MICHELE ARDONI
INTERNATIONAL FOODSERVICE ADVISOR
MILANO - ITALY

WHO I AM

I am an Italian professional with a deep expertise in developing scalable foodservice concepts and supporting the growth of both Italian and international businesses.
My career spans leadership roles in strategy, business development, and operational excellence, with a focus on creating innovative formats and guiding companies through sustainable expansion.
Whether collaborating with global brands or emerging ventures, my mission is to drive value through tailored solutions, leveraging my understanding of market trends and consumer behavior to deliver impactful results.
The beginning of my career was in the electronics and electromechanical industry, which shaped my professional approach and business perspective. This foundation has instilled in me a focus on organization, foresight, innovation, and research, making me a results-driven manager and entrepreneur committed to achieving excellence.
I specialize in the strategic development of foodservice and retail businesses, focusing on optimizing operations, refining business models, and creating innovative concepts that align with evolving market demands. My work involves collaborating with key stakeholders—investors, franchise developers, and industry leaders—to ensure businesses achieve sustainable growth. With a hands-on approach, I help transform ideas into profitable, scalable operations, blending creativity with practicality to deliver measurable success. Occasionally, when companies were unable to recognize the potential of an innovation, I took it upon myself to turn these ideas into scalable, tangible businesses, becoming an entrepreneur in the process.

MY SKILLS
The skills required in chain restaurant and retail management are highly specialized, encompassing a blend of strategic, operational, and interpersonal expertise. Here’s a breakdown of key areas and why entrusting a seasoned professional with international experience is critical for success:
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EXPERIENCE
Milan (Italy)

MADEV is my personal brand dedicated to the creation and development of cutting-edge foodservice formats. With a focus on strategic consultancy and scalable business models, MADEV specializes in transforming innovative ideas into operationally efficient and market-ready solutions for restaurant chains. Through precise international supplier sourcing and operational optimization, MADEV supports companies in achieving sustainable growth and elevating their market positioning.

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.
Warsaw (Poland)

In 2022, I conducted extensive on-site market research in Poland on behalf of international investors, focusing on developing tailored restaurant chain expansion strategies. My work included real estate evaluation, supply chain optimization, and designing scalable operational models aligned with the unique dynamics of the local market. By residing in Poland during this period, I gained in-depth insights into consumer behavior, market trends, and logistical challenges, enabling the creation of robust, market-adapted solutions for sustainable growth.
Milan (Italy)

Sciallami is an innovative hybrid physical-digital food service brand that combines the convenience of technology with the tangible quality of a premium dining experience. It introduced groundbreaking food delivery models and scalable business solutions tailored to modern consumer needs.
As the founder and CEO of Dynamic Food Brands, the startup behind Sciallami, I spearheaded the design and implementation of innovative concepts for the foodservice industry. The company specialized in remote kitchen models such as Ghost Kitchens, Cloud Kitchens, and Dark Kitchens, setting new standards for efficiency, scalability, and customer engagement in the evolving food delivery landscape. Under my leadership, Sciallami became a pioneer in this sector, redefining how food delivery services could operate at scale.
Singapore - Milan

As Country Manager for Franchise World Link since 2019, I have been responsible for recruiting franchisees for the Italian market and supporting Italian franchisors in their international expansion efforts. My role involves identifying and connecting with foreign franchisees, facilitating cross-border partnerships, and providing strategic guidance to ensure sustainable growth and successful market entry. By leveraging my expertise in franchise development and global market dynamics, I help businesses scale effectively while navigating the complexities of international franchising.
Belgrade (Srbija)

As Executive Managing Director at Eve Creative d.o.o., based in Belgrade, I spearheaded the development and management of shopping malls, restaurants, and retail projects across the Balkans. My role focused on optimizing franchising operations, property management, and food court strategies to ensure seamless operations and sustainable growth across multiple countries. Through a combination of strategic leadership and hands-on execution, I successfully enhanced operational efficiency, improved tenant relationships, and elevated customer experiences, solidifying the company’s presence in the region’s competitive market.
Milan, Belgrade, Kiev

At Area Consumer, I specialized in developing innovative and scalable retail formats, including the groundbreaking “Le Case dell’Acqua”, a modular and eco-friendly water distribution system that became a model of inspiration across Italy and internationally. I also led high-impact projects for major brands such as Coca-Cola, Disney, Unilever Algida, and Mirabilandia, delivering exclusive solutions for stadiums, events, and retail outlets. My work combined cutting-edge design, operational efficiency, and sustainability, resulting in tailor-made concepts that addressed client needs while setting new standards in the industry.
Milan (Italy)

At Spazio Futuro, I managed commercial operations, developed innovative food court formats, and provided consulting services for shopping malls. My role encompassed overseeing architecture, contract negotiations, pilotage, and pro-rata management for cutting-edge retail projects. I was instrumental in introducing and contributing to the creation of organized pilotage systems in Italy for shopping malls, setting a benchmark for efficient coordination and execution of retail developments. This approach streamlined operations, ensuring seamless integration of tenants and enhancing the overall retail experience.
Como - Izmir - Istanbul

At Eldor Corporation, I managed international sales for Surface-Mount Technology (SMT) and Flyback Transformers (FBT), leading key accounts such as Thomson RCA and overseeing operations in major markets, achieving an ambitious €45 million budget. My role extended to product development, market expansion, and strategic account management, driving growth and innovation across the company’s portfolio.
Additionally, I was responsible for coordinating with Eldor’s production facilities in Orsenigo (Italy), Izmir (Turkey), and Istanbul (Turkey). This involved aligning manufacturing capabilities with market demands, optimizing production schedules, and ensuring seamless communication between sales and operations teams. By bridging international markets with manufacturing hubs, I enhanced operational efficiency and ensured the timely delivery of high-quality products to global clients. My work contributed to strengthening Eldor’s position as a leading supplier in the electronics industry.
Napoca (Romania)

