Amanda Cifaldi

tidal wave of excitement over the fact that Pomodori is now coming across the bridge.

location is renowned for a dinein ambience that perfectly complements the heavenly Italian cuisine, the mainland branch will be more of a take out/fast casual concept, where you order at the counter and your food is brought out to you. “Bluffton has such a youthful and hip vibe, we’re hoping to build on that feeling!”

“During COVID, we pivoted toward take-out only, and it went so well, I realized we could have a very good second business on our hands if we could only find the right spot,” Cifaldi said.

That right spot wound up being the adorable cottage on 46 just next to the old Pepper’s Porch building (soon to be Ma Daisy’s Porch). Right in the heart of Old Town, it represents possibly the best location Cifaldi could have asked for. “The little place is so special; it feels like you’re picking up food from your grandmother’s house. We couldn’t be more excited.”

If there’s one question you don’t need to ask Amanda Cifaldi, chef and owner at Pomodori, it’s “What’s new with you?” Because the answer to that question has already been blazing across Bluffton, riding a

“It’s going to be right in Old Town on May River Road,” Cifaldi said of her new location. “Bluffton has grown so significantly, we’re grateful to grow right alongside it!”

The Bluffton location of Pomodori will have one slight difference from its Hilton Head counterpart. While the island

For Cifaldi, it’s another chapter in her culinary career, from kitchens on Hilton Head Island to Italy and now in Bluffton.

“I’m really looking forward to this next leap of faith, especially since I’m taking it with a staff who have been with me for so long. It’s been amazing to see their growth alongside the restaurant’s. Bluffton, here we come!”

Binya

556 Spanish Wells Rd.

(843) 715-9003 www.binyahhi.com

Did you have a mentor—someone who really helped you along the path to entrepreneurship?

I did not have a mentor, but I had two professionals who helped: a business coach and a mindset/life coach. I learned valuable, but different, lessons from each of them. The mindset coaching was the thing that really allowed me to move forward in business—to sort of “make the quantum leap,” although my coach would say I haven’t taken that leap yet … that’s something I’m working on. I also have been fortunate to have friends who are more seasoned entrepreneurs than myself, and they have given me tips and pointers along the way. I still feel that I have a lot to learn and often feel I do need a mentor to take my business to the next level.

Tell us something you wish you had known when you started on your career path—a bit of advice for other women in business. I wish I had known that it was okay to be fearless in pursuit of my dreams. I had dreams of being an entrepreneur from day one but always thought that I needed a career/job to have security. I still sometimes allow thoughts like that to consume me. Had I been fearless at a younger age, when I had fewer responsibilities, I feel that I would have taken more chances and maybe have been much further along in my entrepreneurship journey with much more accomplished. But I am a firm believer in destiny and the path that God has carved out for each of us. So, this was just the path that I was supposed to take, and I guess it could be why I’ve ended up where I am, where I’m supposed to be. My advice to other women in business would be to move forward without fear while paying attention to the signs for your destined path (like your gut instincts), as best as you can.

Mountains or ocean?

Ocean, hands down. I am an island girl. Water calms me, while invigorating and inspiring me at the same time.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A doctor or a lawyer. When I was about 10 years old, I asked my dad which profession made more money—a doctor or lawyer—and he said they both were great careers. So, I decided I’d be a doctor. Looking back on it, I’m not sure why … the sciences were never a favorite. Anyway, I realized, in college, that I was not a fan of chemistry, so I bailed for business school and later became a lawyer.

Give us three qualities a leader must have. Courage, humility, and the ability to delegate.

What is one thing you are looking forward to doing when you retire?

Traveling the world whenever I want to!

Share a bit of advice for other women in business.

Set short- and long-term goals and check your progress. Don’t take things personally—get over it! Be resolute, decisive, and confident. Write thank you notes. Communicate clearly; get things in writing. Learn to handle objections. Always have a phone charger and business cards. Dress nicely and be respectful of others and all things. Never deny yourself a new adventure. Mountains or ocean?

Visit the mountains; live near the sea.

Guilty pleasure?

Ice cream.

What did you want to be when you grew up?