We recently had the chance to connect with Kristina Gambarian and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kristina, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Right now, every day is a whirlwind! As this is our first restaurant, I’m juggling a lot, from managing the kitchen and overseeing service to making sure every detail is perfect. Mornings are spent prepping the team, making sure pasta production is on track, and handling any last-minute issues.
In the middle of the day, I make family meal for the staff, hold interviews, and check in on everything happening around the restaurant. It’s a nonstop hustle to keep everything running smoothly.
At night, after the restaurant winds down, I’m answering emails, working on the menu for the next day, putting orders together, and planning tasks for the team. I also manage our social media accounts and am in charge of marketing and advertising, so there’s always something to do!
It’s exhausting, but it’s also incredibly rewarding, and honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing, even though sleep is definitely in short supply right now!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kristina Gambarian, and I’m the co-owner and chef of ESO Artisanal Pasta. I was born in Ukraine and moved to the U.S. on my own when I was 19. Food has always been a big part of my life, my family was in the food business back home, and I’ve always loved cooking, especially baking.
My first job in the U.S. was as a line cook at Red Robin in Hershey Park, Pennsylvania. Later, I moved to New York to pursue a career in the food industry more seriously. That’s when I landed a role at Legacy Records, a fine dining restaurant under the Delicious Hospitality Group. It was my first experience in fine dining, and I took full advantage of the opportunity, learning everything I could and working my way through every station in the kitchen.
It was at Legacy Records where I met my now-husband, AJ Sankofa. When the pandemic hit, we moved to New Jersey and started what would become ESO Artisanal Pasta. At first, it was just a small shop offering fresh pasta and sauces to-go. As things grew, we added catering, private chef services, and pop-ups, all grounded in our passion for handmade pasta and quality ingredients.
As the business picked up, we knew the next step was to open a full restaurant and we just did that on August 8th at Optimist Hall in Charlotte, NC. This has been an incredible journey, and I’m so proud to be building something that reflects both our roots and our vision for the future.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My husband, AJ, always pushes me to be my best, even when I don’t have enough confidence in myself. He sees something in me that I sometimes struggle to see in myself: strength, resilience, and the ability to lead. His belief in me never wavers, and that constant support has helped me grow in ways I never imagined. He reminds me of my worth, challenges me to dream bigger, and stands by me through every high and low. I’m incredibly grateful to have a partner who not only loves me but truly believes in the person I am becoming.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You are enough, exactly as you are. Don’t waste time trying to fit into molds that were never made for you. Trust your voice, follow your instincts, and know that the challenges you’re facing are shaping someone incredibly strong, wise, and capable. Keep going, you have no idea how powerful you’re going to become.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that what matters most to me is family. They know that no matter how busy life gets, my heart is always rooted in the people I love. Family is my foundation, my source of strength, support, and purpose. Everything I do is guided by a deep desire to take care of them, make them proud, and build a life that brings us closer together.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when my husband and I take our dog for a long hike, just the three of us, surrounded by nature, with no distractions. There’s something grounding about those quiet moments, breathing fresh air and feeling completely present. I also love the simple joys: getting breakfast together after, or driving with the windows down, listening to our favorite music. Those little routines make me feel calm, connected, and completely content.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.esoartisanalpasta.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esopastaclt/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-gambarian-641234282
