For many, food is synonymous with comfort, and that includes Daniella Brooks, owner of Dani’s Pantry LLC and founder of Cucina Daniella. “I grew up in an Italian family where sharing food was a form of love,” she said. After growing up surrounded by the warmth of Italian cooking, she found she wanted to turn that passion into a business. In 2019, Daniella began selling her food at local farmers’ markets, where her quick-service sandwiches, pizzas, homemade pastas, and traditional Italian entrées regularly sold out. But when Daniella decided she wanted to expand, opening her own kitchen and storefront, she knew she needed help.
That’s when she reached out to Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) for guidance. “I needed help with funding that dream,” she said. Business Advisor Christine Sullivan stepped in to assist.
Many things go into applying for a business loan, but it starts with a solid business plan. Christine helped Daniella fine tune her plan to appeal to lenders. Additionally, she developed a financial model that was consistent with what the banks are looking for. This is often one of the biggest hurdles for business owners who need financing, but Christine was able to help ensure Daniella’s proverbial ducks were in a row before she met with a lender.
Once the financials were in order, Christine introduced Daniella to several of the lenders she and CTSBDC have working relationships with. This critical support led to Daniella securing a SBA 7a loan from Liberty Bank in December of 2022. She now had the money to build her dream, but there was so much more work to do.
Patience and resilience pay off
With her loan in hand, Daniella was able to pursue the launch of her brick-and-mortar location. Still, most of 2023 was devoted to manifesting Daniella’s dream of having a permanent space. Reflecting on her journey, Daniella said, “I have learned to be patient and that when budgeting to open your business, consider that it may take longer and cost more than you might originally think.” After several potential locations fell through, Daniella finally found the perfect place for her business to call home.
Finding and building out the perfect location was time-consuming and expensive, but Cucina Daniella officially opened in early 2024 in Darien, CT, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. “Dani is one of the most patient, and resilient, clients I've worked with!” Christine said. “It wasn't easy for her to find her dream location, but she kept looking until she found it — and I love seeing what she has created.”
A local favorite
Today, Cucina Daniella provides high-quality Italian food — from quick-service offerings to freshly made pastas and hearty meals. Daniella continues to refine the menu based on customer feedback and recently introduced a pizza menu that has quickly become a local favorite. The expansion also created three new jobs — including one chef — a big deal for Daniella, who once flew solo at the farmers’ market, and an important contribution to the local economy.
“Christine has been a great support to us throughout the journey,” Daniella said. “She would visit us at the farmers’ market to check on progress and was one of the first visitors to our new location. She has always been a fan of the food and gave feedback on what the local market would love.” From humble beginnings to a vibrant storefront, Daniella’s journey shows how a love for food — combined with the right support and perseverance — can grow into a beloved local business.