Let’s make one thing clear: I will never turn down an offer for Italian food. So when I opened an email to find a dinner invitation from Guy Devillier, owner of That’s Amore, there was zero hesitation in saying yes. After spending an evening in the cozy cafe, perched on the edge of Seattle’s Mount Baker neighborhood, it was clear that the staff cares as much about their local community as they do their insanely delicious risotto cakes.

That’s Amore has been a staple of the neighborhood for 20 years. So when news broke that the owner was planning to close up shop, Guy, one of his most trusted servers since 2013, jumped at the offer to step in and take the reins. Partnering with David Hoefer, who handled the landscaping and dining room improvements, the pair started looking for traditional financing options, which unfortunately didn't pan out.