Today we’d like to introduce you to Antonio.
Hi Antonio, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I chose to open my restaurant I knew it would be a challenge because I’ve done it for so many others before from here to Salt Lake. Because I am a glutton for pain, I took this challenge 1 step further and opened up in a town where there are literally 35 other restaurants in a 4 block area. My location was probably one of the dirtiest, non compliant restaurants I’ve ever set foot in, and the trash that would accumulate outside of the property was just unexplainable. Remodeling took 3 months instead of one, and 3 times the cost and I will not comment on why.
After opening I was met with many other challenges such as loss of power, equipment failure, pipes freezing, staffing woes, and even a burglary. At home things weren’t much better either as we had a flood, I maxed out every credit card I owned, I borrowed every dollar I could, I sold my golf clubs, my spare car, my bow, and even my lawn tractor (that one still hurts a little). And just as business was beginning to stabilize a global pandemic presented itself.
Now many people would’ve quit at the 1st sign of trouble, but after so much abuse why would I just lay down and die? It would certainly be justifiable, right? Everyone would feel sorry for me, right? Everyone would talk about how awesome my product was right? And how I am great dude right? Fuck that!
After 8 years we are humbled to be celebrating our 8yr anniversary and we are proud to be ranked as one of the top restaurants in West Reading and beyond. Being referred to as an “anchor business” in this community is something I wont ever forget. It may seem that I have an abrasive exterior, and I may curse alot, but I’ve got a big heart. All I really want is to make people feel good through food, and that will often keep me up at night. Ive become very maniacal about not letting anyone down.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We have a saying in Italian: “Se tutto va bene, siamo rovinati”. Meaning “If everything goes well, we are ruined.” You’re gonna have some lil troubles along the way, I call them lessons.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m always behind my stoves where as others cook spend their time behind their cameras. That’s what sets me apart. Social media has given a voice to too many chefs, just shut up and cook! Although I love creating recipes and showing off my culinary skills, being able to share that with the world is becoming more important to me, and I know I need to get better at creating content…but I still hate that word.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I’m so unlucky that if I fell in a barrel full of tits I’d probably come up sucking my thumb. All kidding aside…I find that the harder I work at my craft, the luckier I get.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.Tonysofwestreading.com
- Instagram: @tonysofwestreading
- Facebook: Tonys Of West Reading
