100% Plant-based Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tara Punzone, Owner of Pura Vita, located in West Hollywood, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Pura Vita in West Hollywood was the first 100% Plant-Based Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar in the USA. We now have Pura Vita Pizzeria and Pura Vita Redondo Beach, which has a full craft cocktail bar and is located directly across the street from the beach. We serve traditional southern Italian cuisine which happens to be all organic, scratch-made, and plant-based. Our guests range from hardcore vegans to non-vegans who simply enjoy excellent Italian food. We have wonderful support from our community and welcome everyone to enjoy our experience.

Tell us about yourself

I am an Italian American from New York. I am also vegan for over 30 years. It has been my lifelong passion to share my cultural heritage and traditions, excluding the harm, with everyone! I am proud to serve clean, healthy organic food to my community.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner this far is to have had the opportunity to keep Pura Vita open to the public throughout the Covid pandemic and to take care of my staff and keep them working in a healthy and safe environment.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

The hardest thing as a business owner is dealing with guests who feel they are so entitled that they believe it's okay to treat the staff disrespectfully. I have zero tolerance for this type of behavior, and it has become more intense during the pandemic. Thankfully this is only a small number of customers, and the majority are extremely gracious and grateful for all that we do, so it does make up for the bad behavior! We love our Pura Vita guests!

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Practice patience. Persistence. And make sure you are super passionate about what you are about to commit to!!!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://puravitalosangeles.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PuraVitaLosAngeles/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/puravita_la/
https://www.instagram.com/cheftarapunzone/

*Featured photo credit to Heidi Calvert

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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