From the Courtroom to the Kitchen: Donatella Arpaia

On track to be a partner at a small law firm in New York City, Donatella Arpaia quit practicing after eight months when she realized her true calling was in the environment directly under her apartment.

Arpaia lived over her brother’s restaurant, and one night she realized that the food service business was what suited her best.

Now at just 33, she owns three restaurants in New York City, including davidburke + donatella, flourishing in an industry with a high rate of failure in a city full of cutthroat competition. The risky departure from a career as a lawyer to restaurateur turned out to be the best move she could have made—and her patrons are the better for it.

“I grew up in a foodie environment,’’ says Arpaia, who has mastered the art of combining her business savvy with a passion for all things food. “I’m dynamic and the restaurant world has lots of aspects—public relations, creativity, presentation, business, and more.” She focuses on these front-of-the-house duties, while partnering with the hottest chefs, who handle the kitchen.

Raised on Long Island by parents who came to the United States from Italy with nothing, Arpaia was nudged in the direction of law by a restaurateur father who stressed education and independence.

There was just one problem for Arpaia, who showed a natural aptitude for law by passing the bar exam the first time she took it: “I absolutely hated it,’’ she says.

Arpaia had first-hand knowledge of the demands and the risks of the restaurant business from watching her father and brother, but that didn’t deter her from renting a space and putting a law career behind her. She secured a loan, which she repaid within seven months, and negotiated a favorable lease, while earning a reputation for her hospitality, style, and vision.

Whether it is entertaining politicos like New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg or hip hop stars like Mary J. Blige, Arpaia focuses on making each guest feel welcome, which is why Zagat’s crowned her a “hostess with the mostest.”

She has also expanded well beyond the restaurants to books and the Internet, with a television show also in the works. Arpaia provides seasonal tips and recipes on the website for Spiegel Catalogs, where she works as an entertainment consultant.

On her own site, donatellastyle.com , she offers specialty products including, tomato sauce, almond cookies, and olive oil.
Arpaia also mentors and empowers her female employees. “I try to inspire the women in my organization and promote from within. I’m big on loyalty.’’

Perhaps even greater than her culinary talents is the example Arpaia sets for other career women. She wasn’t afraid to follow her inner voice, and, by giving up one path and starting over in another, she’s found the essential ingredients to exceptional personal and professional success.