Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark DeNinno.
Hi Mark, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I began my culinary career at the age of 13 as a dishwasher at a little bistro in my hometown of Collingswood, New Jersey called The Mustard Seed. I worked in fast food during my high school years and at the dining hall while attending Rutgers University. After college, I waited tables for a local restaurant group and worked my way up to Regional Operations Coordinator for the group’s 18 restaurants. From there, I decided to hang up my shingle and open my own restaurant consulting firm. We worked with over 30 restaurants in the Delaware Valley providing server training, mystery shoppers, and opening restaurants from the ground up. We consulted with architects on restaurants design and towns for building compliance. All of this led me to Chris’ Jazz Café, which was a client before I owned it. In 2001 I was brought in as a consultant and became managing partner. Over the years, I became the soul shareholder. I’ve been at Chris’ now for 26 years.
Alright, 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?
As any restaurant tour can tell you, there are always ups and downs in this industry. It makes it even more difficult owning a restaurant at Jazz Club, is that you’re not only selling food and beverage you’re also selling music. For being profitable in all three of these areas can prove to be tricky.
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?
Working in the kitchen, as the chef is one of the most rewarding things that I do. Being able to express my culinary visions and create is where I find the most solace.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I got the question all the time you must be a huge jazz fan? While I do enjoy jazz, my favorite music genre is country.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chrisjazzcafe.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisjazzcafe?exln=ZThleWE2NG5zMjkw
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19fdYSrx5Y/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: HTTPS://www.youtube.com/@ChrisJazzCafePhilly/featured
