Meet Mario Pesce

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mario Pesce. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mario below.

Mario, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?

my family roots and history

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

My name is Mario Pesce, and I’m the proud founder of Panineria NYC—a labor of love that started with my desire to bring a slice of Italy to the bustling streets of New York City. The journey began in 2014 with a dream, a few cherished family recipes, and a vision to create something truly special: a place where people could experience the authentic flavors of Italy, one handcrafted panini at a time.

What makes Panineria NYC truly unique is its heart and soul. Every sandwich we craft is inspired by my grandmother’s recipes, honed during summers spent in her kitchen back in Italy. From our fresh, organic ingredients to our innovative menu that caters to every dietary preference, Panineria NYC isn’t just a café—it’s an experience. It’s about savoring the simple joys of life, one bite at a time.

But the most exciting part of this journey has been the incredible response from our community. We started with a single location, and thanks to the passion of our customers, we now have thriving spots in Greenwich Village and the Upper East Side. And this year, we’re thrilled to announce the opening of our third location at 616 Amsterdam Avenue—a testament to the power of great food and even greater people.

Beyond our cafes, we’ve become known for our catering services, which allow us to bring the magic of Panineria NYC to weddings, corporate events, and celebrations of all kinds. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a grand affair, our team works tirelessly to ensure every guest walks away smiling.

Panineria NYC is more than a business to me—it’s a way to share my heritage, connect with others, and create something that feels like home, no matter where you’re from. To everyone who’s been part of our story so far: thank you for believing in us. And to those who are just discovering Panineria NYC, I can’t wait to welcome you to the family.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey with Panineria NYC, I’d say the most impactful qualities and skills were resilience, creativity, consistency, passion, and yes, a bit of luck.

1. Resilience:
The path to building a successful business is rarely smooth. From unexpected challenges like navigating NYC’s complex regulations to overcoming economic downturns, resilience kept me focused and determined. Every setback became a stepping stone to improvement.

Advice: Learn to embrace obstacles as opportunities to grow. Success isn’t about avoiding challenges—it’s about how you rise to meet them.

2. Creativity:
In a city brimming with food options, creativity has been essential. At Panineria NYC, it’s about more than just the food; it’s about creating an experience. From blending traditional recipes with modern flavors to crafting a menu that welcomes everyone, innovation has been our secret sauce.

Advice: Always be curious. Seek inspiration everywhere—whether from your culture, your competitors, or even your customers. Innovation is what keeps your brand alive and relevant.

3. Consistency:
While creativity grabs attention, consistency earns loyalty. Whether it’s the quality of our paninis or the warmth of our service, customers know they can trust Panineria NYC to deliver an exceptional experience every time.

Advice: Develop systems and habits that ensure reliability. It’s not glamorous, but it’s what builds trust and turns first-time customers into lifelong supporters.

4. Passion:
At the heart of everything I do is a deep love for food, culture, and connection. This passion drives me to get up every day and give my best to Panineria NYC. When you genuinely care about what you’re creating, it resonates with people and sets you apart.

Advice: Follow what excites you and aligns with your values. Passion isn’t just a motivator—it’s the foundation for meaningful work and lasting success.

5. Luck:
Finally, I’d be lying if I said luck didn’t play a role. Sometimes, it’s about being in the right place at the right time or meeting someone who believes in your vision. But luck only works if you’re prepared to seize the opportunities it brings.

Advice: While you can’t control luck, you can position yourself to take advantage of it. Work hard, network authentically, and stay open to unexpected opportunities.

For anyone starting their journey, my advice is simple: Stay true to your vision, stay consistent, and keep learning. Success is a mix of persistence, preparation, and just a little bit of serendipity.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

I worked a lot on myself in the past 12 months.
Physically and mentally.
i worked a lot in connecting my body, my mind and my spirit

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lapanineria.com
• Instagram: @paninerianyc
• Facebook: @paninerianyc
• Linkedin: Mario Pesce
• Yelp: @paninerianyc

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