At Oscartielle Est Europa, I spearheaded the start-up of a refrigeration cabinet manufacturing plant in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, taking on comprehensive responsibilities that spanned production optimization, supply chain development, and international business expansion. I successfully established and optimized production lines, ensuring they met both local market needs and international quality standards.
A key aspect of my role was the development of a local supplier network, addressing the critical challenge of sourcing components such as sheet metal, electronic controls, and polyurethane parts within the region. By building a reliable network of subcontractors and aligning them with Oscartielle’s manufacturing requirements, I significantly improved operational efficiency and reduced production costs.
Additionally, I managed international tenders for major supermarket chains, positioning Oscartielle’s plug-in refrigeration cabinets as a competitive and innovative solution for retailers in Eastern Europe. I also oversaw the creation of a distribution and service network in Romania, ensuring post-sale support and customer satisfaction.
This comprehensive approach led to rapid growth, earning Oscartielle Est Europa recognition in Italian media, including Il Sole 24 Ore, and visits from industrial leaders such as Confindustria, who sought to understand the success of this initiative. My leadership contributed to establishing Oscartielle Est Europa as a key player in the refrigeration market in Eastern Europe.
New Delhi (India)

In 1999, I founded Italbaby India in New Delhi, the first company to develop a franchising retail business model for Italian baby products in the country. This innovative approach introduced high-quality, Italian-made baby products to the Indian market, establishing a robust network of distributors and retail outlets nationwide.
The initiative’s success and originality earned national recognition, with coverage in leading newspapers such as the Hindustan Times and the Times of India in 2000. Despite facing complex regulatory challenges, I positioned Italbaby India as a pioneer in its sector, creating a scalable and sustainable business model that brought premium Italian products to a rapidly evolving market.
Monza (Italy)

At Philips Consumer Electronics, I held the position of Strategic Client Account Manager for the Sound & Vision - Consumer Electronics division. In this role, I managed key accounts in Lombardy, including prominent clients such as Expert, Trony, and Finiper, overseeing a turnover of 10 million euros in 1998. My responsibilities included developing tailored sales strategies, fostering strong client relationships, and ensuring the achievement of revenue targets, contributing to Philips’ market leadership in the consumer electronics sector.
Milan (Italy)

At Crearreda Srl, I served as Commercial Manager & New Business Development, playing a pivotal role as a co-founder in launching the business. I joined the company at its inception, starting as a warehouse manager when the company was newly established. Shortly thereafter, I transitioned into sales, quickly rising to become Sales Manager and eventually taking on the role of International Sales Director.
During my tenure, I built the sales network from scratch, securing placements in Italian GDO (large-scale retail) and expanding opportunities internationally. I managed all sales operations, actively participated in product development, and led strategic sales planning for toy chains and wholesalers. My contributions were instrumental in establishing Crearreda as a recognized player in both the domestic and international markets.
Cinisello Balsamo (Italy)

At Aquattro Srl, a B2B company based in Cinisello Balsamo specializing in raw materials and semi-finished products for the electronics and electromechanical industry, I began my career as a Sales Assistant, later advancing to the role of Sales Representative.
The company supplied a wide range of specialized components, including depositable polyurethane resins, enameled capillary copper wire, magnetic laminations, transformer bobbins, and machinery for the production of transformers and coils. In this role, I developed a deep understanding of industrial sales processes, client relationship management, and technical product solutions.
A key aspect of my work involved establishing international partnerships, as I took an active role in acquiring exclusive representations from foreign markets, particularly the United Kingdom and Germany. This experience allowed me to expand the company’s product portfolio and strengthen its market positioning, laying the foundation for my expertise in international trade, industrial distribution, and strategic business development.
PORTFOLIO
Video
Guest Lecturer

Over the years, and particularly during the pandemic, I have played a pivotal role in helping businesses adapt to new business and service models, enabling them to navigate profound industry shifts and future challenges. My expertise in foodservice innovation and operational transformation led to invitations to workshops, television programs, and radio broadcasts, where I provided insights on how both chain and independent restaurants, as well as the broader hospitality sector, could overcome crises by adopting strategies that moved beyond traditional industry practices.
My advisory work has focused on reshaping restaurant models, introducing new revenue streams, and streamlining operations to enhance resilience and scalability. I have worked closely with businesses to develop ghost kitchen concepts, optimize food delivery models, and integrate data-driven decision-making into restaurant management, ensuring long-term sustainability in a post-pandemic market.


Beyond media engagements, I have delivered training sessions in private hospitality and restaurant management institutes, equipping professionals with the knowledge to build scalable business models for independent openings and franchising expansions. My programs have emphasized the critical balance between tradition and modernity, guiding restaurateurs in leveraging heritage and quality while implementing contemporary approaches tailored to the evolving customer journey.
Additionally, I have collaborated with industry leaders and emerging entrepreneurs, providing hands-on training on market positioning, operational efficiency, supply chain strategies, and technology integration in foodservice. These experiences have further positioned me as a recognized expert in driving restaurant business evolution through innovation and structured development methodologies.
ONLINE CONSULTING FEES
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.
- Online only
CONTACT ME

OFFICES

Based in Milan, Italy, a key hub for international business and trade, I operate globally through strategic partnerships, including Franchise World Link, where I serve as Country Manager Italy, managing both inbound and outbound expansion opportunities.
Milan’s strategic position provides access to a dynamic ecosystem of global investors, franchise developers, and multinational corporations. Through Franchise World Link, I support franchisors expanding internationally and investors seeking scalable franchise opportunities, ensuring seamless market entry and operational success.