Today’s guest is Donna Lennard, the founder of il Buco and one of the defining figures of downtown New York dining. Since opening il Buco in 1994, Donna has slowly and thoughtfully built a hospitality group founded on passion, great ingredients, and welcoming vibes. The business includes il Buco Alimentari in NYC, il Buco outposts in Amagansett and Ibiza, il Buco Vita shops, and a line of il Buco pantry staples.

She joins host Kerry Diamond to share the story of how il Buco came to be, and the personal journey that led her from a career in film to hospitality. She reflects on hiring and leadership, why doing what you love is her guiding principle, the dish that’s never leaving the menu (hello, kale salad), and the food world legend she’d want with her on a desert island.

This interview was recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center.

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More on Donna: Instagram, il Buco, il Buco Vita
More on Kerry: Instagram, “So You Want To Open A Restaurant” Substack series

Donna Lennard Of il Buco Restaurant On 90s Nostalgia, Thoughtful Expansion, And Hard-Earned Success

Radio Cherry Bombe

Donna Lennard Of il Buco Restaurant On 90s Nostalgia, Thoughtful Expansion, And Hard-Earned Success