Madelyn Alfano is one of California’s most successful restaurant owners. She is a hard-working businesswoman who brings the best aspects of family life into her chain of restaurants. Madelyn grew up in a big Italian family. She learned about the food business from her mother and father, who also taught her the benefits and joys of being surrounded by friendly and supportive people.



She has taken that knowledge and used it to humanize her industry, by treating employees and customers alike as an extended family often visiting each restaurant and talking at length with individual patrons. In l985, she opened her first Maria’s Italian Kitchen in Sherman Oaks. This restaurant quickly proved to be a great success, so Madelyn expanded the concept to other locations throughout the San Fernando Valley, Pasadena and Santa Clarita. There are now 10 Maria’s Italian Kitchens, including the newest ones in Santa Barbara, Brentwood and West Los Angeles.



Maria’s has their own bakery where all of their desserts are made from scratch. Her headquarters are in Van Nuys, and she has close to 500 employees! Maria’s Italian Kitchen is now among the leading privately owned restaurant chains in the state. With every community Madelyn joins, she offers healthy, quality food with hospitable service in a casual yet elegant and friendly atmosphere. Maria’s continues to respond to evolving palates and special dietary needs with fresh, health-conscious and personalized cuisine offering an eclectic range of menu choices using the finest, freshest ingredients: Organic, Vegan, Vegetarian, Regional Italian, Private In-Home Chef and Special Dietary Needs (such as wheat-free).