EP 43: Branding with flavor: Steve DiFillippo’s recipes for success

When it comes to building a brand, the secret ingredient might just be the same one that makes an unforgettable meal: genuine hospitality. On this episode of Brand Slam, (add)ventures founder and CEO Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata sit down with Steve DiFillippo, the culinary visionary behind Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse. With 10 locations from Boston to Atlanta, Davio’s has become a national name, but its commitment to making every guest feel at home has kept the brand deeply personal. The conversation begins with DiFillippo’s entrepreneurial leap at age 24, when he bought a struggling Boston restaurant and transformed it into the Davio’s we know today. He kept the name but reinvented everything else, from the food and atmosphere to the service, creating a brand rooted in both consistency and creativity. Listeners will hear how DiFillippo has marketed Davio’s with heart and hustle, using creative grassroots tactics and strategic retail offerings like his signature steak and cheese spring rolls and sausages that are sold in markets.  The episode also explores how Davio’s adapts to evolving customer lifestyles through collaborations like Awaken180° Weightloss, and how exceptional staff experiences and thoughtful, one-on-one service, showcase the brand’s values in action. DiFillippo reflects on lessons learned from icons like Julia Child and Bruce Springsteen, and emphasizes the importance of weaving personal values into a brand, from supporting community organizations to embracing new technologies like AI without losing the human touch. This episode goes beyond the kitchen. It's a branding masterclass for marketers looking to turn values into value. Interested in a particular topic or want to be a guest? Contact us at [email protected].