Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to GIAMPIERO DI PERSIA. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi GIAMPIERO, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

My wife Benedetta , the Mastermind behind our successful business , has had a great culinary passion since her childhood , learning the art of creating perfect dishes with her grandma and later studying with renowned chefs , getting to open her first restaurant in her late twenties. When she moved to Miami , I strongly adverse her idea to open a restaurant : very different than Italy and too much demanding….. So she came up with the idea of a bakery : shorter hours , Sundays closure , easier preparation , not being “a la carte” but , ready to go. I was on the other hand , with over 35 years of consulting businesses , including some hospitality and restaurants , well versed in the preparation and execution of a business plan as well as the lay out , coordinating the contractors , negotiating with suppliers , oversee the administrative aspects of our new business….et voila` : we opened our first bakery. We decided to replicate what we had in Europe , avoiding touristic and passer by areas , to open a “Neighbour Shop” , offering top quality organic products , baked with love daily , to build up Patrons loyalty : after 4 years , we can pride ourselves to have built a lovely relationship with our Patrons , stopping by on a daily basis , flooding us with compliments.

GIAMPIERO, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve open Mamma Leone Bakery , joining my wife’s passion and expertise , trying to innovate the solidified restaurant model in Miami , trying to provide to our Patrons with a top and healthy culinary experience , at a moderate cost : that goes together with the European “Neighborhood Shop” concept that we had in mind , building customer loyalty day by day , being consistent with our products and services and , promoting social interaction. All the above , during COVID! As of today , most of our Customers knows us all by name , we know about their jobs , their families , their taste , we’ve created a small Community , revolving around “simple” delicacies and friendly attitude. Of course , all this it would have not been possible without Benedetta’s tidbits.

Let’s move on to buying businesses – can you talk to us about your experience with business acquisitions?

When we decided to open Mamma Leone Bakery , we started scouting the market : first thing , the location. It has to be in an up and coming area not already fully developed to keep the rent affordable , once identified the area we proceeded to check on similar businesses potentially for sale , 2nd generation restaurants ,(you don’t want to open your first location from scratch and go through the nightmare of construction , permitting , inspections…..). We ended up looking at a small pizzeria , did the due diligence , negotiated a 10 year new lease with the landlord and , after satisfying the previous owners , started a small renovation to give the place the look we had in mind and the missing equipment to make it Bakery. In 6 weeks , we opened doors with Mamma Leone Bakery fully functioning.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Well , you first need to put together a 36 months business plan , as much accurate as you can , to avoid unpleasant surprises : hundreds of items , very conservative income forecast , planning to reach break-even in 24 months . You now have your number and , you need to put together the whole amount available before to start , knowing that unforeseen factors ( recession , wars , adverse climate , etc.) may happen , and you want to be prepared. My suggestion , if you don’t have all the needed funds , is to find one or more partners , either operative or silent , maybe family members or good friends , instead of borrowing from a financial institution that you will have to start repaying before to open doors.

Contact Info:

• Website: MAMMALEONEBAKERY.COM
• Instagram: MAMMALEONEBAKERY
• Facebook: MAMMA LEONE BAKERY
• Linkedin: GIAMPIERO DI PERSIA
• Yelp: MAMMA LEONE BAKERY