Enrico Prodi, Senior Director of East Coast Operations at Eataly

Meet Enrico Prodi, Senior Director of East Coast Operations at Eataly, the Italian experiential marketplace located at the historic 200 Fifth Avenue building in Flatiron.

1. Back in 2010, Eataly opened its very first U.S. location in Flatiron. What drew Eataly to choose this neighborhood?  

Eataly had its eye on New York City for the first location in the United States and the historic building at 200 5th Avenue was the perfect place for us to build out our unique mix of restaurants, retail, education, and quick service counters – a recreation of an Italian piazza in the heart of Manhattan. 

2. Do you have a favorite Eataly Flatiron memory, whether with your team, your guests, or at a special event?

One of my favorite memories was working n a project in May of 2024, which we called “Eataly Loves NYC.” The campaign celebrated our roots in New York City, our first home in North America, with an 18-hour celebration. From 6:00am until midnight, we hosted an incredible lineup of activities for the community – including the unveiling of our expanded Caffè Vergnano space, an artist installation at our 5th Avenue kiosk, a yoga and dance party on our SERRA rooftop, and DJ sets to end the night in our marketplace. 

3. What led you to purse a career in the food and hospitality industry? For those aspiring to work in the field, what professional advice can you share?

I was always fascinated by the hospitality industry. However, at Eataly, we are not only focused on food and beverage alone, but we are an experience business – it is all about making the guests feel special. We do that through our different channels: our restaurants, our retail shopping experience, the quick service counters, and cooking classes or educational opportunities. The best advice I’d have to share is to always think about your customers’ needs, to create a great environment with your team, and to never stop innovating.  

4. Flatiron & NoMad is a dining and culture destination. How has the neighborhood’s vibrant energy influenced the way you operate and innovate here?

Eataly Flatiron is our flagship store in North America, so it sets the bar for everything that we do here in the United States. The energy of the neighborhood and its vibrant community keep us on top of our game, as cultural and dining trends are often driven by the scene here in New York City. We are sure to pay attention to what is happening locally so we can continue to innovate and bring unforgettable culinary experiences to our guests. 

5. Running such a dynamic marketplace in the middle of Manhattan must come with its unique challenges. What behind-the-scenes stories best capture the passion it takes to keep Eataly Flatiron thriving?

I am extremely lucky to be surrounded by the incredible artisans at Eataly. On a daily basis, we are working to create new products, dishes, and activations for our guests. One example of the behind-the-scenes action is for the “Eataly Loves NYC” event that I mentioned earlier – I can’t forget the hours spent by our pastry team to come up with a completely new collection of products tied to the special occasion, including our namesake Eataly Chocolate Cake. 

6. Flatiron & NoMad has become a place where global brands and local, neighborhood businesses grow side by side. What role do you see Eataly playing in that ecosystem over the next 15 years?

Eataly is a global brand that very much embraces each location we come to, and with Flatiron being our original home in North America, we are proud to have fostered incredible relationships with neighboring businesses in the area. I am sure that we’ll continue to maintain and build new relationships with our Flatiron & NoMad neighbors for the next 15 years – whether that’s through collaborations, special events, or other projects. 

7. Looking ahead, what’s the most exciting idea, project, or experience that you hope will define the next chapter of Eataly Flatiron?

I am most excited about the renovation of the iconic Flatiron Building and its next chapter in the neighborhood. As a true architectural gem of the city, I am looking forward to seeing its completion and how it will define the area in the coming years. 

8. Finally, choose three words to describe Flatiron & NoMad.

Iconic, energetic, community-driven.

Header & Thumbnail Photo Credit: Eataly