Lia D.

Lia is from Brooklyn, NY and grew up in an Italian American family, surrounded by good food and warm hospitality.

Since the opening of Eataly Downtown in August 2016, Lia has been an important member of our Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) Team. Starting as a Barista, Lia demonstrated and honed her espresso and coffee-making skills (including cappuccino art!). In time, Lia learned all of Eataly Downtown’s quick service stations and was promoted to a QSR Lead position.

While serving coffee, desserts, and to-go meals, Lia always prioritizes excellent customer service. Approachable and upbeat, Lia loves to make others feel at home – just as she feels at Eataly.

What is your professional background?
“I’ve worked in and managed bakeries before, and I have a pastry and retail background. I’ve been making coffee for about 10 years. I’ve worked in many places, but none at the scale of Eataly. It’s very interesting to see how so many things happen here all at once. For example, we have a team making gelato, then someone making sauce in the back — then out at the front counter, someone else is making sandwiches.”

What is your team like?
“The QSR team ranges from college students to people who have been in the industry for a really long time. I think most of our employees are foodies. There’s not one specific type of person. They are people who like to be around food, who like to serve food, and who like to be part of the process of service.”

What do you like about working at Eataly?
“It doesn’t even feel like work sometimes! You just feel like you’re with friends, among people who care about their work and peers, who want to give good service, and be surrounded by good food and good people.”

Outside of Eataly, what do you like to do?
“I actually went to beauty school while working at Eataly. I am a licensed cosmetologist and do hair on the side.”