Meet Maria Fundora | Owner Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant and Founder Purple Pansies

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria Fundora and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria, what do you attribute your success to?
Casa Nuova’s legacy is a testament to the unwavering dedication and passion of my family, particularly my late husband Antonio “Tony” Fundora. Tony’s remarkable journey from a dishwasher to a restaurateur is an inspiring story of hard work and determination. This story, combined with his enduring passion for sharing exceptional Italian cuisine, is behind the success of Casa Nuova.

What truly sets Casa Nuova apart is our sense of family, which extends to both our employees and patrons. Many of our employees have been with us since the restaurant’s inception in 1998. Casa Nuova’s loyal customers have also become an integral part of our extended family.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
We opened Casa Nuova in 1998 (now celebrating 25 years) with my late husband Antonio, master chef and founder, and owned five restaurants in Atlanta prior. Our first restaurant was Alfredo’s followed by three Avanti’s restaurants in downtown Atlanta. Avanti’s Pescivino opened in 1988 and was the first open kitchen concept with seating by a kitchen. We also opened one of the first bakeries in Atlanta in 1980 called Antonio’s Bakery. Additionally, our family owned and operated the first ethnic open market in Atlanta proper called Tony’s Farmer’s Market in 1993.

I founded nonprofit Purple Pansies in 2009 following my mother’s death from pancreatic cancer. My mother taught her to give back to others, so she felt called to engage in a fight to conquer this deadly cancer, and to help individuals and families who were suffering as she had. To date, Purple Pansies has raised over $5 million to fund emergency financial aid to patients and their families, scholarships to children from families affected by pancreatic cancer and groundbreaking research and clinical trials, through Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), part of City of Hope. Purple Pansies funding has been instrumental in the creation of three out of the four key regimens used to treat pancreatic cancer today.

In addition to Purple Pansies, we hold monthly fundraisers in support of local schools and various charities at Casa Nuova as we believe in giving back to her community. I grew up in a home where whatever we had, we shared. Whether it was food, extra clothing or advice; my family would always look to help others in need. I face each morning with the same positive hope, focus and discipline since I immigrated to the United States from Cuba in the 1960’s and became a U.S. citizen in 1994. My goal is to give just a little bit back in honor of my mother and so many others who have died from pancreatic cancer by giving compassion and making a lasting difference in the lives of others.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For those experiencing Atlanta for the first time, my recommendations include exploring the aquarium, enjoying a leisurely trip along the Chattahoochee River (commonly referred to as “shooting the hooch”), visiting the picturesque North Georgia mountains with their wineries, a must-visit to Helen and indulging in the culinary delights at outstanding restaurants. Of course, visit CasaNuova where we offer a fantastic dining experience. Additionally, a complimentary tasting at Cork And Glass on Wednesdays or Sundays, savoring the best Chinese cuisine at Canton Cooks, trying out The Chastain and Little Sparrow in Midtown, and treating yourselves to an elegant high tea at St. Regis.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The tragic loss of my mother to pancreatic cancer in 2007 became a turning point. Her lessons on giving back and helping those in need inspired me to launch Purple Pansies, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting pancreatic cancer and providing vital support to patients and their families. Through Purple Pansies, we’ve raised over $5 million, which has been instrumental in funding emergency financial aid, scholarships, and groundbreaking research for pancreatic cancer treatment. It’s about making a tangible and life-changing difference for those facing a devastating diagnosis.

A deeply personal connection brought me together with my friend Janice Chalovich in a mission of compassion and change. We have both experienced the profound loss of a parent to pancreatic cancer, a devastating disease that leaves an indelible mark on those it touches. In 2018, we joined forces, transforming our individual efforts into a formidable partnership for the greater good. I invited Janice to become the co-chair of Purple Pansies. Although initially unfamiliar with the intricacies of fundraising, Janice quickly adapted and found inspiration in the meaningful work we are undertaking.

Our commitment to supporting families in their time of need and driving crucial research efforts has been unwavering. In 2021, Janice proposed the idea of offering scholarships to individuals with a connection to pancreatic cancer, and we have awarded 34 scholarships to date.

Website: https://casanuovarestaurant.com/ https://purplepansies.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casanuova/ https://www.instagram.com/pplpansies/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pplpansies

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CasaNuovaAlpharetta/?fref=ts https://www.facebook.com/pplpansies/