Meet Jenna Arcidiacono | Chef/owner of Amore Trattoria and Founder of Non Profit Food Hugs

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jenna Arcidiacono and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jenna, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Honestly, I was 34 and had 20 years of restaurant experience under my belt but no one would hire a female – especially a mom to be their chef. My dream had always been to have my own place, so we met someone eager to sell. We made a business plan and I cooked a 7 course meal for them. They handed over the keys the next day. The building was old and needed loads of sweat equity. We had 2 daughters who were 3 & 5 at the time and went into credit card debt on a wing and a prayer! Now they are 17 and 20 and works as servers.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Amore is my 3rd child. 24 hour a day care! It takes a lot of moving pieces to keep her going. The staff, the vendors, the customers are all so important in the success of any place. Authentic Italian because my husband is from there and I was lucky enough to live there and learn recipes from my beautiful mother in law. You have to really be prepared to roll with punches. It can get tiring to put out fires every day. You need to start with a fresh slate every day. I think Amore is special because, as a chef, I love to walk around in the dining room and make connections with my guests. As far as my brand, I am known for my hot pink hair and car. Pink is the color of unconditional love! I am big on generosity and kindness!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love our little big city. When my friends visit I have a list of favorite spots. Donkey for margs, Pho Soc Trang for Vietnamese, Rincon Criollo for Domenican, Sheshco for toum, Los Mariscos de Pancho for Birria, Max’s for Tiki Bar drinks, Stella’s for awesome vegan and veggie food, Charlie’s for my hometown bar!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many people deserve shout outs! My family for dealing with and believing in me. My husband who is my polar opposite but keeps me sane. Vonnie Woodrick who taught me generosity through pain. My new Food Hugs board who threw together our first fundraiser and knocked it out of the park by doubling our goal of 50K

Website: www.foodhugs.org

Instagram: Jennamoretrattoria

Facebook: Jenna Arcidiacono

Other: Www.amoretrattoriaitaliana.com