Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant Archives

Maria Fundora, Purple Pansies: Fighting Pancreatic Cancer

August 29, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Maria Fundora, Purple Pansies: Fighting Pancreatic Cancer

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Maria Fundora, Purple Pansies: Fighting Pancreatic Cancer (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 898)

Maria Fundora, founder of Purple Pansies and owner of Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant, joined host John Ray on North Fulton Business Radio to share her mission to fight pancreatic cancer. After losing her mother to the disease, Maria turned personal loss into purpose, creating Purple Pansies in 2007. Since then, the nonprofit has raised nearly $7 million to fund cutting-edge research, support patients and families with grants, and award scholarships to students whose lives have been disrupted by pancreatic cancer.

In this conversation, Maria highlights the alarming rise of pancreatic cancer, why early detection is critical, and how Purple Pansies helped bring the first early detection clinic for pancreatic cancer in the Southeast to Piedmont Hospital, Atlanta. She also shares details on the sold-out Pillars of Hope Gala, other community events, and ways supporters can get involved year-round. With passion, persistence, and hope, Maria is proving that one grassroots effort can make a national impact in the fight against this devastating disease.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, and is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., projected to rise to second by 2030.
Early detection is critical, with survival rates jumping to 88% when discovered at stage zero or one.
Purple Pansies has raised nearly $7 million since its founding in 2007, funding research, patient grants, and scholarships.
The first early detection clinic for pancreatic cancer in the Southeast has opened at Piedmont Atlanta, thanks in part to Purple Pansies’ efforts.
The annual Pillars of Hope Gala raises significant funds, but community members can also contribute through auctions, donations, volunteer opportunities, and Casa Nuova’s roundup program.
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, with multiple smaller events and fundraising initiatives planned.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:56 Meet Maria Fundora: Restauranteur and Advocate
02:20 The Origin of Purple Pansies
03:51 Understanding Pancreatic Cancer
06:56 Early Detection and Research Initiatives
13:07 Purple Pansies’ Mission and Impact
16:25 Upcoming Gala and How to Get Involved
23:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Maria Fundora and Purple Pansies

Maria Fundora, Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant and Purple Pansies, on North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray — **Maria Fundora, Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant and Purple Pansies**

Maria Fundora is the owner and operator of her family’s Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Maria founded Purple Pansies in 2007 after the passing of her mother, Iluminada Milian, to pancreatic cancer. The nonprofit began as a grassroots effort and has grown into a nationally recognized organization funding research, aiding families, and awarding scholarships to students impacted by the disease. The name Purple Pansies was inspired by the resilient flower that blooms even in the coldest weather, paired with purple, the color of pancreatic cancer awareness.

Key facts to know about pancreatic cancer include:

Pancreatic cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., and by 2030 it is projected to become the second-leading cause.
Early detection is critical. Survival rates jump to 88% when the disease is discovered at stage zero or stage one.
Overall survival has risen from about 1% when Maria began her advocacy to roughly 14% today, showing progress but underscoring the work still needed.
The disease is often called a “quiet killer” because symptoms typically do not appear until advanced stages.

Purple Pansies exists to honor Maria’s mother, spread her lesson of compassion, and carry on her legacy by helping others. Its mission is to raise awareness, promote early detection, and fund research that leads to clinical trials and new treatments.

The nonprofit has now raised almost $7 million. Its impact includes:

Helping fund three of the four current standard-of-care drugs used to treat pancreatic cancer
Awarding 27 scholarships this year to students whose families are affected by the disease
Providing grants to families across the U.S. facing the financial burden of pancreatic cancer
Partnering with Piedmont Atlanta and TGen to help establish the first early detection clinic for pancreatic cancer in the Southeast

Every dollar raised by Purple Pansies goes directly to its mission, powered by volunteers committed to bringing hope to patients, families, and future generations.

Their next fundraising event, Pillars of Hope. is on September 15, 2024, at The Metropolitan Club in Alpharetta. To find out more, click here.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | X (Twitter) | LinkedIn

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, with over $17 billion in assets and more than 180 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from each banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way to better understand the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

If you’re a law firm, medical practice, or manufacturer, there’s one headline you don’t want to make: “Local Business Pays Thousands in Ransom After Cyberattack.” That’s where Beyond Computer Solutions comes in. They help organizations like yours stay out of the news and in business with managed IT and cybersecurity services designed for industries where compliance and reputation matter most.

