08/10/2026
At 24 years old, Steve DiFillippo took a chance that would change his life forever.
He bought a small Italian restaurant on Newbury Street that was on the verge of closing. Most people would have seen a failing business. Steve saw possibility.
Long before Davio's became nationally recognized, he spent years learning every corner of the business—washing dishes, waiting tables, cooking on the line and listening. He learned that success wasn't just about serving great food. It was about serving people.
Over the years, guests began stopping him everywhere—at the grocery store, the airport, sporting events—asking for recipes, business advice, and the story behind Davio's. They weren't just curious about the food. They wanted to understand the philosophy that turned one struggling restaurant into a lifelong passion.
That philosophy became It's All About the Guest.
More than a business book, it's the story of taking risks, believing in people, learning from mentors, and discovering that hospitality has the power to change lives. It's about building something that lasts—not because of a recipe or a menu but because every decision begins with one simple question:
"Will this make it better for the guest and the inner guest (employees)?"
That question has guided Steve's career for more than four decades—and it's the reason guests continue to return, generation after generation.
Because in the end, people may remember the meal... but they'll never forget how you made them feel.
📖 It's All About the Guest is available on amazon and Davios.com
