What role does Ciao Evento play in the hospitality industry?
We create interactive culinary experiences built around Italian cooking traditions. During the week, we typically host private events such as corporate team bonding, client entertainment and brand activations. On weekends, we open our doors to the public for ticketed events where people can learn to make pasta, have some wine and spend time together.
In one word, what sets Ciao Evento apart?
Experience
What makes the experience different is that we don’t see it as just a cooking class. The food has to be excellent, but the atmosphere matters just as much. Our tagline is, “Come for the pasta, stay for the party.” We want people to learn something, eat well and enjoy being together.
People may initially come because they want to make pasta, but what they remember is the time they spent together. We create an atmosphere where cooking becomes a reason to connect, whether that’s with coworkers, clients, friends or family.
That combination of great food and great energy defines us.
How has Ciao Evento evolved since its inception?
My business partner, Andrea, is a musician by trade and originally from Ancona, Italy. He learned how to cook from his grandmother and started by making pasta for friends as a way to bring people together. Eventually, friends encouraged him to turn it into a small business, and he began hosting more events, including some corporate gatherings.
Andrea and I had actually been roommates years earlier. At first, I was attending his events while working in technology. Because I had a sales background and he wanted to grow the audience, we decided I would help sell the events while he focused on execution. We built a very basic website and started from there.
The major turning point came during COVID. We had started building momentum in late 2019, and when the pandemic began, we transitioned to virtual events. We helped corporate teams around the world gather over Zoom and ended up hosting hundreds of events within the first six months. We continued doing a significant number of virtual events throughout 2021 and 2022.
By late 2022, we transitioned back to in-person events and moved into a space in Lower Manhattan. More recently, we expanded again into a larger space in Tribeca, which was a major next step for the business.
What impact has having the right banking partner had on your business?
For a small business owner, banking and managing money can be overwhelming. There are a lot of options, and it can be easy to think about a bank primarily in terms of convenience or access. But your money is one of the most important assets in your business, so having a bank you trust matters.
A good banking partner can help with strategy, financing, loans and problem-solving. It becomes an extension of your business. Having someone you can call and ask, “Does this approach make sense?” makes a world of difference.
That was especially important as we moved into our larger Tribeca space and went through the SBA loan process. The Customers Bank team felt like advisors, not just people giving us information. Their support was very helpful as we went through a major transition in the business.
Can you tell us about your partnership with your banker? How did it begin, and how has it evolved over time?
I was connected to Matt Cohen through someone in my network after completing my MBA at NYU. I was probably two degrees removed from him at the time. Matt was at another bank when we first connected and later moved to Customers Bank.
From day one, he made the relationship personal. He came to meet with us in person, and I’ve been able to call him during and after business hours. He has always been helpful and thoughtful.
That extends to the broader SBA team as well. I know Michele, Judy and Stacy by name. When you know the people managing such an important part of your business, it creates a tremendous sense of confidence. It feels like you have a partner who is genuinely looking out for you.
In a time when so much is becoming automated, I still believe strongly in being able to pick up the phone and work through a problem with another person. That’s how I operate with vendors, clients and other parts of the business, and being able to do the same with my bank is incredibly valuable.
What are you most proud of since taking on your role at Ciao Evento?
I’m proud of our growth and of how we achieved it. Andrea and I started with about $500 and built a basic website. From day one, we were cash flow positive.
Until we worked with Customers Bank to build out our new space, we never needed outside money. We grew the business to almost $3 million in annual revenue without taking outside investment.
For me, that showed that we had found product-market fit and built something people genuinely wanted to experience. Being able to grow that way, without relying on outside investment to figure out the business, has been very rewarding.
What piece of advice would you give to other entrepreneurs in order for them to be successful?
Choose your business partner carefully.
Andrea and I have very different skill sets, and that has been a strength because we can address different needs across the business. But complementary skills are only part of it. You spend an enormous amount of time with your business partner, so trust, mutual respect and the ability to communicate openly are just as important.
The personal and professional relationship have to work together. When they do, you give each other the opportunity to bring out your best and unlock each other’s potential.
