Each year, the Corridor Business Journal shines a spotlight on young professionals who have made a meaningful impact on the region early in their careers. We are proud to introduce you to the 20th class of Forty Under 40 honorees, chosen by a committee of past honorees. Isabella Santoro Restaurant Owner | Northside Diner Age: […]
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Isabella Santoro
Restaurant Owner | Northside Diner
Age: 37
Residence: Washington, Iowa
Hometown: Florence, Italy
Education: University of Iowa — Bachelor of Arts
What was your first job? Doing arts and crafts with elementary school kids after school.
What do you consider your "big break" in your career, so far? My “big break” came when I renovated and opened the Northside Diner, a "retro diner with a modern twist," located right on the square in Washington, Iowa. This venture was a true labor of love that took three years of dedication and hard work. My husband and I faced numerous challenges along the way, investing significant time, resources, and energy into bringing our vision to life. Now that the diner is finally open, it feels like a breath of fresh air, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve created.
What would most people be surprised to learn about you? Most people would be surprised to learn that I’m not a great cook. While I have a deep passion for food and have gained a wealth of culinary knowledge from my travels, cooking just isn’t my forte. I truly enjoy exploring flavors and dining experiences, but I don’t find joy in the kitchen itself.
What are your passions outside of the workplace? Outside of work, I’m a passionate book lover and seize every opportunity to read, whether it’s traditional books, eBooks, or audiobooks. I especially enjoy bike riding, and there's nothing better than listening to a captivating story while I ride! While I can’t indulge in that as often, I also have a deep love for traveling and writing about my adventures.
What do you want to accomplish by the time you are 50? By the time I’m 50, I hope to achieve the work-life balance I often talk about. As I navigate the early days of owning and running my own restaurant, my goal over the next 13 years is to create a schedule that allows for vacation, travel, leisure, and more quality time with my family.
