WHIPPING UP SUCCESS

Foodie Mom: Alessandra Noviello Hayes

Alessandra Noviello Hayes is co-owner and co-operator of Nino’s Italian Restaurant, which she runs with her father and her husband. Nino’s, which opened in 1968, is the oldest, family-owned Italian restaurant in Atlanta. Her father, Antonio Noviello, bought Nino’s in 1982. She is the mother of Eva, 9; Enzo, 7; and Eliana, 2.

n Nino’s Italian Restaurant: Atlanta. 404-874-6505. ninosatlanta.com

Do you have any family traditions you grew up with that you hope your children continue?

The family values of meals. I’m from a big Italian family, and dinner is very important, and we’d have long two-hour Italian dinners together. My mom did a really good job making sure it was a long conversation and we were enjoying each other and the food. Even last night, at the restaurant, we had the kids sit down at the table. Even when we’re working and even if we have to get up and down, we’re having dinner together.

As a family-owned restaurant, do you hope to pass it onto your children?

I started working 17 years ago, and it was my dream to carry it on after my dad retired. My kids are showing a lot of interest. My 9-year-old wants to work; she’s asking if she can hostess or pour water. My parents never pushed it on us and, of my sisters, I was the only one who fell in love with the food industry. I don’t want to push it on them, but it would be wonderful to have them carry it on.

What advice would you give other moms?

As moms, we’re all really busy, and we have to pack in all of our activities. We work 80 hours a week, and with taking the kids everywhere, we’re crazy busy. Remember to take a beat and slow down and make conversation with your kids, especially the young ones. Make eye contact and learn about their favorite hobbies; ask about their day. Kids can change within a week, and we have to make sure we’re really connecting and not missing it.

Foodie Mom: Sarah Davies

Sarah Davies is the co-owner of Biggerstaff Brewing, and she is the stepmother of Cole, 27, and mother of Logan, 19. Opened in 2021, Biggerstaff Brewing offers New American cuisine with an emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients and slow-smoked food, modern, traditional and unconventional beers and a coffee bar. n Biggerstaff Brewing: Atlanta. 404-796-9919. biggerstaffbrewing.com

How do you maintain a family-friendly environment in a brewery?

It’s the atmosphere we’ve created. We have a table of board games; our highchairs are visible; we have family bathrooms and changing tables. The staff enjoy children and interacting with them. It’s word-of-mouth that we’re family-friendly, and I think we get more families than anything right now. We have comedy on the second Friday of every month, and we moved it from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. because some comedians’ language is a little rough around the edges, so to stay family friendly, we changed the time. We’re starting a Taco Tuesday menu in a couple of weeks, which I think families will enjoy.

As a family-owned business, do you hope that legacy passes onto your children?

The name Biggerstaff is a family name; it comes from my mom’s side, and my mom is a business owner as well. She runs a chain of hair salons. I remember a time when she told me, I don’t want you to feel like you have to take over this business. It was nice to hear. What I would say to my kids: It’s yours if you want it; we’re happy to leave it to you, but chase your own dream. I hope the most important thing that they would learn from this is that if you have an idea or a dream, and you don’t ever give up on it, you can make it happen. That’s a more important lesson than taking over one day.

Foodie Mom: Allisha Kelly

Allisha Kelly is the co-owner of Cosmo’s Pizza + Social. Opened in 2001, when the original owners retired, Kelly and fellow co-owner Dana Martin purchased the restaurant to keep the gem from closing its doors. In addition to Cosmo’s Pizza, they opened Social in 2021, a full-service bar. She is the mother of two sons, ages 22 and 20.

n Cosmo’s Pizza + Social: Lawrenceville. 770-338-9274. pizzaoncrogan.com

Foodie Mom: Maureen Meulen

Maureen Meulen is the co-owner of historic entertainment district Pullman Yards, including on-site restaurant Dailies & Sides. Pullman Yards is host to rotating exhibits, two on-site restaurants and Emory’s Science Gallery. Dailies & Sides serves sandwiches, wings, brunch specials and more. She is the mother of Dava, 10, and Sunny, 7. n Pullman Yards: Atlanta. pullmanyards.com

Atlanta is a fantastic town for foodies. Do you have any tips on how to encourage your children to try new items/cuisine?

I encourage my kids to try new food items by making all sorts of different foods and cuisines available to them. Typically, if I enjoy something, they do, too. I am very thankful as both of my children are very adventurous eaters.

Is there a family tradition you have from growing up that you hope your children will continue?

My mother is Filipino, so we make lumpia at home; lumpia is the Filipino version of an egg roll. When my lola (grandmother) was alive, my mom, my aunts, my sister and my lola would gather around the table and make lumpia together. It was a labor of love that took an hour or two. My childhood is filled with a lot of those sweet memories while making lumpia.

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What has the food industry taught you?

Being a woman in the restaurant business is not for the weak. It’s hard work and dedication and constantly proving you will not fail. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Do you have any tips for work/life balance?

There is nothing wrong with working hard for what you want, but do take time to enjoy, even if it’s one day every two weeks.

As a business owner, what do you hope your children learn from you?

Responsibility and that nothing comes easy. Challenges are always present and being able to change directions is part of life.