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NAWBO-LA: President-Elect
Madelyn Alfano
President, Maria's Italian Kitchen
Madelyn Alfano is one of California’s most successful restaurant owners. She is a hard-working businesswoman who brings the best aspects of family life into her chain of restaurants. Alfano grew up in a big Italian family; and learned about the food business from her parents who also taught her the benefits and joys of being surrounded by friendly and supportive people. She has taken that knowledge and used it to humanize her industry, by treating employees and customers alike as an extended family often visiting each restaurant and talking at length with individual patrons. In l985, she opened her first Maria’s Italian Kitchen in Sherman Oaks. This restaurant quickly proved to be a great success, so Alfano expanded the concept to other locations throughout San Fernando Valley, Pasadena and Santa Clarita. There are now 11 Maria’s Italian Kitchens, including the newest one in Downtown Los Angeles. Alfano is also deeply involved with numerous charities and non-profit organizations. Due to her great skill as a restaurateur and because she is such a profound philanthropic leader, she was inducted into the NAWBO-LA Hall of Fame in 2004. Alfano has been on the list of Top 50 Women Business Owners in Los Angeles for the past 8 years and in 2004, she was chosen as one the Top 25 Enterprising Women in Los Angeles.
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