My Journey of 2020

February 2020, Covid-19 was no longer a distant news topic, it had penetrated our community and our business was walking through the fog in the hopes that our 20-year experience would guide us. February 2020 I was diagnosed with Cancer and had to start chemo immediately – nothing prepared me for this. I had every hope and expectation that the business would continue…I just didn’t know how. 

By April 2020 we received a mandate to close indoor dining. Chemo was sapping my energy and taking my hair. What are we going to do with all the families who depend on us for their livelihood? I had no answers. 

And then answers showed up. May 2020, my 25 years old daughter Bilena Settepani, announced that she had quit her job and was going to re-open the restaurant. I did not have the energy to ask her any questions. She contacted the restaurant staff and Tony from Harlem Grown - we started feeding front-line workers and local shelter homes. Soon after, we started deliveries and within weeks the restaurant was reopened and the staff back at work!

While I worried about the restaurant, it seemed my customers were thinking about me. During my most difficult hours flowers and cards were constantly showing up at my door. Settepani, I was once again affirmed, is not just a place of business, it is my community.

By June 2020, we were able to invite back our entire staff. The community who had watched my daughter grow up was now supporting her. The staff and customers were playing double roles – they were aunts and uncles guiding my daughter in my absence. Yes, this is a village, my village. 

July 2020, my daughter announced that she had applied to the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) and wanted to continue the legacy of Settepani.

Today our business is back fully operational with my daughter working as the director of Marketing, while taking a full load at ICE.  She has found her passion! 

March 2021, it is clear why we do this.  Our business is community and family!  The partnerships that were formed during the worst of times have blossomed. This village remains connected even as we wear mask and maintain distance. 

THE IS THE ONE GOOD THING, BUT THE STRENGTH OF THE COMMUNITY AND THE MANY ACTS OF KINDNESS ARE TOO MANY TO LIST.

WITH MUCH LOVE,

LEAH