![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.amny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_9825.jpg\" "\\"Meet")
<\/a>A flatbread from La Piandineria.Photo by Bridgette Leahy<\/p>\n\u201cWe wanted a name that felt simpler and more immediate for an American audience while still keeping a strong connection to our Italian roots,\u201d Guarino says. \u201cPiadi is easy to remember, easy to pronounce, and keeps the focus on piadina itself, while the authenticity of the brand remains exactly the same.\u201d<\/p>\n
The shocking simplicity is surprising to most customers who aren\u2019t Italian.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s all in the concept of how we get customers to get them to their first bite,\u201d Guarino says. \u201cThe simplicity of the ingredients is very common in Italian ingredients; put them together in a warm flatbread, which is the magic in the sandwich.\u201d<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a very strong backbone in Italian recipes; even in Italy, the best sandwiches are usually the ones people make themselves. So, La Piadineria Brezze says they try to select a variety of ingredients so people can make as many different sandwiches as they want.<\/p>\n
U.S. Market Brings Higher Risk<\/b><\/p>\n
Year after year, La Piadineria has successfully built its brand, expanding to over 550 locations across Europe. What could have been the biggest turning point to locate in New York?<\/p>\n
\u201cNew York\u2019s starting point for the US adventure because New York is a very culinary and curious city, and the Italian heritage is very strong, so it felt an absolute natural step and continuing to grow throughout the US,\u201d Guarino, the US Manager, says.<\/p>\n
Despite the successful grand opening in January, La Piadernia still faced significant risks to its success. The Italian market differs substantially from the U.S. market; however, Guarino felt they could have a broader cultural impact in the Big Apple.<\/p>\n
Managing hundreds of stores across Europe has taught La Piadernia three key business concepts: consistency, speed, and operational discipline.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cIt also taught us the importance of customer experience\u2014making sure every piadina feels fresh, reliable, and welcoming every single day,\u201d Guarino says.<\/p>\n
New York stands as the capital city of competition and high standards, especially when it comes to food. However, La Piadernia felt that the concept of comp\u00e9tions makes \u201cit exciting \u2014 if people here connect with the concept, it can have a much broader impact internationally.\u201d<\/p>\n