From graffiti-covered subway cars to fondant-sculpted Louis Vuitton cakes, The Cake Don takes us on a wild ride through reinvention, resilience, and raw hustle. In this episode of Staying Hungry, we sit down with the former shoe company personnel turned fondant phenom to unpack how one favor for a friend sparked a culinary empire - powered by Queens grit and social media savvy.

If you're a restaurant owner, food entrepreneur, or simply someone who values a no-nonsense approach to success, this conversation is tailored for you. We dive into the graffiti roots that led to an education on the legendary 7 Train “art school,” and explore how something as simple as your “first cake” could become a life-changing moment. You'll hear how social media, when used strategically, can serve as a powerful and free tool for acquiring customers. We also discuss how to transform casual patrons into devoted advocates - pro tip: never underestimate the influence of local moms’ Facebook groups. The story includes lessons from running a bakery driven by both heart and hustle and ultimately, building a legacy business designed for the next generation.

This episode is a masterclass in brand building, storytelling, and staying relentless - even when you're icing cakes at 2AM.

⏱️ Timestamps

[00:00] Nostalgic Beginnings: Jones Beach Memories

[01:05] Generational Differences in Upbringing

[05:58] The Journey to Becoming 'The Cake Don'

[12:21] Discovering a Hidden Talent for Cake Making

[14:35] Building a Cake Business from Scratch

[31:27] The Power of Social Media and Networking

[49:42] Instagram Insights and Posting Strategies

[57:50] Collaborations and Business Growth

[01:00:29] The Power of Social Media Trends

[01:04:18] Unexpected Opportunities and Success Stories

[01:20:39] The Importance of Networking and Kindness

[01:29:16] Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement

Welcome to Staying Hungry, where passion meets purpose - plate by plate.

In this soul-stirring episode, hosts Mike and Vinny sit down with Jackie from Tula Kitchen, a Bay Shore culinary institution with a deeper mission: to heal through food. What started as a daughter watching her mother save her father’s life with nutrition became a lifelong philosophy and a restaurant unlike any other.

From exploring what’s really in our food and how it impacts both body and mind, to uncovering the hidden challenges and rewards of running a mission-driven restaurant, this conversation dives deep into the soul of what we eat and why it matters. We’ll look at the power of energy, intention, and human connection in the kitchen, and how old-school values can still thrive in a hyper-digital, DoorDash-fueled world. And finally, we ask whether the secret to longevity might be found in the famed Blue Zones - or perhaps, right on a plate at Tula.

This isn't just a conversation about cuisine - it’s a conversation about conscious living. If you’ve ever questioned what’s in your meal, why you eat what you eat, or how restaurants should serve their communities, this one’s for you.

Timestamps

[00:00] Welcome to Tula Kitchen: A Unique Dining Experience

[04:47] The Meaning Behind Tula

[09:46] The Evolution of Bayshore and Tula's Impact

[14:15] The Tula Experience: More Than Just Food

[22:03] The Future of Tula Kitchen

[34:02] The Role of Technology in Tula's Operations

[37:21] Balancing Financials and Staff Happiness

[43:42] Reflections on Childhood and Parenting

[47:16] Mentoring and Community Involvement

[55:09] Summer Plans and Catering Services

[59:59] Exploring Blue Zones and Longevity

[01:04:34] Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

In this episode of 'Staying Hungry,' hosts Michael D'Onofrio and Vinny Pappalardo sit down with Joey Cioffi, the visionary behind Salad House.

Joey shares his inspiring journey from working in his family's deli to founding a rapidly growing healthy eating franchise. Learn how his Italian immigrant parents' pursuit of the American dream influenced Joey's business philosophy and led to the creation of Salad House, a brand dedicated to providing nutritious, delicious meals for modern families.

Joey discusses the challenges and rewards of franchising, the importance of community involvement, and how technology and customer feedback drive their success.

Tune in to hear Joey's insights on balancing tradition with innovation and his heartfelt message about the future of healthy dining in America.

00:00 Introduction and Early Challenges

02:01 Starting in the Food Business

09:12 Transition to Wall Street and Back

13:30 Birth of Salad House

17:11 Franchising and Growth

24:08 Customer and Employee Relations

32:16 Raising Kids and Work Ethic

35:29 The Challenges and Rewards of Franchising

44:32 Balancing Technology and Hospitality

53:00 Future Expansion Plans for Salad House

01:03:24 Personal Reflections and Family Time#StayingHungry #HealthyEating #FamilyBusiness #RestaurantIndustry #SaladHouse #FranchiseGrowth #CustomerFeedback #RestaurantTechnology #ItalianImmigrants #AmericanDream