Tell me about your business or specialty.
I am the partner and general manager of Santa Fe Tivoli. It’s a lively Tex-Mex restaurant in Tivoli, New York, and has been a staple in the Hudson Valley region since 1986. Known best for our vibrant space, legendary margaritas and accessible menu, we also proudly accommodate almost any dietary need. With an eclectic and inclusive atmosphere, anyone can feel at home here!
How'd you get to where you are now?
To make a long story short, I have worked in a restaurant since I was fifteen years old, it’s in my blood. I started serving at Santa Fe Uptown in Kingston, New York in 2012, next learned how to bartend and then eventually was managing the restaurant for the next five years. In 2017, when owner David Weiss asked me to be his partner in Santa Fe Tivoli, I knew that it was the change and opportunity I needed. In February 2018, after some renovations and refurbishing, Santa Fe Tivoli reopened with a new look and a new fire. I was determined to revive the life of early Santa Fe days, with new and creative specials in a fun environment, and I'd like to think I did just that.
What surprises you in your work, now or in the past?
Not much surprises me anymore. When you go to work every day knowing that no two days are ever the same, you start to become less surprised by things. Although I am always impressed by the diversity of our guests. They come from all over, some are local and some are just passing through. They may not all agree politically but it is nice to still be able to see that the act of feeding people really can bring people together.
How has the Covid crisis affected your work or business? Any new ideas or approaches…or lessons learned?
It’s a loaded question, like any small business Covid was difficult to navigate the ever changing updated regulations, staffing shortages, and supply chain issues. Personally, I learned so much from the crisis. One thing in particular stands out - in the past we did very little take out, and were mostly dine-in restaurant. So, in the beginning when we were only allowed to do take-out, we had to essentially trash our previous way of service and learn how to manage to-go orders 100% of the time. To be honest, take-out was a very difficult learning curve, not just for me but our kitchen staff and front of house employees. Unlike a dine-in experience once the food leaves the building you can’t fix any issues. Learning to navigate that realm of restaurant service was challenging. Our experiences over two years has guide us create to systems to help eliminate errors, and be able to streamline our take-out service.
What drives you crazy?
When people are rude and lack patience. A restaurant runs like a machine, if one gear gets jammed the whole machine suffers. Sometimes it is just because we are human and can only handle a certain amount of bandwidth. But a little empathy goes a long way when those unforeseen hiccups happen.
Who inspires you? (it can be anybody you know, or don't know)
Ruth Bader Ginsberg. All that she accomplished not only for women’s rights but also for the LGBTQIA community, while facing her own personal adversities and discrimination is truly inspiring.
You're a trailblazer - what are some career highlights to date?
Becoming partners in a restaurant at 27 years old! Although I would say the one I am most proud of is learning how to cook in a commercial setting. I've always been a chef at home, but I hadn’t ever cooked in a restaurant. So out of necessity of being short staffed I got on the line and just started doing it. I was not that great at first because, unlike cooking at home, there are time restrictions in a restaurant. Now I’m super solid and can totally hold my own in there. It also has really helped me understand and connect with my kitchen staff because of our shared experience.
Words of wisdom or advice...final thoughts?
Be kind to people, positivity is contagious.
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Emily Venditti is a Hudson Valley native, accomplished business manager and longtime restaurateur. At the young age of only 27, she became a managing partner of the award-winning restaurant Santa Fe Tivoli - one of the region’s most popular destinations (there is a Kingston and Woodstock location as well). She is a food enthusiast, which started as a teenager working in restaurant environments. In addition to the culinary industry, she is an avid gardener and collector of all things vintage. She currently resides in Kingston, New York with her fiancée and their two rescue animals, Fred and Ziggy. santafehudsonvalley.com
(published 2023)
