Mario Fava
This is my story as the son of an Italian immigrant who taught me an important lesson from an early age: “Put in 110 percent, or don’t do it at all.”
I first learned the passion, discipline, and work ethic required to succeed by watching my father.
He would start early every morning, preparing food for the day. When he finished, he would work as a waiter, serving lunch and dinner, and his day often didn’t end until after 10 p.m. After school, I would work alongside him, bussing tables and watching him serve every customer with genuine passion and pride.
What I remember most is the relationship he had with his customers. When people walked through the door, they were genuinely happy to see him—and he was just as happy to see them. He made people feel welcome, remembered their names, and took pride in making sure they had a good experience.
He would even have me work as a porter on Sunday mornings. At the time, I simply saw it as work. Looking back, I realize those experiences were some of the most important lessons of my life.
My father taught me that success comes from showing up, working hard, treating people with respect, and taking pride in whatever you do.
I carried those values into every part of my life, from academics and athletics to my career in the restaurant industry. My dedication to soccer earned me a scholarship to St. Francis College, where I was recognized as one of the top four senior goalkeepers in the United States and invited to participate in the Senior Bowl. After graduating, I continued my soccer career professionally, playing for the New Jersey Eagles for two years.
Although soccer took me away from the restaurant business for a time, my passion for the industry only continued to grow. In 1992, I returned to New York City to manage a restaurant, beginning the next chapter of my career.
Three years later, in 1995, I opened my first restaurant with my father, Umberto. Lusardi’s in Larchmont. We quickly became one of Westchester County’s premier dining destinations, earning a loyal following for its exceptional Italian cuisine, attentive service, and sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere.
Throughout this journey, I have been incredibly fortunate to have the love and support of my family. I am especially grateful to my wife, Teresa, whom I met when I was 16 years old. She has always been my rock. Through every challenge and every opportunity, we were determined to give it everything we had and build something together.
I am equally grateful to our children, Simona, Cinzia, and Luca. Their sacrifices, unwavering support, and dedication have been an essential part of everything we have built as a family. I could not have achieved what I have without them.
The support of our wonderful and loyal guests gave us the opportunity to continue growing. In 2001, We opened Moscato Restaurant in Scarsdale, bringing the same commitment to Italian hospitality to a new community. Moscato became known for its exceptional dishes, homemade pastas, and desserts, and became a staple in the Scarsdale community.
In 2004, we opened Chat 19, followed by Chat American Grill in 2009. We saw an opportunity to create something a little more casual—places where people could enjoy a great burger, steak, or salad, along with an ice-cold beer or a glass of wine, in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.
Our philosophy was simple: “Good Food, Good Times.”
Today, our restaurants have become part of the fabric of Westchester County. Looking back, I am proud of how far we have come, but I am even more grateful for the people who have been part of the journey—my family, my team, and the generations of loyal customers who have continued to walk through our doors.
For me, the restaurant business has always been about much more than food. It is about family, hard work, hospitality, and creating a place where people can come together, share a meal, celebrate important moments, and make memories.
Those are the values my father taught me, and they continue to guide me every day.
After all is said and done, I believe the restaurant business is actually very simple:
JUST MAKE PEOPLE HAPPY.
I thank God for everything we have accomplished and for the incredible people who have been part of this journey.
But perhaps most importantly, I am grateful that I was able to fulfill my father’s dream—to own a restaurant, and eventually more than one, before he passed away.
That is something I will always carry with me, and it is one of the accomplishments I am most proud of.