Meet Seyoum Settepani | Settepani Restaurant General Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with Seyoum Settepani and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Seyoum, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The decision to start Settepani was originally driven by my parents, Antonino Settepani and Leah Abraham. Their hard work, determination, and passion for the culinary arts laid a strong foundation for the business to grow and flourish. Now, my sister and I have the privilege of continuing their legacy.

We are grateful for the opportunity to build upon the success they have achieved and carry forward the values that Settepani represents. Our parents’ dedication to quality, attention to detail, and commitment to providing a welcoming atmosphere have inspired us greatly. We aim to honor their vision by maintaining the warm, inviting ambiance that customers have come to know and love. From the beginning, my family’s vision for Settepani was rooted in a deep passion for culinary arts and a commitment to sharing the flavors and traditions of authentic Italian cuisine. They recognized the demand for high-quality, artisanal food and pastries made with genuine ingredients and traditional techniques. By prioritizing quality and attention to detail, we have always aimed to create a unique experience for our customers, distinguishing Settepani from other establishments.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey into the world of modeling has been deeply personal and transformative for me. After my football career, I decided to lose 100 lbs, which required immense dedication and perseverance. at the time I never thought modeling would be an option. I did it because I wanted to be as healthy as possible. when started managing the restaurant I was approached to model and I’ve been doing both ever since. Balancing family life while pursuing a career in modeling and managing a restaurant is undoubtedly a challenging endeavor. It requires careful prioritization, effective time management, and a strong support system. what keeps me grounded is my family and my business. I love working with people that care and I love being with my family. I am the luckiest man in the world to work with them.

there may be moments of frustration times. I do my best to embrace imperfections, learn from the journey, and celebrate small victories along the way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
To begin our journey together, I would warmly welcome them to Settepani, my cherished home away from home, for a delightful brunch. Settepani holds a special place in my heart, and sharing this experience with them would be the perfect way to start our day.

As we explore the city, I would take them on an artistic adventure, visiting The Met, it brings back so many great memories that I had growing up it one of the most interesting places in the world. We would spend the day getting lost their

Of course, our culinary journey would be just as important. I would introduce them to some of my favorite restaurants in the city, ensuring they savor the finest dining experiences. From the delectable creations at Marc Forione and the rustic charm of Peasant to the timeless elegance of Gramercy Tavern and the vibrant flavors at Contento, we would embark on a gastronomic exploration of the city’s diverse culinary scene.

A stop at Lindustrie Pizza would be an absolute must. I hold Nick’s pizza in the highest regard, considering it to be some of the best in the world. In my college football days, I would drive straight to Lindustrie’s from Richmond VA, and throw down two whole pies before letting my parents know I had arrived in the city. It has become a personal tradition and a testament to the irresistible flavors that Nick crafts.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My amazing parents, Leah Abraham, and Antonino Settepani, I want to express my deepest gratitude to them for their unwavering support throughout the journey my sister and I have taken throughout college. They have been there for us through thick and thin, providing guidance, love, and encouragement every step of the way my parents made it to six years’ worth of college football games in Richmond VA, taking a 14-hour round trip drive every weekend not only takes a toll on the body there were many sacrifices that were made at the business too come to see me play. That’s just one of the reasons why I am forever grateful for them.

My parents are the epitome of resilience and hard work. They faced numerous challenges, including economic recessions, and my mother’s courageous battle with cancer during the 2020 pandemic. Despite these difficulties, their resilience and determination have been truly remarkable. They have shown me the meaning of strength and perseverance. I am incredibly fortunate to have been raised by parents who have not only supported me but have also been successful entrepreneurs themselves. They have instilled in me the values of hard work, dedication, and integrity, which have been instrumental in my own personal and professional growth.

I would also like to extend my gratitude to the Harlem community. The support and acceptance we have received from this vibrant community have been invaluable. From the local patrons who have embraced our family business, to the community leaders and organizations that have stood by us, the Harlem community has been an essential part of our journey.

Website: settepani.com

Instagram: seyoums

Linkedin: Seyoum Settepani

Twitter: Seyomusettepani

Image Credits
margheritaandreaniphotography