Donato Ricci | Hospitality Management Professional & Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Donato Ricci and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Donato, how do you think about risk?
Risks are an integral part of anybodies life, any choice comes with the possibility of risks. When I chose to make hospitality my career I didn’t calculate that I would have to go thru a pandemic where my field would be one of the that got effected the most. However, myself and so many others are in the same position which makes the risk a more universal issue that everybody needs to deal with. I personally am utilizing this time of being left without a job to sharpen up my skills to be ready when things will start back up. We have a saying back in Italy that translates as “who doesn’t nibble doesn’t chew” meaning that you got to take risk to get somewhere, otherwise you are not going nowhere.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Under Ricci Hospitality Group I serve not only as consultant but also as a management company for food and beverage businesses. I also provide catering, dinner experiences and private chef events. I think my company has solid ground in LA because I do surround myself with very talented professionals, and that’s how I got where I am today. No, it hasn’t been easy for me from the ground up life in general hasn’t been easy but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger right… Lol. I have over come difficulties with the help of friends and family. You’ve got to get yourself a handful of those good friends from the start, that’s your lesson. Me and my team offer genuine service, we are passionate people and I look forward to unfolding the projects that we have boiling.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
LA has everything that’s what I love about it. The weather is mostly sunny so the beaches are a must. The Westside, like Santa Monica and Malibu is great for a foodie! Stop in any of chef Jeremy Fox’ spots (Rustic canyon group) it will be an experience. Downtown boasts great speakeasy vibes and skyscrapers throughout, which makes for one of my favorite things to do. Usual spots from the varnish to the slippery clutch are some popular and historic speakeasy experiences. The nightlife lovers must hit a Hollywood club! A must are Warwick on sunset, they change their look seasonally and you feel you’re always in a new spot. Pretty much any of the Houston’s brother group spots are my favorite including ‘No vacancy.’’ For the lover of glamour, all the hollywood famous places from rodeo drive to the Hollywood walk of fame you can make a stop at Dan tana‘s and the Beverly Hilton then to musso’s and frank then bar hop on sunset blvd.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to shoutout my father who is the one that spark in me the original interest, love and passion for my field. He gave me my first experience working inside a restaurant. I was 12 yrs old, “summer break” and it looked so cool. A fancy wedding and everything was luxurious. People were having fun, drinking and eating. It looked so much like the perfect idea of good time. I’ve been trying to replicate that moment repetitively ever since. Also, my girlfriend is someone that Im grateful for as she always encourage me to better myself and keep pushing.