Blog | Piada Italian Street Food

Piada Spotlight | Christian Durand

“I hope that when I meet and train new people, they can see that anyone can accomplish something special and grow their career at Piada. You don’t need to be from the United States or speak perfect English to be successful. As long as you put in hard work and are dedicated, you’ll make it somewhere. I am an example of that and want to be an inspiration for others.”

Piada Spotlight | Joel Mayo

Meet the man always on the go – Joel Mayo. He joined Team Piada more than seven years ago, and since then, he’s rolled out years of seasonal menu changes, opened more than twenty new Piada restaurants and moved across the country twice for various career opportunities with Piada. Joel is currently a Regional Training Chef in our Minnesota market and travels often...

Piada Spotlight | Leon DeLeon

Meet Leon DeLeon, Corporate Chef, biker, metal-head, puppy-lover and all around badass. Leon is an indispensable member of our corporate Culinary team with over a decade of experience in the kitchen. He started his Piada journey managing the Piada Food Truck (RIP), and since then has had a hand in everything from our catering program to menu development to store operations. He’s a big guy with an even bigger smile, and a personality that lights up the room. We’re proud to highlight the notorious Chef Leon DeLeon and all he’s done for Team Piada.

Piada Spotlight | Matt Harding

Meet the man behind the pasta! This week, we’re spotlighting the man, the myth, the legend… Executive Chef Matt Harding. Chef Matt pulls from decades of expertise in the kitchen, time spent abroad, and within the esteemed Culinary Institute of America. Today, he’s the fearless leader of our Culinary Team at Piada HQ, working hard to keep Piada fresh, inspired, and cutting edge...

Piada Spotlight | Andre Ponder

“I love motivating people to be the best that they can be and to overcome their obstacles. My leadership style is kind of like a chameleon, because I change my approach depending on who I’m working with. Sometimes I lead by example, and other times I need to step back and allow a Team Member to make mistakes. The way I see it, mistakes only make you better in the long run. Mistakes can turn into teachable moments.”

Piada Spotlight | Will Foster

“Seeing others succeed makes me happy to know I've had a part in helping out, that I’ve made some sort of impact on their lives. I’m a hands-on leader and I try to lead by example. I’m all about showing you what to do, letting you try it, and if you fail, being there to pick you up.”

Piada Spotlight | Cristina Hite

“Strive to make the people around you better and you will be successful. Being a manager is about building people up and helping them realize their potential.”

Keeping Our Promise

In June, we committed to donate $50,000 to support non-profit organizations - big and small - across the country in the cities we serve. Our Chefs & Team Members voted and chose more than 25 local organizations whose missions range from fighting social injustices to addressing food insecurity...