Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia
What is the first thing you do when you open for the day?
DRINK ESPRESSO, and then turn the lights on and do a walkthrough to make sure the restaurant is clean and ready for service.
What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes?
Taste test constantly… but I guess that’s expected.
If there were an award for your daily routine, what would it be called?
OCD—making sure the display case is properly faced and the merch is folded nicely. I hate when things are out of place.
What’s something you’ve gotten better at every year?
Controlling my temper—lol.
What’s one item you always have on hand?
My pocket knife.
What’s something you do that seems small but makes a huge difference?
Say hello to everyone in the staff and smile.
What was your “I made it” moment?
Still waiting for it…
Tell us about your favorite local spot.
After moving to northern Westchester, The Blazer for the signature wings and a bourbon.
What northern Westchester business do you secretly (or not so secretly) love?
It used to be Village Social…Now I work for the company!
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing instead?
I’ve been doing this for so long…I am not sure.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
The best advice I got was in the beginning of my career in culinary school… to do my externship at Le Cirque 2000.
How do you celebrate a big win?
Hug my kids.
Describe your business in three words.
Fresh. Classic. Cozy.
If your business had a theme song, what would it be?
“Cheeseburger in Paradise” by Jimmy Buffett
What’s the funniest customer request you’ve ever received?
Stop sending my burger upside down (might have been a complaint…).
What’s your business’s unofficial motto?
Make sure everyone is happy.
What’s your dream customer reaction?
Cartwheels down the block, maybe.
What’s something your business does differently than anyone else?
We just focus on happy guests and good food. We don’t like to compare ourselves to others.
What’s the smallest detail your customers notice—or that you hope they notice?
Notice when things are out of place, or not made correctly… FIX THEM.
What’s the one thing your business couldn’t function without?
Our amazing guests.
What’s one thing people often say when they first walk in?
Wow, this is so cute.
What’s the unsung hero of your business?
Our porter—Marvin.
What’s a word or phrase customers often use to describe your business—and do you agree?
Badass… 100%.
What is your most popular item?
Smashburgers.
What is something you wish more people knew about your business?
They can customize our burgers/crispy chicken sandwiches in so many ways!
Address: 49 Wheeler Ave, Pleasantville, NY 10570
Phone number: (914) 449-6644
Website: luluskitchenette.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.
