Today we’d like to introduce you to Nunzia Daniele.
Nunzia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
In 2004 my family sold our full-service restaurant in Tierrasanta and opted for opening a smaller operation with a more casual feel. My mom, Luisa and my dad Emanuele put in place their vision of a classic European Cafe serving up Made to order Panini, salads, fresh-baked breakfast pastries and coffee. Later came wraps and simple pasta dishes. I hadn’t been fully on board until 2015. I dabbed a little into the corporate restaurant world holding positions such as kitchen manager of pat and Oscars, assistant GM of Nordstrom cafe (Horton plaza) and assistant Manager/bar mags we of IL Fornaio (Coronado).
In between jobs, I would always come back home to Al teatro. Working side by side with my mom has brought me immense joy and the opportunity to learn traditional recipes. I haven’t always been back of the house, actually on the contrary, I’ve always been the front face of the restaurant, waiting tables, tending bar or managing the wait staff. Here I was able to express my artistic side by creating daily specials and experimenting with nontraditional European flavors such as Asian and Mexican flavors. I like to have something for everyone on my menu. In 2015 I embarked on my own venture and took a chance at my own vision and opened Nunzi’s cafe in the heart of Hillcrest.
Unfortunately, it was short-lived and at the end of my lease, I came back home. It has not been easy as the market is always shifting. Tenants nearby have come and gone but we have managed to stick around. We are open Monday-Friday 7 am-3 pm and extend our hours to nights and weekends during Broadway San Diego theater hours. Over the years, we have established a regular clientele with season tickets holders that are looking for a casual dining experience.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The 2008 recession did not hit us until 16 months after the original crash. Mom and I rallied and just kept putting one foot in front of the other. This business has always been up and down. 2018-2019 was also a time we will not forget as most of our equipment failed and had to be replaced. Big-ticket items like AC unit, water heater, ice machine, espresso machine and our main prep line. Literally, everything that will make this cafe run.
Al Teatro Panini Grill – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are al teatro panini grill and catering. We specialize in panini and have used the same bread company since we opened Sadie Rose Baking Co.
The best bread in town in our opinion and our customers seem to agree. Fresh baked pastries and specialty coffees. Pasta with homemade sauces and with more dietary needs, I have expanded to serving gluten-free pasta, bowls and vegan options. We are proud to be serving fresh and tasty food that does not need to be seasoned. Lol we are proud of our hard work and dedication that has kept us open. May 24th will be our 16th anniversary
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
To have been able to close shop for ten days and take my mom on vacation. We don’t have any employees; therefore if we are not here our doors are closed and if our doors are closed, well, there isn’t any income coming in.
Contact Info:
- Address: Al teatro Panini Grill
1254 Third Avenue
San Diego CA 92101 - Website: Www.Alteatrocatering.com
- Phone: 619-230-5519
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Nunzis daniele
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