome, Italy, before moving back to the States. As one can imagine, these formative years were spent in the kitchen with my close Italian relatives. I drew inspiration from my grandmother, who'd only cook using fresh, homegrown herbs and local market produce. I'm also the son of a Naval officer, and because of this, I have traveled quite a bit. It was during these trips that I was exposed to different foods across the globe, solidifying my love for cooking and the culinary arts. I'd been kicking around the idea of an Italian concept for a long time, and when the pandemic hit, I knew I had to turn that idea into a reality. I recruited my long-time buddies and kickstarted a pizza pop-up as a way to offer an alternative to the more expensive patio dining options in the LA area. That pop-up concept eventually grew into present-day De La Nonna.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been simply sticking with it and staying persistent. I've been in hospitality for 20+ years. There were so many moments where I felt defeated - I even considered a career change as an easy out! All that being said, my goal never wavered, which ultimately paid off tenfold.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest part of being a business owner is finding that balance between the business and my personal life. There are a lot of sacrifices that come along with giving 100% to the business, and you can't really give less than that. Staying flexible is also difficult. Sometimes, you have a vision, and you know exactly how you want something to look and feel. But the consumer and clientele want or expect something else, and there's an obligation to meet them in the middle. Being open to change and adapting to what the consumer wants is not always easy, but it's vital to the overall health of the business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Stay flexible!
- Leave your ego at the door. The people you hire should be smarter than you are.
- Passion first, money second.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.delanonna.com/
Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/chefpcosta/
Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/delanonna_la/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-costa-0775b460/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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