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“One of the things that I’ve really enjoyed is working with some of the younger women and going for a job that’s not in a women’s field,” she said. “There are a few I believe I’ve helped, and it’s just been really rewarding.”
After 12 successful years of business, a devastating kitchen fire forced Donna to shut down the establishment. She decided not to reopen, and instead found a brief yet success career in real estate. But Donna missed her former career, and the sociable, connection-forming nature of the hospitality industry. “I just love people,” she said. “I make real relationships with my customers and I missed making those connections.” So after four years, Donna decided to get back into business. With the help of her husband, she opened Perlo’s. The business has been thriving for 16 years come this October. Over the years, Perlo’s has evolved. But Donna feels the most current redesign is reflective of Perlo’s at its essence. “I wanted it to feel like a neighborhood restaurant in New York,” she said. “And it finally looks and feels the way I want it to.” As a native downstater, I can attest that Donna 14
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: may 2017
was indeed successful. Stepping into Perlo’s, you’re greeted by the warmth of wood-oaked panels, and walls adorned with vintage family photographs. The warm, carpeted space is matched with the aroma of warming bread, of baked clams and steamed water glasses. It’s the smell of Sunday family dinners in a familiar, yet elegant dining space, the smell of home in many ways. And for many, Perlo’s has become a hub for family occasions throughout all walks of life. From weddings to baby showers to communions, Donna has seen families throughout all stages of life come together to celebrate and make memories. For Donna, this is the most rewarding part of owning Perlo’s -- the palpable connections she is able to make with her customers and individuals in the industry, and the loyalty that persists with the relationships she builds. “I love what I do. I love my customers,” she told me. “They’ve been through a lot with us over the past 16 years. To have been at somebody’s wedding and then watch them baptize their first baby?” She smiled. “It’s just really fulfilling.”
Her connection to her customers can be found everywhere -- from their highly active Facebook page to the menu, where each dish is named after a longtime customer. And to make it to the menu? Donna’s answer is simple. “Become a regular,” she said, laughing. “If I see you in here every week for a few months, you’ve become part of the family.” Throughout her career, Donna has also had the opportunity to help others in their own entrepreneurial journey -- whether it’s her son, owner and operator of Downtown’s the Bug Jar and recently opened The Silver Iguana, or women in the industry just starting out. “One of the things that I’ve really enjoyed is working with some of the younger women and going for a job that’s not in a women’s field,” she said. “There are a few I believe I’ve helped, and it’s just been really rewarding.”