Mario Fava

I’m Mario Fava, the son of an Italian immigrant who taught me to “put in 110 percent or not to do it at all.” I first learned the passion required to succeed in a competitive industry by watching my father wait tables after school. also Sunday mornings being the porter showing work ethic.

I applied my father’s work ethic not only to the restaurant industry but also in school and sports. This led me to receive a soccer scholarship to St. Francis college. At St. Francis i was nominated top 4 senior goal keeper in the United States and was invited to the senior bowl. Shortly after i was picked up by the NJ Eagles where i played professionally for 2 years.

My passion for the restaurant industry grew the more time i spent away from it. I returned to the restaurant business in 1992 where i managed a restaurant in NYC. I opened my first restaurant with my father in 1995. Lusardis in Larchmont became the go to restaurant in Westchester county soon after. The restaurant immediately developed an incredible following for its exceptional Italian cuisine and refined service, all within a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere.

Having a wonderful and loyal clientele allowed me to expand and open Moscato Restaurant in Scarsdale in 2001. Moscato followed the Italian concept with exceptional dishes, homemade pastas and desserts. Soon after i was able to open Chat 19 in 2004 and Chat American grill in 2009. We realized Larchmont and Scarsdale needed a casual place to enjoy a burger, steak, or salad with an ice cold beer or glass of wine with a laid back atmosphere. Our motto was simple “Good Food, Good Times”.

Fast forward to today and our restaurants have become a staple in the county.