Monday Mar 03, 2025
Growing Business and the Courage to Call. with Mikella Esposito and Laurence Santini.
In this episode of Bean There Done That, host Phil DiBella sits down with Mikella Esposito and Laurence Santini, the ambitious young duo behind Como Restaurant in West End. They share their journey from different professional backgrounds—Mikella with her creative and entrepreneurial roots, and Laurence with a law degree—to becoming passionate restaurateurs.
They discuss the highs and lows of running a restaurant, including making tough business decisions, learning from failure, adapting to customer demand, and building a team culture that fosters loyalty and success. With a strong focus on community and authentic hospitality, they reveal how they transformed Como into a welcoming, thriving Italian dining experience.
If you’re a young entrepreneur or someone considering starting a business, this episode is packed with valuable insights on resilience, adaptability, and the power of emotional engagement.
Key Topics & Themes
• The inspiration behind Como Restaurant and their transition into hospitality
• Challenges of the first year in business and the adjustments they made
• How they shifted their business model to align with their community’s needs
• The importance of team culture and how they nurture and reward staff
• Learning from failures and missteps—the story behind their Munga Munga spaghetti night
• The power of emotional engagement in hospitality and why it’s the key to success
• Their vision for the future and advice for aspiring business owners
Time-Stamped Highlights
📍 00:00 – Introduction to Bean There Done That and today’s guests
📍 01:15 – Meet Mikella Esposito & Laurence Santini – The story behind Como
📍 02:55 – The challenges of the first year in hospitality
📍 07:50 – Adapting to customer needs and reshaping their restaurant’s identity
📍 10:55 – The importance of a solid business plan
📍 12:45 – How they involve their team in decision-making
📍 19:00 – Learning from failure: The evolution of their Munga Munga pasta night
📍 23:20 – Why meaning creates movement in business
📍 26:10 – Bringing warmth and personality into their restaurant experience
📍 30:50 – Their top advice for young entrepreneurs
📍 34:00 – Wrapping up: Supporting young business owners and looking ahead
About Our Guests Mikella Esposito & Laurence Santini – Owners, Como Restaurant
Mikella and Laurence are the young, dynamic duo behind Como Restaurant in West End. With a background in entrepreneurship, law, fashion, and hospitality, they bring a unique perspective to running a restaurant. Their passion for community, good food, and warm hospitality is evident in everything they do.
Key Takeaways
✅ Be adaptable – The market dictates what works; don’t be afraid to change.
✅ Your team is everything – Invest in the right people and treat them well.
✅ Failure is a learning curve – Test, learn, adjust, and grow.
✅ Emotional engagement drives success – Customers return for the experience, not just the food.
✅ Always look forward – Keep innovating, stay fresh, and challenge the norm.
Links & Resources
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🎙 Produced by The Podcast Boss
#Entrepreneurship #Hospitality #BusinessSuccess #ItalianFood #YoungEntrepreneurs #RestaurantLife #CustomerExperience #TeamCulture #Leadership #PhilDiBella #ComoRestaurant #WestEndDining