GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A GVSU graduate from Europe is working to expand his bread-based business and spread some of his Italian culture to West Michigan along the way.
Michele Minghetti, 25, co-founded Dante's Bakery with his brother Raffaele after graduating with a master's degree in business and administration in 2022.
During his time at Grand Valley State, Michele said he noticed a lack of Italian cuisine, which made him want to bring introduce authentic focaccia to West Michigan. He explains the Italian bread as an olive oil-rich snack that can be eaten at any time of the day.
"You kind of almost taste Italy – that’s my goal. So you don't have to travel around the world to go to Italy, you can just have one of our flatbread or our Focaccia, put it in the oven for a couple of minutes, heat it up, then you can eat it and you say. 'Oh my gosh, I feel like I was in Italy.'"
Michele said their goods can be found at a number of farmers markets, as well as the Bridge Street Market and the D&W at Breton Village. His hope is to expand and eventually collaborate with local cafes so that he may be able to spread his family's culture.
"That's, I think, our goal," he said. "To bring the best product to people from Michigan that deserve it."
More info can be found on their website here.
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