Michele Ardoni

Food Service & Retail Advisor

I am a strategist and partner for businesses aiming to optimize, scale, and innovate their retail and foodservice operations. With extensive experience in creating scalable business models, I specialize in transforming concepts into thriving chains, whether through direct ownership or franchising. My focus lies in delivering measurable results by leveraging cutting-edge technologies, streamlining operations, and fostering partnerships that drive growth and sustainability.

What I do

I have a proven ability to improve the operations of restaurant chains, especially during scaling and new openings. By streamlining processes and optimizing supply chains, I ensure smooth execution across locations. I focus on implementing standardized procedures and using data to guide decision-making, ensuring that each new opening meets the brand’s quality standards. Working closely with teams across the business, from kitchen staff to logistics, I ensure efficient and successful launches. My approach helps businesses grow sustainably, maintaining profitability and operational excellence as they expand.

Business Optimization and Chain Development

Model Creation and Optimization: I design and refine business models to ensure scalability and long-term profitability. Franchise Development: I guide brands in establishing franchising frameworks, enabling rapid expansion into new markets. Operational Excellence: I enhance workflows, supply chains, and processes to maximize efficiency and reduce costs.

Retail and Foodservice Innovation

Concept Development: Crafting unique formats that meet modern consumer demands, such as Ghost Kitchens, Cloud Kitchens, and modular retail solutions. Technology Integration: Implementing digital tools to improve customer engagement and operational agility. Market Adaptation: Tailoring concepts to diverse cultural and regulatory environments to ensure success in international markets.

Networking and Strategic Partnerships

Industry Collaboration: Building connections with franchisors, investors, and local operators to drive growth. Tenant Mix Optimization: Assisting shopping centers in curating food courts and retail spaces that attract and retain customers. Stakeholder Engagement: Navigating relationships with institutional and corporate stakeholders to ensure alignment and success.

Clients

Skills

Food Services

0%
Development
95%
Franchising
80%
Operations
90%
Innovation
90%
Format design
90%

Retail

80%
International Development
76%
Market setup
82%
Training
80%
HR
75%
Business planning
78%
Operations and fittings
88%

My Experience

2024 - Current
SUBLIME TORINO
INVESTOR

Investor and board member of Sublime Torino, an artisanal laboratory specializing in the production of spoon desserts and creams for restaurant chains and supermarkets. The company exclusively uses natural ingredients, without the addition of colorants or preservatives, delivering a product comparable to organic quality.

2018-Current
MADEV
Milan (Italy)
FOODSERVICE ADVISOR

I provided consultancy to Italian chain brands, helping them scale in Serbia and Ukraine by introducing international investors and franchisees, while optimizing their supply chains. I also led the development of retail and food court projects, contributing to the growth of commercial real estate and supporting their international expansion

2022-2023
CONFIDENTIAL
Warsaw (Poland)
FOODSERVICE SCOUTING - POLAND

In 2022, I led onsite market research in Poland for international investors, developing restaurant chain expansion strategies, including real estate evaluation and supply chain optimization, tailored to local market dynamics. Resident.

2020-2024
DYNAMIC FOOD BRANDS SRL
Milan (Italy)
CEO & STARTUP CO-FOUNDER

Sciallami is a hybrid physical-digital food service brand, offering innovative food delivery models and scalable business solutions.
Dynamic Food Brands is the Startup.

2019-Current
FRANCHISE WORLD LINK
Singapore - Milan
COUNTRY MANAGER ITALY

As Country Manager for Franchise World Link since 2019, I recruit franchisees for the Italian market and assist Italian franchisors in expanding internationally by finding foreign franchisees.

2018-2018
ELSE CORP SRL
Milan (Italy)
STARTUP ADVISOR

As a Business Advisor for ELSE Corp, I conducted a thorough business analysis and prepared the company for its transition from startup phase to entering the phygital market. ELSE Corp, recognized as one of the most innovative service companies in luxury retail, benefited from my expertise in multi-channel retail, virtualization, and business development, which helped set the foundation for their growth in this emerging sector.

