Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia
What is the first thing you do when you open for the day?
I walk through the kitchen and the dining room before anything else. It’s my way of grounding the day—checking the energy, the stations, the people. It tells me exactly what kind of day we’re about to have.
What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes?
I spend a lot of time mentoring young cooks and managers. Some conversations are about food, but most are about life, discipline, and building confidence.
If there were an award for your daily routine, what would it be called?
“The Never-Sit-Down Award.” I’m always moving.
What’s something you’ve gotten better at every year?
Letting go. Trusting the team. Learning that growth happens when you step back and let your people rise.
What’s one item you always have on hand?
A small notebook. I write down ideas, tweaks, and little lessons from the day. The best recipes usually start there.
What’s something you do that seems small but makes a huge difference?
I taste everything—even the simplest things. A small adjustment can change the entire guest experience.
What was your “I made it” moment?
Re-launching the first Village Social menu and seeing the dining room full on a random weeknight. That was the moment I felt the community truly embraced us.
Tell us about your favorite local spot.
I love stopping by small, family-run coffee shops. There’s something grounding about seeing the same familiar faces and watching people start their mornings. It’s become my routine and a reminder of why community matters.
What northern Westchester business do you secretly (or not so secretly) love?
I’m a big fan of Cookery. Incredible food, consistent quality and a great team behind it.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing instead?
Something hands-on and creative—music ? Not sure to be honest.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
“Listen more than you speak.” It changed the way I lead.
How do you celebrate a big win?
Quietly. Usually with a good meal, a drink, and time with my wife and kids.
Describe your business in three words.
Community. Consistency. Heart.
If your business had a theme song, what would it be?
“Everyday People” by Sly & The Family Stone—because we built this place for everyone.
What’s the funniest customer request you’ve ever received?
Someone once asked if we could “make the fries extra crispy… but not too crispy… but still crispy.” We still joke about it.
What’s your business’s unofficial motto?
Treat every guest like a regular, and every regular like family.
What’s your dream customer reaction?
A smile before they even take the first bite—that moment of anticipation means we’re doing something right.
What’s something your business does differently than anyone else?
We cook with a chef-driven mindset but serve with genuine hospitality. It’s honest, accessible food with real soul.
What’s the smallest detail your customers notice—or that you hope they notice?
Warmth—from the way the room feels to the way the team greets you. It’s not something you can fake.
What’s the one thing your business couldn’t function without?
The people. Our teams are the entire engine.
What’s one thing people often say when they first walk in?
“Wow, it feels so lively in here.” They pick up on the energy immediately.
What’s the unsung hero of your business?
Our prep team. They start early, work hard, and set the tone for the entire day.
What’s a word or phrase customers often use to describe your business—and do you agree?
“Consistency.” And yes—that’s one of the best compliments we can get.
What is your most popular item/service?
Our burgers and our rice bowls. They’ve become staples—comfort food done really well.
What is something you wish more people knew about you and/or your business?
How much intention goes into everything: the menu, the training, the systems, the culture. Nothing is by accident—it’s all built with a lot of heart and a lot of work.
Address: 251 Main St, Mt Kisco, NY 10549
Phone number: (914) 864-1255
Website: villagesocialkb.com
This article was published in the January/February 2026 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.
To view all 2026 Connect to the Best winners, click here.
Isabella Aranda is a designer, writer and social media specialist with an M.A. in emerging media from the New Media Institute at the Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication. Driven by curiosity and inspired by timeless modern design, she blends creativity and strategy to craft compelling narratives that engage diverse audiences.
Her expertise spans digital marketing, content creation and UX design, with notable achievements such as co-creating the Georgia On Your Mind podcast and leading digital campaigns that significantly boosted engagement. A Venezuelan immigrant, Isabella brings a multicultural perspective to her work, enhancing her ability to connect with and inspire others.
