Meet the Owners of American Beauty Bistro

Meet the owners of the new North Massapequa restaurant, American Beauty Bistro, Michael Cassano and Maria Pallotta.

Patch spoke with the local couple about their restaurant, which opened on Central Avenue in May:

Patch: How did you get your first start in business?

Pallotta: Michael owned and operated a brokerage firm in the 90's and owned Acacia in Huntington Village. I have been in the food and customer service industry since I was 15 years old.

Patch: Is this your first business venture? What other projects have you worked on?

Pallotta: Yes this is mine! Michael had Acacia as I mentioned and also his own brokerage firm in New York City.

Patch: What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?

Pallotta: D0n't spend a dime unless it's going to make you money.

Patch: How long have you lived or done business here?

Pallotta: We are newbies! Opened the doors 2 months ago!

Patch: What’s your favorite part about being a business in the area? What makes the area special?

Pallotta: This is close to my hometown, Bellmore and Michael grew up in Massapequa Park so we are constantly seeing familiar faces, it's amazing all the local support we have been getting and meeting all our new customers has been an absolute pleasure!

Patch: Did anyone influence you as a business owner? How?

Pallotta: For myself, one of my hardest and favorite bosses, Doug Gerber. He was my boss when I worked at boswells deli for many years. He was tough on me and had very high standards, it pushed me everyday to do better. I have to thank him because it has always made me a hard worker that continually strives to do better. His examples of owning a business has helped drive me in my own venture.

Patch: Did you ever make a business mistake and later on were glad you made it?

Pallotta: Yes, going into business with the wrong match. It stung at the time and was very hard to leave, but it took us where we should be. Everything happens for a reason!

Patch: Tell us something about yourself that people may not know.

Cassano: Maria is a special education teacher that still continues to work In education while starting her first restaurant. She has a strong passion for education and is grateful she gets to take part in three of her dreams...owning her own business, teaching and being a mommy

Patch: What advice would you give to a business owner just starting out?

Pallotta: Tackle each task to completion and always be at your business.