After six years with Pillsbury, Antonio Cecconi launched his first restaurant, Bravo!, establishing a firm reputation in the Minneapolis food scene. By introducing authentic Italian cuisine with Bravo!, he received widespread acclaim in local media reviews, followed by numerous consulting engagements, both locally and on a national level. The Darden Restaurant Group (the parent company of the Olive Garden restaurant chain), Carlson Companies, Brinker International, and other major companies relied on his creative expertise. Antonio’s major achievement has been to author the Betty Crocker Italian Cookbook series.

Antonio, known as the Italian Gourmet, was born in Sardinia, learning Italian cuisine in his mother’s kitchen. He brings nearly 4 decades of experience to the table. He has developed concepts and ideas pertaining to Italian foods and regional specialties of Italy, written recipes, and consulted with the food industry on Italian food trends and changes.

Today he operates a home catering business locally. He loves to teach cooking classes in schools, at private cooking parties, in cooking stores, and since 2017, at Villa Bellezza as their Food Service Director.