Chef Adam Luiso: Valley Sets the Table for Growth of Small Business, Family
Trending
WHEELING - In recent years, Chef Adam Luiso has made a name for himself in the Ohio Valley, - an area that in his eyes has just the right ingredients to be a great place not only to raise a family, but also to start a small business.
A native of Pittsburgh, Luiso has tantalized the taste buds of many area residents at a variety of local events. Over the past year, the 39-year-old chef has taken the next step in his culinary conquests, branching out as both chef and owner of his own venture - Chef N Company.
"We have been in business for less than a year," Luiso said. "We provide multiple culinary based services including catering, private dinners, Chef’s Table experiences and cooking classes for aspiring chefs of all ages."
Luiso’s career so far has included top-level experiences in some high-profile establishments.
"Prior to this, I held the executive chef position with Mike Ditka’s restaurant, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood," he said.
He eventually migrated away from the big city and found himself - and his wife, Brandy - starting a new chapter for themselves and their family in the Ohio Valley.
"I grew up in Pittsburgh and moved to the Ohio Valley in my early 20s," Brandy and I met 17 years ago and started to write our own story together. When our children were born, we decided that this was the best place for them to be raised because of family and other opportunities."
Just recently, Luiso and family officially settled down for the long-term in the Friendly City.
"As of 2021, we called Wheeling home," he said. "It has been a great place for our kids to grow. The community has been supportive of our business, and we enjoy working closely with our clients and other small businesses in this area."
Wheeling and the Ohio Valley provide assets that are often overlooked in the big city - like the benefit of living and working in such a close-knit community where people can more easily network with one another.
"There are opportunities here in the Ohio Valley that you may not find in a major metropolitan area," Luiso said. "As I meet and talk with like-minded professionals, I see more people investing their business ideas and time into this Ohio Valley. There are people in our communities that want to help this area grow and create opportunities."
The area’s changing landscapes and major investments in other sectors contribute to an exciting time to develop a small business - especially one like Chef N Company, according to Luiso.
"There is culinary growth happening right now in our community," he said. "We should embrace change and support the continued growth of the hospitality industry in and around Wheeling."
While change is often challenging, the roughest roads usually lead to the most rewarding destinations. Luiso said some of his most valuable lessons have come from the most turbulent times.
"I was with an organization that went through a complete executive management change," he said. "Change is necessary for growth. If you stay stagnant in one place and never leave your comfort zone, you will stop growing."
And when starting your own business, there is an opportunity for growth at every corner, he added.
"Each day is different," Luiso said, indicating that there really is no "typical" workday at Chef N Company. "It depends on what type of event we have on the books for the day. It will usually consist of consulting with clients, prepping for events, teaching cooking classes and meetings."
Luiso said it’s wise to always keep in mind some keys to success and sound advice that he would offer to anyone who is blazing their own trail.
"Be kind to people - you don’t know the battles others are going through," he said. " And chase your dreams. Don’t give up. Do what makes you happy, and work hard. Give back to the community when you have the opportunity to."
When not busy at work, Luiso and his wife enjoy time with their family, which includes son Dominik, daughter Isabella and their Blue Tick Beagle, Rex.