Whether they serve as your complete IT department or simply support your internal team, they are well-versed in HIPAA, secure document access, written security policies, and other essential aspects that ensure your safety and well-being. Best of all, it starts with a complimentary security assessment.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 890 episodes and having featured over 1,300 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show invites a diverse range of business, non-profit, and community leaders to share their significant contributions to their market, community, and profession. There’s no discrimination based on company size, and there’s never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates businesses by sharing positive stories that traditional media ignore. Some media lean left. Some media lean right. We lean business.

John Ray, host of North Fulton Business Radio, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors — **John Ray, host of *North Fulton Business Radio* and Owner, Ray Business Advisors**

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. John and the team at North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, produce the show, and it is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants, bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Funding Research for Pancreatic Cancer, with Maria Fundora, Purple Pansies

August 7, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Funding Research for Pancreatic Cancer, with Maria Fundora, Purple Pansies

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Funding Research for Pancreatic Cancer, with Maria Fundora, Purple Pansies (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 793)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Maria Fundora, owner of Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant and Founder of Purple Pansies. Maria shares her personal story of losing her mother to pancreatic cancer and the inspiration behind starting Purple Pansies, a non-profit organization aimed at funding research and raising awareness for the disease. The conversation covers the challenges of pancreatic cancer, the importance of early detection, and the impactful work of the organization in supporting patients and their families. Additionally, Maria promotes the upcoming 15th annual Pillars of Hope Gala, the key fundraising event for Purple Pansies. The episode also highlights Maria’s restaurant, Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant, known for its fresh, farm-to-table Italian cuisine.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Maria Fundora and Purple Pansies

**Maria Fundora, Purple Pansies and Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant**

Maria Fundora is the General Manager at her family-owned and operated restaurant, Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant, in Alpharetta, GA.

Maria started Purple Pansies in 2007 after the passing of her loving mother, Iluminada Milian, to pancreatic cancer.

The pancreas is not the only organ that pancreatic cancer can affect. The liver, spleen, stomach, gallbladder, and large intestine can all be affected as well.

Key facts to know about pancreatic cancer include:

An estimated 60,430 adults (31,950 men and 28,480 men) in the US will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer accounts for 3% of all cancers and 7% of all cancer deaths
It is the third-leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the US
Since 2000, the death rate has slowly increased each year
The 5-year survival rate tells you what percent of people live at least five years after the cancer is found. Percent means how many out of 100. The general 5-year survival rate for people with pancreatic cancer is 10%.

Purple Pansies is a way to honor her mother, spread her lesson of compassion, and carry on in her footsteps by helping others afflicted by the disease that took her away.

Its mission is to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer. Early detection is critical to improving survival rates. Research facilities need funding to continue clinical trials.

Pancreatic cancer has the highest mortality rate of all cancers but receives only 6% of research funding. We are dedicated to raising money for much-needed cancer research.

Purple Pansies has raised just under $6 million to fund research and aid families in our community.

Their next fundraising event, Pillars of Hope. is on September 15, 2024, at Astro Celebrations in Cumming. To find out more and to get tickets, click here.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | X (Twitter) | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:25 Introducing Maria Fundora and Purple Pansies
02:25 The Inspiration Behind Purple Pansies
03:17 Understanding Pancreatic Cancer
04:47 The Importance of Early Detection
06:28 Support and Grants for Pancreatic Cancer Patients
07:54 Survivor Stories and Medical Advances
13:17 The Whipple Procedure Explained
16:47 Purple Pansies’ Impact and Future Goals
19:56 Pillars of Hope Gala Event
24:15 Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant: Farm to Table
26:34 Closing Remarks and Thank You

Renasant Bank and Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant support North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, with over $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

Casa Nuova is a proud family-owned and operated restaurant, serving classic, authentic and traditional Italian cuisine and top tier hospitality since 1998.

Casa Nuova is a cook-to-order kitchen, serving traditional fare including pasta, chicken, seafood, veal, vegetarian and gluten-free options, plus daily specials. They are a farm-to-table establishment, meaning that in the summertime, they cultivate their own vegetables in their garden, steps away from the restaurant, including tomatoes, corn, peppers, zucchini, sunflowers and more!

