Intro by King Musa
"Yo, you know what it is! It’s your man, King Musa, and welcome to The Cheat Sheet, where we decode success with creators, professionals, and business leaders shaping their fields.
Today, I’m joined by Alvin Marse, the owner of Roma’s Italian Kitchen in Nacogdoches, Texas. Alvin’s journey from Albania to opening his own Italian restaurant is nothing short of inspiring. We’ll dive into his passion for Italian cuisine, the challenges of running a restaurant, and his advice for aspiring restaurateurs. Let’s get started!"
Getting to Know Alvin Marse
King Musa: "Welcome, Alvin! Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at Roma’s Italian Kitchen."
Alvin Marse: "Thanks for having me! I’m the owner of Roma’s, and I do everything—cooking, bartending, serving, and bussing tables. Whatever needs to be done, I’m there."
KM: "Where did you grow up, and how did your upbringing shape your career path in the restaurant industry?"
AM: "I grew up in Albania and moved to the U.S. in 2012. I started working for my uncle at his Italian restaurant in New York City, where I learned the ropes of the business. That experience inspired me to open my own restaurant."
Passion for Italian Cuisine
KM: "What sparked your passion for Italian cuisine and led you to open Roma’s Italian Kitchen?"
AM: "Italian food is delicious and versatile, and I fell in love with it while working at my uncle’s restaurant. I wanted to share that passion and create a space where people could enjoy authentic Italian dishes."
KM: "What are some dishes people might not know are part of Italian cuisine?"
AM: "Beyond pasta and pizza, Italian cuisine offers a lot—seafood, steaks, lamb, and risotto, to name a few. It’s a diverse and flavorful culinary tradition."
Building Roma’s Italian Kitchen
KM: "What was your vision for Roma’s Italian Kitchen, and who influenced that vision?"
AM: "My vision was to create a successful and welcoming restaurant where people could enjoy great food and a comfortable atmosphere. My family, especially my wife and son, has been a big influence—they’re a constant source of inspiration."
KM: "What was the process like for opening Roma’s?"
AM: "It took about a year and a half to renovate and get everything ready. We officially opened on October 16, 2023. Nacogdoches is a small town, so we used social media and word of mouth to let people know we were open."
Challenges and Lessons in the Restaurant Industry
KM: "What challenges did you face while building the restaurant, and how did you overcome them?"
AM: "Thankfully, the process went smoothly, but it took time and effort to get everything just right. The support from the building owner and the community was invaluable."
KM: "What lessons have you learned that are vital for aspiring restaurateurs?"
AM: "Love what you do, and don’t give up. Running a restaurant requires commitment and hard work—it’s like raising a baby. You have to nurture it every day, especially in the beginning."
Advice for Aspiring Restaurateurs
KM: "What advice would you give to students or anyone venturing into food and hospitality?"
AM: "Be friendly, respectful, and love people. Building relationships with customers and the community is key to success in this industry."
Outro by King Musa
"Alvin, thank you for sharing your story and wisdom with us.
To all our listeners, Roma’s Italian Kitchen is a testament to hard work, passion, and community. If you’re in Nacogdoches, Tyler, or Longview, stop by one of their locations for an amazing meal. Subscribe to The Cheat Sheet for more inspiring conversations, and stay connected with us on social media. Until next time, stay inspired and stay successful!"
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