Today we’d like to introduce you to Mario Sabatini. If you haven’t checked out Forma yet, you are missing out!
Hi Mario, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I came to Los Angeles about 27 years ago from Abruzzo (Italy) and I started working at Toscana Restaurant in Brentwood as a busser since I didn’t speak any English at that time. As my English improved, I became server and soon after assistant manager until I left in 2005 to be involved with the opening of Pecorino Restaurant in Brentwood. While working at Toscana I met and I became friends with Piero Topputo in charge of the kitchen there. Piero moved from Puglia (Italy) a few years earlier and we share the same passion for food and for the restaurant business. With our first Forma in Santa Monica, we achieved our goal to create a new concept of Italian Restaurant with food influenced by our Italian roots and our many years in California with the addition of a unique “Cheese bar” with over 70 cheeses from all over the world. After the great success of Forma Santa Monica, we opened our second location in Venice in October 2020.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We struggled a lot financially to build up our first location in Santa Monica but we had a very smooth ride once the restaurant was up and running while we had a bumpy start with the second location in Venice because of COVID.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Forma was created under the collaborative direction of two Los Angeles hospitality veterans, Executive Chef Piero Topputo and General Manager Mario Sabatini. Named in honor of the star ingredient, formaggio, Forma features kinds of pasta served Dalla Forma- a unique preparation method where freshly cooked pasta is then finished in large cheese wheels before being served. Nestled in Santa Monica’s historic Montana Avenue, Forma offers a diverse, contemporary Italian menu in a modern setting with a collection of small plates and entrees, wine, beer, and cheese tasting options. Encouraged by the great success of Forma Santa Monica, Mario and Piero have been proud to open the doors of their second location in Venice on Navy/main Street.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Prospective & Persistence
Contact Info:
- Website: formarestaurant.com