Celebrating more than 25 years, Casa Nuova has become a true staple in the Alpharetta area, serving more than three generations of families, including friends old and new, visiting near and far from all over the metro Atlanta area and beyond.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 790 shows and having featured over 1,200 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show welcomes a wide variety of business, non-profit, and community leaders to get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, their community, and their profession. There’s no discrimination based on company size, and there’s never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates business by sharing positive business stories that traditional media ignore. Some media leans left. Some media leans right. We lean business.

John Ray, Business RadioX - North Fulton, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors — **John Ray, Business RadioX – North Fulton, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors**

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

John Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Driving Economic Development in Roswell with Roswell Inc, with Steve Stroud and John Asbell

May 7, 2024 by John Ray

Steve Stroud and John Asbell, Roswell Inc.

North Fulton Business Radio

Driving Economic Development in Roswell with Roswell Inc, with Steve Stroud and John Asbell

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Driving Economic Development in Roswell with Roswell Inc, with Steve Stroud and John Asbell (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 768)

This episode of North Fulton Business Radio, hosted by John Ray, features an interview with Steve Stroud, Executive Director of Roswell Inc, and John Asbell, President of the Board at Roswell Inc and Manager of External Affairs for North Fulton and Forsyth at Georgia Power. The episode discusses the mission and impact of Roswell Inc, a public-private partnership focused on economic development in Roswell, Georgia. Steve Stroud shares insights into how Roswell Inc supports local businesses through understanding and collaboration, while John Asbell emphasizes Georgia Power’s commitment to fostering economic growth in the region. Success stories illustrate Roswell Inc’s role in attracting, retaining, and supporting businesses, highlighting the importance of infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and community engagement in driving economic development. The episode also touches on future projects and the unique challenges and opportunities of economic development in Roswell.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Roswell Inc

As the economic and business development organization for the City of Roswell, Roswell Inc serves as a catalyst for a sustainable, innovative, and vibrant local business community. Their vision is for Roswell to be the best city in the region for innovative, community-minded businesses and entrepreneurs. As a 501(c)6 nonprofit, they have worked with the City of Roswell through a public-private partnership since 2012.

For small businesses and Fortune 500 corporations alike, Roswell Inc supports business success within the city through four core service areas:

Business attraction and recruitment
Business retention and expansion
Industry support
Business development

They believe that working in all four of these areas is essential to building a strong, vibrant, and sustainable economy, and this holistic view of economic development is at the heart of their organization. Whether your organization is preparing to launch, expand, or relocate, Roswell Inc opens the door for you.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X (Twitter)

Steve Stroud, Executive Director, Roswell Inc

Steve Stroud is the Executive Director of Roswell Inc, an organization dedicated to fostering economic development through a public-private partnership with the City of Roswell. With over 11 years in this role, Steve has led numerous initiatives to recruit, retain, and promote businesses within the city. Under his leadership, Roswell Inc has successfully marketed an expanded Opportunity Zone, increased the number of certified businesses, and launched various networking, educational, and informative programs aimed at assisting and retaining local businesses.

Steve’s tenure at Roswell Inc includes overseeing more than 550 recruitment, retention, and expansion projects that have created or retained over 6,200 jobs, with notable projects such as the GM Innovation Center, GreyOrange, and the Southern Post mixed-use development. He has fostered open communication lines among business owners, developers, citizens, corporations, nonprofits, and various entities, enhancing the quality of the community.

An active community leader, Steve has served on numerous boards, including the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, North Fulton Community Charities, United Way of North Fulton, and Synovus Bank (Atlanta region). His earlier professional experience includes operating Stroud’s Printing & Design in Roswell for 30 years.

A lifelong Roswell native, Steve resides in the city with his wife and daughters. He attended Georgia State University, focusing on political science. Steve’s extensive board memberships and community involvement continue to play a crucial role in shaping the economic landscape and community development of Roswell.

John Asbell, Manager for External Affairs, North Fulton and Forsyth, Georgia Power, and President of the Board for Roswell Inc

John Asbell is an experienced customer operations and external affairs professional with a demonstrated history of achieving successful business results in the utilities industry. With over 28 years at Georgia Power, he has held leadership roles in sales, customer service, and public relations, including responsibilities in call center operations, key account management, human resources, economic development, and government and community affairs.

