Natalia Levey Restaurant Maven, Speaker and Author She and her husband Mark not only own the Palm Avenue Deli, but two other establishments on the same block: Bar Hana and Kojo. They opened Kojo in 2021; Bar Hana opened in 2023. They also own Speaks Clam Bar on St. Armands and in Lakewood Ranch. Soon they’ll announce another restaurant concept at the Central Park Food Hall in St. Petersburg. 16 WEST COAST WOMAN <strong>JANUARY</strong> <strong>2024</strong>
We’re sitting in the Palm Avenue Deli in downtown Sarasota. New Yorkers and connoisseurs of all things traditional deli now have a place to enjoy pastrami, bagels and lox and vanilla egg cream sodas while kvetching (or kvelling) if it’s like the deli of their memories. Put it this way, midmorning the restaurant had a few people eating breakfast; by 11:30 the place was packed. Tremendous attention to detail went into creating Palm Avenue Deli from the checkerboard floor to the lengthy menu that offers the classics, but with some innovative spins on those favorites. The person who made that attention to detail happen is across from me in a booth and her name is Natalia Levey. She and her husband Mark own and operate the Palm Avenue Deli which opened last year in June. I’m sure they had to clean the windows often from all those pastrami-starved people peering in, hoping to see if they were open yet. But the couple not only own the Deli, but two other establishments on the same block: Bar Hana and Kojo. The three restaurants couldn’t be more different - each offers a unique and different experience — visually and cuisine-wise. They opened Kojo in 2021 while Bar Hana opened in April, 2023. But wait, there’s more. They also own Speaks Clam Bar on St. Armands and in Lakewood Ranch. And soon, they’ll be announcing another restaurant concept at the Central Park Food Hall in St. Petersburg just to the north. No, she doesn’t have a twin. Natalia admits up front a great management team makes their restaurant group, Hi Hospitality Group, run smoothly. But she’s very much hands on. A creative person, Natalia says they come up with a new concept - sometimes based on their travels or else what seems like fun - and then create a restaurant around it and then, “We make it our own,” as she explains. They then test the idea, do careful research, then employ a design firm (BLOK Design in PA) to create the right look. At Bar Hana you have a surf-themed, modern tiki bar offering Asian-inspired light bites and tons of drinks to choose from. Kojo offers upscale Asian fare and a wide variety of sakes. When you read this it will be peak season and reservations at Kojo are a must and must be made well in advance. “I can’t even get a table,” she says seriously, and I believe her. Celebrities happen to like Kojo and that’s why they created a private dining room — but she’s not naming names. Whereas Kojo and Bar Hana have similar pan-Asian cuisine, Speaks Clam Bars on St. Armands Circle and in Lakewood Ranch have classic seafood dishes like clam chowder, but many dishes have Italian influences such as cioppino, lasagna, linguine and more with a variety of seafood. The couple — he’s from Long Island, she’s from eastern Europe — lived in New York City, but always visited our area. They have a home base in Tampa and another home on Longboat Key to be close to their restaurants. Does she have a favorite cuisine? She’s sensitive to spice and strong seasoning, but has a fondness for soup going back to her childhood. The buckwheat porridge is her personal go to food as she finds it so comforting. “I listen to my body,” she explains, adding, “I like food prepared with love.” Natalia is the founder of Hi Hospitality Group, a “high touch operator of dining destinations in Florida with focus on inviting collaboration, integrating technology and inspiring excellence…We are driven by the love that we carry in our hearts: a love of dining, a love of family, respect, communication and service.” Hi Hospitality Group created all the restaurants, but Natalia is also a TEDx speaker, author of “Cravings Boss” and a “hospitality wellness advocate.” From her website, it notes that she’s traveled extensively to over 40 countries. Her background is eclectic. She trained at the Art Institute of New York and is a graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Natalia’s also a certified nutritional consultant accredited by the American Association of Nutritional Consultants. In 2021 she was given the Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership fellow by the James Beard Foundation and distinguished as that year’s Top Entrepreneur. When Hurricane Nicole hit the Bahamas in 2022, Natalia reached out to José Andrés’ World Kitchen. She asked what was needed, and then flew in to help, bringing chef’s tools. “It was an extraordinary experience,” she recalls, while helping to make thousands of meals. Thus it is clear, her business is not all about bottom line watching and fretting about reservations. “Natalia believes that a meal isn’t just a meal—it’s a step towards global well-being and connection,” according to the website. Natalia follows social media closely and if a patron has a special meal request say, at Kojo, she works hard to deliver, finding that item at one of her other restaurants. She’s also creative and that’s why you’ll see watermelon gazpacho on the menu at the Palm Avenue Deli - and it’s very popular. “I approach everything with creativity and openness.” You don’t often see “empathy” on a restaurant website or “respect” or “mindfulness” for that matter. During our conversation there was no gazing about the room or any sign of concern showing across her serene face. In part, that’s due to good business practices. “With a good management team in place and lots of training, staff are empowered,” she explains. When the Deli first opened they started with breakfast to make sure that went smoothly. They then added lunch and then later, added dinner. She doesn’t micromanage, instead relies on her team in particular, “Robert Castelloin, our solid director of operations who understands the vision of the company.” As well, she also mentions Chef Hart Lowry, their culinary director. “They really deserve a lot of credit for where the restaurants are.” They have operations meetings weekly. Natalia oversees all photography, does social media. Marketing and branding are done in house. Mark has a background in technology and created their unique ordering system where diners can scan a QR code at the table (or not). While it’s not a literal translation, Kojo, by the way, means “continuing improvement,” and to Natalia, “that’s what we do and that’s what keeps everyone interested.” STORY: Louise Bruderle Courtesy image Find out more about Natalia at www.natalialevey.com. Reset Your Financial Plan for the New Year We listen. We coach. You take control. Let’s collaborate on your financial future, call 941-914-1560. Amanda E. Stiff, MBA Financial Advisor AccessAdvisorsLLC.com 941 914-1560 Astiff@AccessAdvisorsLLC.com 1800 Second Street Suite 895 Sarasota, FL 34236 1305 Langhorne Road Lynchburg, VA 24503 Securities are offered through Level Four Financial, LLC a registered broker dealer and member of FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services are offered through Level Four Advisory Services, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor. Level Four Financial, LLC, Level Four Advisory Services, LLC and Access Advisors, LLC are independent entities. Neither Level Four Financial, LLC, Level Four Advisory Services, LLC nor Access Advisors, LLC offer tax or legal advice. <strong>JANUARY</strong> <strong>2024</strong> WEST COAST WOMAN 17
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