2012-2017
EVE CREATIVE DOO
Belgrade (Srbija)
CEO & CO-FOUNDER

As Executive Managing Director, I led restaurant and retail development in the Balkans, optimizing franchising, property management, and food court operations across multiple countries. Belgrade based.

2006-2012
AREA CONSUMER ITALIA SRL
Milan, Belgrade, Kiev
CEO & FOUNDER

At Area Consumer, I developed innovative retail formats, including "Le Case dell'Acqua," and led projects for Coca-Cola and Unilever Algida, creating exclusive solutions for stadiums, events, and retail outlets.

2004-2006
SPAZIO FUTURO SRL
Milan (Italy)
COMMERCIAL MANAGER & OPERATIONS

At Spazio Futuro, I managed commercial operations, developed new food court formats, and provided consulting for shopping malls, overseeing architecture, contracts, pilotage, and pro rata management for innovative retail projects.

2002-2004
ELDOR CORPORATION SPA
Como - Izmir - Istanbul
INTERNATIONAL SALES MANAGER

At Eldor, I managed international sales, developed new products, and led key accounts like Thomson RCA. I oversaw sales in major markets, achieving a €45 million budget.

2001-2002
ARNEG SPA Cluj
Napoca (Romania)
RESIDENT PLANT MANAGER - CLUJ

At Oscartielle Est Europa, I led the start-up of a refrigeration cabinet manufacturing plant in Romania, optimized production lines, developed a local supplier network, and managed international tenders for major supermarket chains.

1999-2001
ITALBABY INDIA PVT LTD
New Delhi (India)
RESIDENT MANAGING DIRECTOR INDIA

At Italbaby India, I founded and managed the first company importing and distributing Italian baby products, utilizing an innovative franchising system to build a strong distributor network and establish a significant market presence despite regulatory challenges.

1997-1998
PHILIPS SPA
Monza (Italy)
KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER

At Philips, I served as Strategic Client Account Manager for Sound & Vision - Consumer Electronics, managing key accounts in Lombardy, including Expert, Trony, and Finiper, with a turnover of 10 million euros.

1992-1996
CREARREDA SRL
Milan (Italy)
COMMERCIAL MANAGER

At Crearreda Srl, I served as Commercial Manager & New Business Development, playing a key role as co-founder in launching the business. I built the sales network from scratch, securing placements in Italian GDO and developing opportunities abroad. I managed all sales, partecipate in the product development products, and led sales planning for toy chains and wholesalers until the end of my tenure.

1984-1992
AQUATTRO SRL
Cinisello Balsamo (Italy)
ACCOUNT & SALES REP

From 1984 to 1992, I managed accounts at Aquattro Srl, overseeing the supply of compatible semi-finished products for electromechanical manufacturers, aligning with their mid-term production projects, and securing distribution agreements with international suppliers, mainly from Germany.

Portfolio

Pricing

Silver Package – Discovery Session

DESCRIPTION

1-hour brainstorming session to analyze the client’s project or business model. Ideal for a quick and focused initial consultation.

Price: €250 / hour

INCLUDED SERVICES:

  • Understanding the client’s needs.
  • Initial feedback and identification
    of opportunities or issues.

Gold Package – Focused Strategy

DESCRIPTION

A detailed consultation session of 2 hours, plus 2 additional hours for research and analysis, aimed at developing tailored recommendations.

Price: €600

INCLUDED SERVICES:

  • A 2-hour call for an in-depth analysis.
  • 2 hours of offline work to create a
    report with specific actions.
  • Recommendations for optimizing the business model or growth strategies.

Platinum Package – Strategic Roadmap

DESCRIPTION

A premium service including 3 hours of video calls, split into two sessions, and 5 hours of offline work to develop a personalized strategic roadmap.

Price: €1200

INCLUDES SERVICES:

  • An initial 2-hour call and a 1-hour follow-up session.
  • 5 hours of study and development to create an actionable roadmap.
  • A detailed plan with key steps, recommendations, and suggested tools.