In addition to his work with Roswell Inc, John has also been a vital contributor to numerous community and philanthropic efforts. He was named the first chairman of the board for THINC Academy, a school that focuses on machining and manufacturing education, in 2015. His work has led to significant recognition for Georgia Power’s support of legislative affairs in Forsyth County. Moreover, John has been active in the company’s employee volunteer efforts, participating in initiatives such as a Thanksgiving food drive in the North Fulton area and support for a veteran family.

John continues to impact his community and industry through his extensive involvement and leadership.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:33 Introducing Roswell Inc: Driving Economic Development
01:58 The Mission and Impact of Roswell Inc
06:22 Georgia Power’s Role and Commitment to Roswell
10:11 The Broader Scope of Economic Development in Roswell
19:45 The Importance of Supporting Existing Businesses
21:17 Strategic Economic Development Insights
21:25 Attracting New Businesses to Roswell
22:28 Leveraging Regional Relationships for Growth
26:28 Future Developments and Infrastructure in Roswell
30:44 Success Stories and Economic Impact
36:33 Closing Remarks and Additional Resources

Renasant Bank and Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant support North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, with over $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

Casa Nuova is a proud family-owned and operated restaurant, serving classic, authentic and traditional Italian cuisine and top tier hospitality since 1998.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 760 shows and having featured over 1,200 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

John Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Unlocking Incremental Innovation in Small and Medium-Sized Businesses, with Thomas Storteboom, i2e Solutions

April 26, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Unlocking Incremental Innovation in Small and Medium-Sized Businesses, with Thomas Storteboom, i2e Solutions

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Unlocking Incremental Innovation in Small and Medium-Sized Businesses, with Thomas Storteboom, i2e Solutions (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 766)

On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Thomas Storteboom, founder and CEO of i2e Solutions, on the topic of fostering innovation within small and medium-sized businesses. Thomas shares insights on how he helps companies spark new ideas, foster innovation, and select the best projects to pursue through structured innovation strategies and brainstorming sessions. The discussion covers the importance of differentiating between disruptive and incremental innovation, and how businesses can leverage both for growth. Thomas emphasizes the necessity of cross-functional teams in the brainstorming process and outlines how he assists organizations, particularly manufacturers, in overcoming common innovation challenges, such as idea selection and execution.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Thomas Storteboom, i2e Solutions

Thomas Storteboom is the Founder of i2e Solutions, a consulting practice that helps companies grow by finding better ideas and bringing them to life. Thomas gained his innovation expertise at industry leading companies like Ford Motor Company, CHEP, and Cox Automotive. Now he is focused on sharing his knowledge broadly by helping small to midsize manufacturing companies accelerate their growth through innovation. He focuses on innovation strategy, processes, and creating a culture of innovation. Thomas also trains groups on innovation, facilitates brainstorming, and is currently writing a book on the challenges companies face when innovating.

Website | LinkedIn | Thomas Storteboom LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:17 Introducing Thomas Storteboom and the Magic of Innovation
01:52 The Essence and Impact of Innovation Consulting
04:17 Disruptive vs. Incremental Innovation: A Deep Dive
08:37 Thomas Storteboom’s Journey to Innovation Expertise
10:35 Addressing Innovation Challenges in Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
16:56 Unlocking Innovation Through Targeted Brainstorming
19:15 The Ideal Brainstorming Team: Composition and Characteristics
21:30 Challenges of Innovation Across Different Business Sizes
23:05 Facilitating Effective Brainstorming Sessions
24:13 Client Engagement and Success Stories
29:29 Connecting with Thomas Storteboom and Closing Remarks

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, with over $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

Casa Nuova is a proud family owned and operated restaurant, serving classic, authentic and traditional Italian cuisine and top tier hospitality since 1998.

Casa Nuova is a cook-to-order kitchen, serving traditional fare including pasta, chicken, seafood, veal and vegetarian and gluten-free options, plus daily specials. They are a farm-to-table establishment, meaning that in the summertime, they cultivate their own vegetables in their garden, steps away from the restaurant, including tomatoes, corn, peppers, zucchini, sunflowers and more!

