By Barry Barbe

Some do not believe in destiny. For Leon Moise, owner of Ciao Bella Italian Restaurant in Prescott Valley, it would be hard to deny that he was destined for a life of service.

Whether the Marines, Volunteering, or Working the dining room at one of his now, two restaurants, service has been a constant in Leon’s life.

Hailing from Brooklyn New York, Leon served as a Peace Officer for the City of New York in his early twenties. His involvement in the recovery and security measures following 911 would lead to his next period of service as he joined the Marines from which he retired prior to moving to Prescott.

“My wife, who is also a Marine vet and I, decided to move to Prescott, in lieu of her stomping grounds in the valley. I thought I would spend the rest of my life – retired and relaxing, enjoying the Prescott outdoors.” Leon said.

When meeting Leon you will quickly realize that the man does not sit still for long. With a calm demeanor, a thinking man’s mind, curiosity, and an entrepreneur spirit, Leon has created and operated several successful businesses, both prior to moving to Prescott and since.

The father of four daughters, Leon knows and appreciates the importance of family and community. “You can’t ive in a community without being a part of it, because that’s what makes a community.” And as such, Leon has shared his success with those less fortunate in towns in which he does business.

One of his first ventures locally, was American Crown Commercial Cleaning, which offers hood cleaning and other services to local restaurants and the hospitality industry. <br />

“I began to meet the guys that owned restaurants and found there was a need for someone local to provide a much needed service that was being outsourced to Phoenix companies.” Leon Said “We give the same level of quality and detailed personal service with our cleaning crews as we give when serving a plate of pasta.”

Along the way, Leon crossed paths with Chef Juve Rodrigezz, who as Leon say’s it, “Cooks like my Mamma.”

The secret to any successful business is who you surround yourself with, and Leon knows this well. Along with a supportive and involved family, his daughters can regularly be seen around the store, and now partner Juve, and dedicated manager, Donna Chamblee, the group operates “Ciao Bella” at 7025 Florentine Rd in Prescott Valley. The current operation replaced a national franchise with a wide selection of Italian favorites, in an open and welcoming atmosphere.

While partner Chef Juve oversees the back of house operations, and Leon focuses on service, it’s not unusual to see the two owners side by side throwing pies, and putting out Rigatoni Alla Vodka, Egg Plant Parmesan, or Orcchietta Mac and Cheese.

Just shy of their one year anniversary, the trio has taken on a new project on Miller Valley rd in Prescott. Salt &amp; Pepper opened their doors last month to pleasing reviews. The bright breakfast and lunch nook offers a wide selection of traditional as well as unique entrees five days a week.

While there is the Canolloni French Toast, the creative menu includes a selection of regional dishes such as Huevos Ranchero, Taco Trio Plate, Chilaquilas, Benedicts, Avocado Toast, and of course, a BLT Panini.

“I believe everything is a blessing.” Leon says “If I need to leave the house in the middle of the night to take care of an unexpected situation, I don’t gripe about it.” “As I head down the hill the thoughts in my mind are one of being blessed.”

“There is so much we can accomplish when we work together, and I appreciate the opportunity to share that.”

One area that Leon would like to focus and share his energies are the challenges facing youth in our community, specifically your men and boys, who are historically in a very unique space so to speak. What this may look like is still unknown, but the creation of a non profit working with this demographic is not out of the question.

Given Leon’s life of service, and gratitude, I’m sure it won’t be long until his next passion becomes a reality.

Ciaobellaprescottvalley.com

Saltandpepperprescott.com.

Barry Barbe owns the El Gato Azul and Torme restaurants in Prescott, and is the energy and insight behind the Prescott Palette. He also has a radio show, the Prescott Palette, on KQNA 1130 AM, Saturdays at noon. Email:

Prespalette@gmail.com.