Vitalia’s Italian Restaurant
Antonio Lo Conte and Vitalia Zanda worked together for years before their love of Italian food inspired them to open Vitalia’s Italian Restaurant.
What qualities do you think are necessary for a couple to work together successfully? We have been married for seven years and share everything in our life. We spend all our time together, and we work well together because we cover different roles in the restaurant. We’re always ready to help each other, and we trust each other in our roles. And we enjoy working together!
Do you make all major decisions together or do you each have specialised knowledge of certain aspects of the business? We make all decisions together.
Do you both cook? If so, who cooks at home?
Vitalia is an amazing chef, creating delicious new dishes and specials. Antonio manages the business and oversees the financials as well as taking care of the pizza division. We both cook when we’re at home.
What do you like best about the food in Far North Queensland?
We love the local products, produce, exotic fruits, local seafood, mud crabs – there’s so much variety!
Do you have future goals you still want to achieve?
Every day is challenge, and every customer who we make happy is a big reward for us. Our goal is to keep making people happy with our cuisine, getting to know our customers and talking about Italy and our tradition. It makes us proud.
What advice would you give a couple starting out in the food industry? Make sure you have knowledge of the cuisine and how to provide excellent customer service. You also need a good plan and knowledge of both your strengths and weakness. It’s important to listen to your customers’ needs. Remember - it’s more than a job, so do things right and have fun!
Vitalia's Italian Restaurant
22 Palm St, Holloways Beach
