Lanfranco Pescante has always believed that passion and determination are the pillars of building a successful career. Born and raised in Italy, he began developing a passion for the hospitality business at a very young age, working in various sectors of the restaurant and hotel industries.
At just 15 years old, he decided to move to the United States. As a young teenager, he immediately started working hard, beginning as a dishwasher and later becoming a waiter, eventually taking on every possible role within restaurants and bars. This journey allowed him to deeply learn the secrets of the industry, working in every position with dedication and determination, distinguishing himself for his rapid career progression, faster than anyone else in the field.
His extraordinary entrepreneurial journey began in the early 2000s, when he started organizing parties in abandoned houses, attracting over a thousand people per event.
The management was flawless, with bartenders, valets, and security transforming these parties into must-attend events. Their popularity grew to the point that these parties attracted more people than many nightclubs in the city.
This attention to detail and organizational ability did not go unnoticed by local bar and restaurant owners, who began hiring him to manage promotions and events in their venues.
From there, the transition to producing large-scale concerts and developing new concepts in the hospitality industry was quick. It was during this time that he founded his first company, Nocturnal Hospitality Group, revolutionizing the world of events with concerts, celebrity performances, and the daily operations of managing venues.
This bold step marked the beginning of an entrepreneurial journey that would lead him to become an expert in the hospitality business.
The experience he gained working in American restaurants, in both operational and managerial roles, allowed him to develop an in-depth knowledge of the industry.
It was precisely this wealth of expertise that enabled him to face the challenges characteristic of the hospitality business, turning difficulties into opportunities to learn and grow.
His determination and desire to create something personal and innovative led him to aim even higher. After realizing that his work was only enriching the owners of the venues he worked for, he decided to develop his own project. Despite the difficulties he faced along the way—hundreds of rejections and constant criticism such as “You’ll never make it” or “90% of venues fail in the first year”—he kept pitching his idea and seeking funding to open his first venue.
After a long series of obstacles, he finally succeeded in making his dream a reality: opening Franklin Manor, a venue that set revenue records in a location where many others had failed in the past. This first success was just the beginning. Over time, he invested resources, effort, and passion to expand his business, bringing his innovative, customer-focused approach to other parts of the world.
His story is a testament to how determination, the ability to learn from every experience, and the desire to create value can transform challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality.
Today, his business has expanded and operates internationally, including in Italy, as well as other European and non-European destinations.
His ability to anticipate market trends and meet customer needs made his company a benchmark in the sector.
Pescante has always focused on customer experience, creating spaces where hospitality and quality coexist in perfect harmony.
This innovative approach, combined with his entrepreneurial vision, has solidified his reputation on both a national and international level.
A humble and determined leader
Despite his success, Lanfranco Pescante has never forgotten his roots. His humble approach to work has helped him maintain a genuine connection with both his staff and his clients. “Hospitality is an industry that requires empathy and respect for people,” he states. For him, success is not just about numbers but also about human relationships and quality service. His leadership is based on values such as integrity, dedication, and passion, along with the constant training of his team and hands-on support in daily activities to achieve maximum results.
Indeed, Pescante does not merely manage his company from above; he remains actively involved in operations, working alongside his team and demonstrating that teamwork is essential for success.
Global success
Today, Lanfranco Pescante has taken his brand far beyond Italian borders, expanding his business internationally. The opening of restaurants and hospitality venues in various cities worldwide highlights his ability to adapt to different markets and cultures.
This expansion required careful planning and significant coordination efforts, but the results have exceeded all expectations.
Each project reflects his commitment to excellence and innovation, thanks to his ability to balance creativity and pragmatism. This approach has allowed him to navigate the challenges of an increasingly competitive global market while maintaining the unique identity of his brand.
Resilience and perseverance: the keys to success
In the hospitality sector, challenges are abundant, but for Lanfranco Pescante, every obstacle is an opportunity to improve.
One of the most significant moments in his career was the launch of his first major project. Securing the necessary funding was not easy, and he faced many rejections, but his determination never wavered.
“You have to endure, even when everything seems to go wrong,” he says. This resilience helped him overcome initial hurdles and build an empire based on commitment and passion. His experience shows that perseverance and faith in one’s goals are essential ingredients for success.
Courage and passion: to achieve a dream
For those dreaming of entering the hospitality business, Pescante offers some valuable advice. First, he recommends gaining practical experience in every possible role.
“Understanding how the industry works is essential,” he explains. He also encourages young people to step out of their comfort zones and embrace challenges with courage to achieve their goals.
“Passion must be the driving force behind everything,” he emphasizes. “It’s not just about working hard; it’s about loving what you do. That will give you the strength to overcome even the most difficult moments.”
Finally, Pescante believes in the importance of surrounding yourself with talented and trustworthy people, building a team that shares the same vision and goals.
Looking to the future, Pescante continues to dream big, aiming to offer increasingly unforgettable experiences to his customers and inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs.
