CEO’s Dad Brings Him To Her Family Restaurant, Never Thought His Father Knew What He Needed
A Change of Perspective
The first time Alexander Ziegler walked into Mama Marie he didn’t know that his life was about to change forever. The restaurant was nothing like the upscale establishments he frequented for business meetings. It was small, warm, and filled with the aroma of homecooked Italian food.
The smell made his stomach growl embarrassingly loud.
“His father,” Robert chuckled beside him.
“Told you this place was worth the drive?” Robert said clapping a hand on his son’s shoulder.
Alexander or Alex as his father insisted on calling him despite his professional preference for his full name wasn’t convinced. At 32 he had built Ziggler Pharmaceuticals into one of the fastest growing companies in the industry.
His calendar was packed with meetings. His phone was constantly buzzing with notifications. The last thing he needed was to waste an evening at some hole in the wall restaurant an hour outside the city.
“Dad I have three conference calls tomorrow morning and a board presentation to finish,” Alex said adjusting his tie.
He hadn’t even bothered to change out of his suit before his father had practically kidnapped him from his office. Robert insisted that he needed a proper meal and some perspective.
“The board presentation can wait,” Robert replied firmly.
“You haven’t taken a real break in months now sit down and forget about being CEO for one night.”
A young woman approached their table. Her dark hair was pulled back in a practical ponytail. Her warm brown eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled.
“Welcome to Mama Marie I’m Sophia can I start you gentlemen with something to drink.”
Alex noticed immediately that her name tag read Sophia M. He noticed that she moved with the confident efficiency of someone who knew every inch of the restaurant.
What he didn’t notice but his father certainly did was how his rigid posture softened slightly at the sound of her voice.
“We’ll have your house red wine,” Robert answered before Alex could order his usual sparkling water.
“And whatever appetizer you recommend.”
Sophia’s smile widened.
“The Arensini is my grandmother’s recipe I promise you won’t find better outside of Sicily.”
“Perfect,” Robert said returning her smile while Alex scrolled through emails on his phone.
“And you can put that away,” Robert added reaching across the table to tap his son’s phone screen.
“We’re having dinner not a board meeting.”
Alex reluctantly set his phone down just as Sophia returned with wine and a plate of golden brown rice balls.
“These are still hot from the fryer,” she said setting them down.
“Be careful.”
Alex watched as his father immediately bit into one. Robert made a sound of appreciation that bordered on inappropriate for a public setting.
Reluctantly he tried one himself and was surprised by the explosion of flavors. The crisp exterior gave way to creamy rsado melted cheese and perfectly seasoned meat.
“This is actually good,” he admitted reaching for another.
“Actually good,” Sophia repeated with mock offense.
“Sir that’s my non-n recipe you’re actually enjoying. People drive hours for these arensini.”
