Our Team
Francesco Zimone
OWNER / CEO
Francesco Zimone is the visionary CEO of L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, the renowned Naples restaurant he brought to Hollywood. Born in Napoli, Italy, Francesco’s journey from a junior hedge funds administrator to a celebrated restaurateur highlights his exceptional leadership and dedication. He designed Antica Hollywood to provide guests with an experience that is both transcendent and real, emphasizing the magic of authentic dining. Francesco believes true happiness comes from within and values authenticity and personal growth. His favorite quote by Albert Einstein, “I believe in intuitions and inspirations…I sometimes feel that I am right. I do know that I am,” encapsulates his philosophy. Under his leadership, L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele continues to thrive, blending tradition with innovation.
Chef Giuseppe
EXECUTIVE CHEF
Giuseppe Gentile, hailing from Locorotondo, Puglia, is the talented chef at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele. He discovered his passion for cooking on his family’s farm at the young age of 14. Giuseppe refined his skills at Italy’s top culinary schools and went on to work at prestigious establishments like the Grand Hotel Rimini and a Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris. After serving as a chef in the military, he joined Los Angeles’ Vincenti Restaurant and later co-owned Pizzeria il Fico from 2011 to 2022. At L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, Giuseppe ensures authentic Italian flavors with high-quality ingredients and expert techniques, creating memorable dining experiences that reflect Italy’s rich culinary heritage.
Mia Rivera
EVENT COORDINATOR
Mia Rivera is the accomplished Event Coordinator for L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, overseeing all U.S. locations with exceptional skill and dedication. Joining the team at the NY location’s inception, Mia’s rapid rise from server to Event Coordinator Assistant showcased her remarkable talent and passion for hospitality. Now, as the lead Event Coordinator, she excels in creating unforgettable experiences for guests, ensuring every event reflects L’Antica’s commitment to excellence. Mia’s deep connection to L’Antica and her people-centered philosophy drive her success, making her an invaluable asset to the team and a key contributor to the restaurant’s ongoing growth and success.
Maggie Eslava
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
With over 10 years of experience in the industry, my journey began in the kitchen as a private chef. From there, I worked my way up, gaining invaluable insights into all facets of operations, from team leadership and training to strategic management and guest experience. I believe that exceptional service starts with exceptional people and I can’t settle for mediocrity. “Well done is better than well said.” It’s not enough to talk about excellence; we must consistently deliver it in every aspect of our lives. This commitment to high standards is what drives me to never stop learning, whether that means mastering a new language, exploring ALL of ITALY, or trying a new dish (at least three times—because the first impression isn’t always the full story). Whether I’m overseeing operations, learning new recipes, or mentoring my team, my mission remains the same: to create seamless, exceptional experiences that leave people not only satisfied but excited to return. As a firm believer in finding the blue vase that actually doesn’t exist, I find myself navigating through life looking for the answers to the hypothetical and trailblazing pathways for the unpaved.
New York City
Valerio Coletta
FLOOR MANAGER
Originally from Rome. Passionate and driven restaurant manager with a strong foundation in Italian cuisine and hospitality. Currently contributing leading operations at L’ Antica Pizzeria Da Michele NYC, with a focus on business expansion, exceptional customer experience, and team development. Known for a hands-on leadership style, dedication to quality, and commitment to creating a positive and growth-oriented workplace culture. Skilled in streamlining operations, enhancing staff performance, and building lasting relationships with both customers and the local community.
Adrian Pacheco
With over 12 years of experience in the hospitality and beverage industry, Adrian Pacheco is a passionate and detail-oriented Beverage Manager dedicated to delivering exceptional guest experiences. Known for a keen understanding of industry trends, cocktail innovations, and quality service, Adrian leads beverage programs that focus on both creativity and consistency.
Having worked in diverse settings—from high-end restaurants to lively bars—Adrian excels in managing bar staff, curating unique drink menus, and ensuring inventory control. With a background in mixology and a strong knowledge of wine and spirits, Adrian crafts memorable experiences for customers while maintaining an efficient and profitable operation.
Beyond managing daily operations, Adrian thrives on mentoring team members and creating an environment that encourages both individual and collective growth. Committed to fostering a positive work culture and staying ahead of beverage trends, Adrian continues to elevate every venue he works with through innovation and leadership.
Belmont Shore
Carlos Duque
FLOOR MANAGER
Carlos Duque’s love for the restaurant world began early, inspired by his father, who managed several kitchens in Venezuela. As a child, Carlos spent countless hours alongside him, helping out in the kitchen and soaking up the rhythm of the restaurant life. That early connection laid the foundation for a career spanning more than 15 years.
With deep admiration for the historic legacy of L’Antica Pizzeria, Carlos was drawn to the brand’s authenticity and reputation. The rich tradition dating back to 1870—and its standing as one of the most iconic pizzerias in the world—sparked his desire to become part of something truly exceptional.
Carlos has worn many hats throughout his journey, from back-of-house operations to front-of-house leadership. This well-rounded experience has been pivotal in his ability to manage dynamic teams and introduce innovative bar concepts that stay ahead of the curve. Among his proudest accomplishments is leading the opening of the Long Beach location—overseeing hiring, training, and building a strong, collaborative team from the ground up.
For Carlos, hospitality is about more than service—it’s about connection. He believes in creating warm, memorable moments that guests carry with them long after they leave, making every visit feel special and personal.
Anthony Tran
FLOOR MANAGER
For Anthony Tran, dining out as a child was a rare and exciting experience—one filled with joy and anticipation. Those cherished memories of family meals left a lasting impression and eventually led him to pursue a career where he could help recreate that same magic for others.
His first impression of L’Antica Pizzeria was profound. The rich history, the authenticity of Italian culinary tradition, and the unwavering quality of the pizza made joining the team a natural and exciting choice. From the very beginning, Anthony was inspired by the values that define the brand.
With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Anthony has held every front-of-house role, beginning as a busser. This journey has given him a unique perspective—not just on team operations, but on the guest experience at every stage of service. That insight allows him to ensure consistency, care, and quality in every interaction.
One of Anthony’s favorite memories at L’Antica is hosting his first pizza-making class—a hands-on, behind-the-scenes look at the art of dough, tradition, and taste. It’s just one example of how he connects guests with the deeper story behind what we serve.
Anthony’s philosophy on hospitality is simple: be generous with warmth and energy. From the moment guests walk through the door to the final goodbye, he believes in creating an experience filled with genuine connection. It’s this approach—rooted in kindness and authenticity—that keeps guests coming back.