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

SPECIAL EVENT: Join everyone as Casa Nuova for their annual Casa Nuova Block Party on Sunday, April 28 from 2 PM to 5:30 PM!

Complimentary food, music, and fun for the whole familia! It’s their way of saying thank you to the amazing community that they love to serve!

Donations will benefit Purple Pansies, which is dedicated to raising funds for pancreatic cancer research and providing emergency grants to individuals and families battling the disease.

Rain or shine, we hope to see you there!

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

John Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

2023 GNFCC Small Business of the Year Award: Maria Fundora and Pepe Fundora, with Casa Nuova and Cork & Glass

August 24, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

2023 GNFCC Small Business of the Year Award: Maria Fundora and Pepe Fundora, with Casa Nuova and Cork & Glass

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2023 GNFCC Small Business of the Year Award: Maria Fundora and Pepe Fundora, with Casa Nuova and Cork & Glass (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 88)

Created to honor business leaders who exhibit expertise and a commitment to economic prosperity, quality of life and a positive reputation of the region, GNFCC celebrates the 2023 Small Business Award Winner, the family business owners Maria Fundora of Casa Nuova and Pepe Fundora from Cork & Glass. Maria and Pepe talked with host Kali Boatright about their family history, what sets them apart and their special term for that, “hospitalian,” the success of the restaurant, their roots in the community, and much more.

The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Casa Nuova

Casa Nuova is a family-owned gourmet Italian restaurant, owned by Maria Fundora and her son, Jose “Pepe” Fundora.

Casa Nuova is a true farm-to-table restaurant and is Trip Advisor’s 2021 Traveler’s Choice in Alpharetta.

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Maria Fundora, Owner and General Manager, Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant and Founder, Purple Pansies

Maria Fundora is the General Manager at her family-owned and operated restaurant, Casa Nuova, in Alpharetta, GA.

Purple Pansies was founded by Maria after the loss of her loving mother, Iluminada Milian, to pancreatic cancer in 2007.

The pancreas is not the only organ that can be affected by pancreatic cancer. The liver, spleen, stomach, gallbladder, and large intestine can all be affected as well.

Key facts to know about pancreatic cancer include:

An estimated 60,430 adults (31,950 men and 28,480 men) in the US will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer accounts for 3% of all cancers and 7% of all cancer deaths
It is the 3^rd leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the US
Since 2000, the death rate has slowly increased each year
The 5-year survival rate tells you what percent of people live at least 5 years after the cancer is found. Percent means how many out of 100. The general 5-year survival rate for people with pancreatic cancer is 10%.

Purple Pansies is a way to honor her mother, spread her lesson of compassion, and carry on in her footsteps by helping others afflicted by the disease that took her away.

Its mission is to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer. Early detection is critical to improving survival rates. Research facilities need funding to continue clinical trials.

Pancreatic cancer has the highest mortality rate of all cancers but receives only 6% of research funding. We are dedicated to raising money for much-needed cancer research.

Purple Pansies has raised over $3 Million dollars to fund research, as well as, to aid families in our community.

Their next fundraising event, Pillars of Hope, is on September 10, 2023 at Astro Celebrations.

Website| Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn

Cork & Glass

Take a comfy seat and enjoy a specially curated wine tasting. Experience a wide array of tastes and maybe find your next favorite!

Their wine dinners embody our promise of “Making Wine Accessible”… and not just any wine, but GREAT wine.

C&G’s wine education experiences will help you grow your understanding and appreciation of the nuances of wines from around the world.

Food pairing challenge? Put their team to the test and let them help you find the perfect bottle for your next dinner event.

Company website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Pepe Fundora, Co-owner Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant and Owner, Cork and Glass

Jose “Pepe” Fundora is the owner of the wine shop Cork and Glass and co-owner of Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant located in Alpharetta, GA, in the northern suburbs of Atlanta.

Pepe is a social Electrical Engineer turned Sommelier. Pepe earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering at Georgia Tech in 2010 and spent some time in the corporate world before ultimately deciding to return to his roots, his family’s local Italian restaurant.

From a young age, Pepe worked and became fully immersed in the hospitality industry, from dishwashing to serving tables and learning the tricks of the trade from his parents, Maria and Antonio Fundora, longtime restaurateurs in the Atlanta area. Pepe became a co-owner of the family restaurant in 2015.

