DiStefano’s Authentic Italian foods in Ohio is a friendly and inviting place popular with fresh, homemade Italian sandwiches, pasta dishes, and imported items. The ‘foods’ is a local favorite for family-style service and full-bodied flavors reminding customers of Italian home kitchens. Mrs. Monastero, a teacher at Mayfield High School, and one of the regular customers, is a familiar figure to the staff with her friendly visits and craving for the homemade chicken cutlets. Isabella Caserta, one of the very hard-working employees, works with her welcoming attitude and strong work ethic; no visitors can ever get the impression that they are in an unoccupied space.

Isabella Caserta, a tenth grade student at Mayfield High School, has grown both personally and professionally through her job, overcoming challenges and taking on greater responsibilities while balancing a demanding schedule. Isabella Caserta says that being promoted to the hot counter was her proudest moment working, calling it a career milestone. “Just working my way up to getting to the hot counter” wasn’t always easy, especially since it’s really difficult to remember all the prices.” Still, she says, “it gets easier with time.” Her entry into the job was also atypical; she started through a connection in her family. “My father is friends with the owner’s son,” she said, and when the owner, Toni, needed help, she was hired. Already a regular visitor, she had visits with the business before being taken on as staff. “I used to come here a lot when I was younger and I would always receive cookies and things from Toni,” she said. Balancing work with school and sports takes solid time management. Fortunately, Isabella uses her school schedule wisely. “I enjoy having a study hall so I can get all of my work completed for school,” she said that it keeps her on top of things. Yet as with many careers, it is not without its challenges. Dealing with unpleasant or rude customers has been one of the more aggravating areas. “Tough customers have actually gotten me angry while working,” she confessed, but she’s learned the way to remain composed and professional. When things get heated with co-workers or stress increases, Isabella has her own coping mechanism. I just go in the back and catch my breath for a minute,” she said, occasionally opting to do something as mundane as doing dishes or packing boxes so that she can get her head clear. To future employees, she recommends being upfront with their limitations. “Call off when you need to,” and said that Toni will be understanding when it comes down to it. Isabella’s story emphasizes how work ethic, moderation, and self-awareness can build success, even under a hectic work environment.

For Mrs. Monastero, Distefano’s is not only a bakery, but also a hub of the community around family, tradition, and local identity. As a frequent shopper, what makes Distefano’s Bakery stand out is that it has a close connection to the community and it has strong roots in the family. “The fact it’s family-owned and they have all worked there, whether it’s now or in the past,” is what she believes gives the bakery its charm. She feels the store goes beyond just selling food “it’s very much a community store” where “they’re always donating” and creating “a very comfortable place” for everyone. She is also connected personally with the family, adding, “I taught Marissa,” demonstrating how Distefano’s is intertwined in the lives of highland heights locals. Being a frequent visitor, Mrs. Monastero has her standbys, declaring she “loves the cassata cakes, and chicken cutlets or sausage.” Though she does find the parking somewhat chaotic, she wouldn’t alter a thing about the store itself, deeming it “very quaint.” Her encounters illustrate how Distefano’s has become such a cherished neighborhood institution by being generous, traditional, and personable.

Distefano’s Bakery is far beyond a pastry store or a sandwich place; it is a place where community, tradition, and personal growth merge into a beautiful space. For workers like Isabella Caserta, the store is a place to learn how to be responsible, overcome many challenges, and be surrounded by a close team. To regular patrons like Mrs. Monastero, the place is a quaint, family-owned store that speaks comfort, goodness, and community pride. Whether behind the counter or in front of it, people feel at home with Distefano’s because of the high amount of personal relationships and warm culture that it has developed throughout the years. It’s this rare combination of hard work, family values, and hometown spirit that makes Distefano’s stand apart.