Ep. 50 - Raising the Bar in Hospitality: Dana Cifone’s Journey of Purpose and Excellence

In this milestone 50th episode of the Finding Purpose Podcast, Adam sits down with Dana Cifone, powerhouse hospitality leader and Director of Operations at Townhouse, one of Greenwich’s premier dining destinations. Dana has spent over two decades mastering the nuances of style, service, and leadership in the food and beverage industry. From her early days setting the table with her mom to running one of the most sophisticated restaurants in Fairfield County, Dana’s story is a beautiful blend of grit, vision, and heart.

Rooted in a strong Italian-Portuguese upbringing where food, family, and ambiance always came first, Dana shares how a childhood full of family dinners and holiday hosting sparked her love for hospitality. She dives into what it takes to lead a successful team, how to balance creativity with operational excellence, and what it means to build something that truly reflects your heart and heritage.

This episode also explores the emotional side of entrepreneurship—sacrifice, sibling bonds, and carving out identity in a demanding industry—all wrapped in an inspiring conversation about finding purpose in the service of others.

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🔑 Key Takeaways

✅ Hospitality can be a calling rooted in childhood memories and family tradition.
✅ Great leadership is about vision, presence, and empowering your team.
✅ Family and food are deeply connected in shaping our sense of identity and comfort.
✅ Pursuing your passion requires both emotional sacrifice and creative execution.
✅ Purpose doesn’t always look like what you expect—it evolves with each chapter of your journey.

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🗣️ Quotes to Remember

“Even a simple dinner at home was an experience—there was always ambiance, there was always intention.” – Dana Cifone

“I always loved the pageantry of dining. At 14, I already had a notebook of what my restaurant would look like—ashtrays included.” – Dana Cifone

“Hospitality isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are. It’s how we bring people together.” – Adam Vohra

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🔗 Connect with Dana & Townhouse

📸 Instagram: Dana Cifone

🍽️ Restaurant Website: townhousegreenwich.com
📸 Instagram: @townhousegreenwich

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