Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Schonfeld.
Joshua, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have always been in the restaurant business since starting my career after college. It all started as the GM of a ski lodge in Vail, CO to working for Lettuce Entertain You and as a manager at Joe’s Stone Crab. After that experience, I opened a restaurant called Grass Fed in Bucktown with my childhood friend. We sold this location several years ago and that is when I met my business partners to develop the concept behind Napolita. We are currently working on two additional projects in the north shore.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been a very exciting opportunity. Opening new restaurants always has his challenges along the way especially with construction delays. Bringing the taste of Naples to Chicago is not an easy task and required a ton of education, training and travel in order to provide the most authentic product.
Napolita Pizzeria & Wine Bar – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Napolita is Wilmette’s home for all-natural, thin-crust, Neapolitan-inspired pizzas and traditional Italian fare in its warm and charming eatery. The chef boards with imported cheese, cured meats or both, make a wonderful appetizer with which to start your meal. Homemade pasta dishes, such as the classic penne alla vodka and the risotto funghi in white wine sauce are sumptuous and hearty. Napolita’s heart and soul is its pizzas, which come with either a red sauce or bianca-style and a myriad of unique toppings. Varieties include the Acciuga with anchovies, capers, black olives and basil, as well as the Carbonara with pancetta, egg, black pepper and mozzarella. Pizzas and pastas at Napolita can also be created gluten-free. A full bar, with many cocktail options, beer and wine will perfectly complement your Italian meal.
Given my background in hospitality, and holding an MBA and a masters in Hospitality administration, I oversee the company as the managing partner. I am known to be very hands on and love interacting with my customers and getting to know my regulars. I am very proud of the concept we have developed and the excitement among our customers that enjoy what we are able to offer.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Your employees are what make you successful. From our awesome cooks that are trained to cook pizza the authentic Neapolitan way, to our wait staff from providing our staff with an unforgettable experience we couldn’t do it without them. Happy employees equal happy customers, so we do everything in our power to make sure our staff enjoy coming to work each day. With a bustling restaurant each night, a consistent product and the constant return of our customers, I like to think of Napolita as a successful business.
Pricing:
- Pizzas range from 12-20
- Salads range from 5-12
- Entrees Rage from 16-24
Contact Info:
- Address: 1126 Central Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091
- Website: www.napolitapizza.com
- Phone: 224-215-0305
- Email: info@napilitapizza.com
- Instagram: @napolitapizzeria
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Napolitapizzeria
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/napolita-pizzeria-and-wine-bar-wilmette
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