Exploring Life & Business with Anthony Rapillo of Laylas Son Hospitality

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Rapillo

Hi Anthony, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started as a young entrepreneur living in Queens, New York. My first business a small healthy meal prep company, where I cooked and delivered meals to my local gym to people looking to get in shape. I eventually opened my first brick and mortar restaurant, V Pizza, in Cary North Carolina in early 2020. Now, five short years later, through hardwork, luck, and an incredible village or teammates at my side, we’ve opened 8 concepts throughout the Triangle (Raleigh/Durham area), and have 3 more in various stages of active development.

I was born the child of an immigrant mother, and owe any small success I see in life first and foremost to her, and to God. My hospitality group is named after her, in her memorial.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I opened my first restaurant 10 weeks before the world shut down due to the COVID pandemic. I worked open til close, like most others in my industry, for months on end, doing whatever possible to try and keep the lights on for my staff. Due to the support of our community, we were able to survive. I truly think the difficulties of our first 12 months showed us we had what was necessary to overcome any other obstacle that would appear.

We’ve been impressed with Laylas Son Hospitality, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Layla’s Son Hospitality is a hospitality group overseeing restaurants and bars in the Triangle, in North Carolina. We have multiple concepts including Neapolitan pizzerias, cocktail bars, taco shops, catering trucks, a brewery and more. We’ve partnered with some of the best in the industry such as Top Chef Katsuji Tanabe, and award winning mixologist Daniel Tallarico.

Our brand prioritizes experiences over everything. A come as you are, one of a kind customer focused approach. From lighting, to menus, to music, our brands understand that customers needs have changed post COVID. In a delivery age, consumers need more to feel compelled to step outside. We deliver that.

We’re most proud of the employees we’ve retained, the sweat equity we’ve been able to award core employees with, and the unparalleled growth we’ve achieved in Raleigh since arriving 5 short years ago.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
My favorite podcasts include Plain English, Diary of a CEO, and The Bill Simmons Podcast. My favorite books are Atomic Habits, Love People Use Things, and The Five Types of Wealth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.flourandbarrel.com
• Instagram: @antrap
• Facebook: Anthony Rapillo