Meet Jessalyn Italiano | Restaurateur

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

Hi Jessalyn, how do you think about risk?
The term “risk” has always felt very subjective to me. Something may feel risky to one person, but perhaps not to another. Which makes for great discussion! During my post-graduation time of my life when I was applying for Graduate school and working two jobs, I made what felt like a pretty risky decision. I decided to forego graduate school and take over ownership of a restaurant that I was currently working for – Caffe Boa! When it comes to risk, I always trust my intuition and decide on what feels most right. Even in times when intuition isn’t on track, it’s an opportunity to learn and grown.

What should our readers know about your business?
Caffe Boa shares love for the sense of community since it would founded in 1994. I love making sure that it remains a core quality of our business to this day. There are so many beautiful and amazing local business surround us everywhere we go and I feel this is what makes an area thrive.

At Caffe Boa, we have always sought out local purveyors when it comes to our products and services. If we don’t make it homemade or by hand in-House, we want to support someone else who does. This is even true of our products and services that may be local, but to another city outside of Arizona. From our candles, to our artwork and our flowers… everything we bring to be apart of Boa, we try to support others in the process.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Always love a good visit to the Desert Botanical Gardens! A stop at Urban Yoga in Phoenix for a morning yoga session is always on my list. Sip Coffee House is perfect for an afternoon Matcha, and The Shop in Tempe is a great local brewery. Our friends over in San Tan Valley, Radical Reptile Fun, is always a great visit to see some amazing animals. Of course, if the weather is right, a nice hike or walk can be found in most any city. Grabbing a bottle (or two) of some natural wine from Hidden Track Bottle Shop in Phoenix or relocating back to Caffe Boa is always a great idea.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am extremely fortunate to have strong, supportive, loving parents that didn’t judge my decision to buyout a restaurant when I first told them.

I have so many other friends and loved ones that continue to show their support and well-wishes.

Additionally, I can’t go without saying that business partner, Zachary, is one of my biggest shoutouts – couldn’t do it without him!

Website: https://www.cafeboa.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caffeboaonmill/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caffeboaonmill/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/caffe-boa-tempe

Image Credits
Zachary Powell