WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Jim Risch, senior member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, announced the selection of Malvagio’s Restaurant in Coeur d’Alene as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for April 2022. Malvagio’s will be recognized for its contribution to the North Idaho community in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate.
Founded by Svitlana and Matthew Petersen, Malvagio’s is an Italian restaurant that practices the tradition of wood-fired cooking. With a dream of bringing their community together with food and a passion for traditional wood-fired cooking, Svitlana and Matthew dedicated a year to perfecting their craft and designing an innovative, mobile wood-fired oven. Since Malvagio’s opened its doors in 2016, it has become a mainstay of the Coeur d’Alene community, with its cuisine making appearances at weddings, parties, and celebrations across North Idaho.
Malvagio’s success is matched only by the Petersens’ dedication to giving back. As the world watched Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Svitlana, a Ukrainian native, and Matthew began serving borscht, an authentic Ukrainian dish, donating all proceeds to humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. Malvagio’s has raised thousands of dollars in support of Ukraine and has become a champion of Idahoan entrepreneurship and philanthropy along the way.
“Svitlana and Matthew are using their platform to make a difference in people’s lives halfway across the world,” said Risch. “Their commitment to North Idaho and dedication to a worthy cause is beyond commendable, and I thank them for their contribution.”
“Congratulations to Malvagio’s Restaurant and its employees on being the Idaho Small Business of the Month for April 2022,” Risch continued. “You make our great state proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.”
Background: Idaho is consistently ranked one of the best places in the country to do business. Each month, Senator Risch selects an Idaho small business that exemplifies the Idaho values of hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, and exceptional commitment to community.
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