Donna Lennard Of il Buco Restaurant On 90s Nostalgia, Thoughtful Expansion, And Hard-Earned Success
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Donna Leonard, founder of Il Buco and Il Buco Alimentari, shares her rich and resilient journey from a film student at NYU to a pioneering force in New York's restaurant scene. After a profound personal loss in the early 90s, she found purpose in hospitality, co-founding Il Buco in 1994 on a whim after spotting a space on Bond Street. The restaurant evolved organically from an antique storage space into a beloved Mediterranean-inspired dining destination, shaped by her creative ethos, deep love for food, and commitment to community. Over decades, she expanded her hospitality group to include locations in Amagansett, Ibiza, and a product line, guided by principles of authenticity, heart, and hiring people who genuinely love feeding others. Despite personal and professional challenges—including the loss of a partner, legal battles, and the closure of her salumi business—Donna emphasizes that success comes not from chasing trends, but from doing what you love with integrity. She reflects on the enduring magic of Il Buco, the importance of nurturing talent, and the joy of finally being able to enjoy her hard-earned success. The episode also explores the nostalgic resurgence of 90s New York, the art of thoughtful expansion, and the quiet power of community. Donna’s advice—'do what you love'—resonates as a timeless mantra. She champions hiring for passion over pedigree, values longevity in teams, and celebrates the women who have shaped her business. Her story is one of resilience, creativity, and the quiet triumph of building something meaningful that outlasts time and trends. From the first antiques trip in a Suzuki Samurai to the present-day balance of life and legacy, Donna’s journey is a masterclass in authentic leadership.
Success in hospitality comes from doing what you love with authenticity, not chasing trends or concepts.
Hire for passion and heart—people who genuinely love feeding and caring for others are the most valuable assets.
Community is built organically when you create a space that feels true to your values and invites people in.
Resilience is forged through loss and challenge; use those experiences as fuel, not as barriers.
Thoughtful expansion requires patience, deep alignment with your vision, and a willingness to weather setbacks.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction: Donna Leonard and the Legacy of Il Buco
Carrie Diamond introduces Donna Leonard, founder of Il Buco, a defining restaurant of 1990s New York. The episode sets the stage for a deep dive into Donna’s origin story, her journey from film to hospitality, and the cultural significance of Il Buco in shaping New York’s downtown scene.
The 90s Nostalgia Wave and Il Buco’s Birth
Donna reflects on the current wave of 90s nostalgia, linking it to a time when New York felt effortlessly cool. She recounts the serendipitous discovery of the Bond Street space, her early days at Chanterelle, and the accidental beginning of Il Buco as an antique storage venture.
From Antiques to Restaurant: The Organic Evolution
Donna details how the antique business evolved into a restaurant after a wine license was secured. She shares the dramatic story of the landlord’s death and the subsequent purchase of the apartment above, highlighting the chaotic, real-life drama behind the iconic space.
The Creative Heart: Chefs, Menu, and Mediterranean Soul
Donna discusses the evolution of Il Buco’s cuisine—from a Spanish tapas bar to a Mediterranean-focused restaurant. She highlights key chefs like Jody Williams and Sarah Jenkins, and shares the enduring dishes that have stood the test of time, including the iconic kale salad.
Expansion, Challenges, and the Birth of Il Buco Alimentari
The episode covers the long journey to opening Il Buco Alimentari in NoHo, including structural challenges, legal battles with the neighborhood association, and personal upheavals. Donna reveals how the project became a triumph, earning three Michelin stars and becoming a beloved community hub.
“Do what you love. Do it from your heart. It's not about creating a concept, doing something you think is going to sell. It comes from inside.”
“It's not about creating a concept, doing something you think is going to sell. It comes from inside.”
“You build it and they will come and your people will come and they will create a community around what you've built.”
Host
Guest
Donna Leonard
person
Il Buco
other
Alberto
person
Il Buco Alimentari
other
Carrie Diamond
person
Frances Melman
person
Jody Williams
person
Danny Rubin
person
Bond Street
place
Sarah Jenkins
person
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