Hecmil E.

Hecmil is originally from Venezuela, where he grew up and completed his studies. Upon moving to the United States, he decided to follow his passion for gastronomy. Beginning as a Dishwasher, Hecmil worked his way up in the hospitality industry, step by step.

In 2019, Hecmil joined the team at Eataly NYC Downtown, beginning at the Rosticceria. Later, he moved to Fresh Pasta and then became a leader across the Quick Service area, working with Ravioli, Panini, and Catering.

When Eataly Short Hills opened in 2024, Hecmil joined the Grand Opening Team to lead the Pizza alla Pala and Bakery Counter. One of the busiest counters in the store, Hecmil does everything he can to ensure operations run smoothly and to guarantee product quality. He and his team also regularly prepare a variety of Pizza alla Pala for family meal, and Hecmil always takes the same care when providing for his team as he does for guests.

Recently, Hecmil played a role in Eataly’s success at the US Open, serving on the Task Force at the Eataly kiosk there. A true and proud Eatalian, Hecmil leads by example – his sense of humor, work ethic, and positivity greatly contribute to our culture. We are grateful to have him on the team!

What has your Eataly journey been like?
“When I came to Eataly, I met a very nice team, from the chefs to my coworkers. Over the years, I have worked in different areas that helped me get better at my job. My promotion came from working hard and always trying to do things better. Now I am the leader of the Pizza alla Pala station, and my managers have noticed our station is one of the best. I really like that.”

What is your favorite memory from your time at Eataly so far?
“One of my favorite memories is from my early days in rotisserie, where our team worked together like a dance with everyone in sync. That teamwork inspired me, and now I try to bring that same spirit to all teams that I am on.”

How would you describe your role as a Pizza alla Pala Lead?
“In my current role, I oversee daily production, check ingredients, plan schedules, and make sure everything meets Eataly standards. What I enjoy most is seeing my team working together and watching customers enjoy what we create.”

What advice do you have for a fellow Eatalian team member?
“Here I’ve learned not only culinary skills but also leadership and the value of teamwork. My advice to new Eatalians is simple: come with an open mind, ask questions, and enjoy learning—because here, we support each other.”