Pepe always had a deep interest in wine though he affirmed his passion after meeting with reputable winemakers on a business trip taken to California wine country in 2013. Later on, Pepe had aspirations to open his very own wine shop, Cork & Glass, with the idea of “Making Wine Accessible”. His concept includes highlighting various regions to showcase current trends in the wine world, teaching how to pair different flavors together and offering sales on select exclusive wines. His goal is to offer high-quality wines at great, everyday values. Cork & Glass officially opened for business in July 2020!

Pepe is very engaged in the wine world both in the Atlanta area and across the US. Pepe has led over 40 virtual wine dinners with esteemed winemakers from California, Italy, Argentina, and Australia. He was nominated amongst restaurateurs across the country to participate in the prestigious Oregon Pinot Camp in Willamette Valley in 2016. He has volunteered for the High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction for several years and the Auction Napa Valley.

Pepe is a Certified Level 2 Sommelier. He is studying to become an Advanced Sommelier (Level 3) and eventually will finish at Master Sommelier (Level 4) in the future.

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

**Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC**

The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) and is hosted by Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC. The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, member-driven organization comprised of over 1400 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. Their service area includes Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell and Sandy Springs. GNFCC is the leading voice on economic development, business growth and quality of life issues in North Fulton County.

The GNFCC promotes the interests of our members by assuming a leadership role in making North Fulton an excellent place to work, live, play and stay. They provide one voice for all local businesses to influence decision-makers, recommend legislation, and protect the valuable resources that make North Fulton a popular place to live.

For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806. For more information on other GNFCC events such as this North Fulton Mayors Appreciation Lunch, follow this link.

For the complete show archive of GNFCC 400 Insider, go to GNFCC400Insider.com. The GNFCC 400 Insider is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Maria Fundora, Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant

February 9, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Maria Fundora, Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant

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Italian Restaurant North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 607)

This month Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant is celebrating 25 years in business, and owner Maria Fundora joined North Fulton Business Radio host John Ray to commemorate this noteworthy milestone. Maria shared the restaurant’s early beginnings, how they treat their employees and dining clients as part of the family, their philosophy of customer service, giving back to the community, celebratory specials they are offering throughout this year, and much more.

North Fulton Business Radio is broadcast from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant

Casa Nuova is a family-owned gourmet Italian restaurant, owned by the Fundora family. Casa Nuova opened in 1998 and it has become a local favorite in the Alpharetta/Cumming and metro Atlanta community. Prior to Casa Nuova, they owned and operated other restaurants in Atlanta including Alfredo’s, Avanti’s, Toni’s Casa Napoli, Antonio’s Bakery and Tony’s Farmer’s Market.

Casa Nuova is known for its astounding number of menu items. It has become an Atlanta staple with intimate seating, semi-formal service and a finely-tuned take on Italian classics.

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Maria Fundora, Owner and General Manager, Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant

**Maria Fundora, General Manager, Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant**

Maria Fundora is the owner and general manager of Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant in Alpharetta and founder of nonprofit Purple Pansies.

She opened Casa Nuova in 1998 (now celebrating 25 years) with her late husband Antonio, master chef and founder, and owned five restaurants in Atlanta prior. Their first restaurant was Alfredo’s followed by three Avanti’s restaurants in downtown Atlanta. Avanti’s Pescivino opened in 1988 and was the first open kitchen concept with seating by a kitchen. They also opened one of the first bakeries in Atlanta in 1980 called Antonio’s Bakery. Additionally, the family owned and operated the first ethnic open market in Atlanta proper called Tony’s Farmer’s Market in 1993.

Maria founded nonprofit Purple Pansies in 2008 following her own mother’s death from pancreatic cancer. She felt called to raise awareness and crucial research dollars for this chronically underfunded but deadly cancer.

Her presence in the metro Atlanta area reaches the hearts and lives of hundreds of regular patrons as she infuses inspiration and a welcoming environment to all those who their frequent the restaurant and she gives back to her community through many fundraising efforts.

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Casa Nuova
Early history
Challenges presented by the pandemic
Opening Cork & Glass
Giving back to the community
What’s ahead

North Fulton Business Radio is hosted by John Ray and broadcast and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, Stitcher, TuneIn, and others.

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown to become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions with over $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

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