Massimiliano Nigri is a passionate restaurateur, hospitality professional, and entrepreneur whose story is deeply woven into the fabric of his community. His journey in the United States began on October 12, 1999, when he and his brother, Achille, opened Café Amici in downtown Bradenton. What started as a dream between two brothers has grown into one of the area’s most beloved dining destinations, built on authenticity, hard work, and a genuine love for serving people.

More than two decades later, Massimiliano remains as passionate as ever about hospitality. His commitment to excellence, personal relationships, and creating memorable experiences for every guest has been a driving force behind Café Amici’s continued success. He believes that hospitality is more than a profession—it’s a way of life. That passion shines through in every interaction and has helped create a loyal following of customers who have become part of the Café Amici family.

Hospitality runs deep in the Nigri family. Massimiliano often says it’s in their DNA, with family members throughout the hospitality industry sharing the same dedication to service and excellence. Long before opening Café Amici, he built an impressive international career with the prestigious Starwood Luxury Collection Hotels, working in some of the world’s most iconic destinations, including Venice, Italy; Gstaad, Switzerland; Paris, France; London, England; San Francisco, California; and Antigua in the Caribbean.

Throughout his career, Massimiliano has had the privilege of serving countless celebrities, dignitaries, and high-profile guests from around the world. Yet among all those experiences, one stands above the rest: serving Princess Diana during her stay at the Ritz in Paris. It remains one of the most memorable moments of a remarkable hospitality career filled with incredible stories, unforgettable encounters, and lessons learned from serving people at the highest level.

Today, Massimiliano continues to lead Café Amici with the same enthusiasm and dedication that inspired him over 25 years ago. His story is one of perseverance, passion, family, and service—a testament to what can be achieved when you love what you do. With a lifetime of experiences spanning continents, cultures, and extraordinary moments, he often jokes that one day he’ll write a book. Until then, he’s sharing some of those stories right here on the Suited Warrior Podcast.