We were lucky to catch up with Filippo Trapella recently and have shared our conversation below.

Filippo, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

Food has always been a central part of my family’s story. My maternal great-grandparents had a restaurant in Tuscany, and my grandparents opened a pasta factory in the province of Ferrara. In our home, homemade pasta was never missing from our Sunday table.

Growing up in this environment taught me the value of conviviality and the connection that food can create between people. When I moved to the United States, I brought this philosophy with me, opening my home and my dining room to friends. Hosting events has always come naturally to me, and from there, the idea of sharing my cuisine with a wider audience was born.

This is how the idea of offering something new came to life: an authentic Italian family lunch experience. I decided to bring traditional festive recipes to my guests’ tables—simple, genuine, and true to their origins—different from what is often found in international restaurants. Even the no-frills family-style service is part of the experience. Passing around dishes, serving each other—this, too, strengthens the connection, just like good food does.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

With my company, Athens Pasta Lovers, I offer two different experiences. The first is Private Dinners, intimate at-home dinners for 4 to 12 guests, where I prepare everything from scratch—fresh pasta, risottos, stews, and other traditional Italian recipes.

Then, there’s The Pasta Bar, a concept designed for events with 20 or more guests, featuring a catering-style setup in a more dynamic environment. Guests can choose from two or three pasta options, creating a lively and interactive dining experience.

I also host a weekly Pop-Up Dinner at Hendershot’s Coffee and Bar in Athens, GA, where every Wednesday, I offer two different pasta dishes, bringing authentic Italian flavors to a casual and welcoming setting.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

When I first had the idea to start this adventure, I asked myself: What am I really good at? And then: Among the things I know and love, what can I bring to my area that is currently missing?

That’s how I found my niche. For miles around where I live, there wasn’t an Italian chef offering the kind of experience I provide with Athens Pasta Lovers.

Being the first to offer a certain service comes with many advantages, but also some challenges. One of the biggest is making yourself known and clearly conveying what you have to offer.

Building your reputation requires work on social media, but even more importantly, it means giving your best every single time someone books you. In a small town like Athens, word of mouth is everything—and there’s no better marketing than a satisfied customer sharing their experience.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Word of mouth has been by far the best source of new clients. In a small town like Athens, personal recommendations carry a lot of weight. When someone enjoys one of my dinners—whether a private event or a pop-up—they tell their friends, who then reach out to book their own experience.

Social media has also played a key role, especially Instagram and Facebook, where I share upcoming events, behind-the-scenes moments, and the philosophy behind my cooking. But nothing compares to someone tasting my food, loving it, and telling others about it.

To accommodate the widest range of people, I’ve designed a variety of offerings tailored to different needs and occasions.

The weekly Pop-Up Dinner at Hendershot’s Coffee and Bar is a great way to try my cuisine in a simple and affordable setting. Private Dinners are perfect for small groups of friends or family gatherings, ideal for celebrating special occasions with a personalized menu.

For medium to large events, The Pasta Bar provides a dynamic catering-style experience. I’ve also worked with sororities and fraternities for casual movie nights, as well as birthdays and other informal gatherings, making Italian food the centerpiece of a variety of events.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://athenspastalovers.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athens_pasta_lovers/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/filippotrapellaitalianchef/