Nonantola, Italy – At 22, Lidia Pedretti is redefining what it means to be a young entrepreneur in Italy. Taking the reins of “La Baracchina,” a local establishment in the heart of Nonantola’s Parco della Pace, Pedretti isn’t just running a business; she’s cultivating a community hub and breathing new life into a space that once faced challenges. Her story, rooted in hard work and a commitment to intergenerational connection, embodies a spirit of resilience and a belief that even the youngest among us can drive positive change. The Italian proverb, “Solo chi rimane immobile non rischia di sbagliare mai” – “Only those who remain still risk no mistakes” – seems to perfectly encapsulate her approach to life and business.
Pedretti’s journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that forced many to reassess their paths. Initially seeking seasonal work, she found herself in Cervia, a coastal town on the Adriatic Sea, working long hours in the hospitality industry. This experience, even as demanding, instilled in her a strong work ethic and a determination to succeed. She continued to work tirelessly, balancing weekend shifts at hotels along the Riviera with weekday responsibilities at Casa Azzo Guidi, a prestigious historical residence in Bologna. This period of intense labor, she says, laid the foundation for her future endeavors.
Despite the opportunities presented by these roles, Pedretti felt a pull to return closer to home, to Castelfranco Emilia and Nonantola. “After months away from family and friends, I needed to reconnect,” she explained. She found that connection at Trattoria della Partecipanza in Nonantola, where she spent three years learning the ropes of the local culinary scene and forging relationships that felt like a second family. It was there, surrounded by the warmth of traditional Italian hospitality, that she honed her customer service skills and developed a deep appreciation for the power of simple gestures – a shared laugh, a plate of tagliatelle al ragù.
From Hotel Luxury to Local Roots
However, the desire to forge her own path eventually resurfaced. Leaving the trattoria wasn’t easy, but Pedretti felt compelled to seek new challenges. “I had wonderful moments there, but I knew it was time to move forward, to find something that truly felt like my own,” she said. That opportunity presented itself when she learned that La Baracchina, a community space located within the Parco della Pace, was seeking a new manager through a municipal tender. Without prior experience as an entrepreneur, Pedretti decided to grab a leap of faith and apply.
La Baracchina is owned by the Comune di Nonantola (Municipality of Nonantola) and is awarded to a manager through a competitive bidding process, as reported by ModenaToday. Pedretti’s bid was successful and she officially took over the management of the establishment, facing the immediate challenge of preparing for the summer season with limited time and resources. “It was difficult,” she admitted. “I had to quickly assemble a team and obtain everything ready, all while navigating the responsibilities of being a first-time business owner.”
Reclaiming a Public Space
The task before Pedretti extended beyond simply running a café. La Baracchina, and the surrounding Parco della Pace, had previously been plagued by issues of neglect and insecurity, even experiencing acts of vandalism. Pedretti recognized the need to transform the space into a safe and welcoming environment for all members of the community. She implemented measures to deter unwanted activity, including collaborating with local law enforcement and avoiding the sale of large bottles of beer, signaling a commitment to responsible service and public safety.
This commitment has demonstrably improved the atmosphere of the park. Today, the Parco della Pace is once again a vibrant gathering place for families, children, and seniors. Pedretti’s efforts have not gone unnoticed by the community, who appreciate her dedication to creating a positive and inclusive space. “Grazie alla collaborazione con le forze dell’ordine… riesco a gestire la situazione anche nelle ore più buie,” Pedretti stated, highlighting the importance of collaboration in maintaining a safe environment.
Balancing Dreams and Realities
The demands of running La Baracchina have required significant sacrifices, particularly in Pedretti’s personal life. She acknowledges having to prioritize her work, often missing social events and outings with friends. “I was afraid of losing touch with my friends,” she confessed. “But I’ve learned that true friends support your dreams and find ways to stay connected, even when life gets busy.” She emphasizes the importance of finding a new equilibrium, a balance between professional ambition and personal relationships.
Looking ahead, Pedretti envisions La Baracchina as more than just a business; she wants it to be a place where memories are made, where generations connect, and where everyone feels welcome. She has numerous projects in the pipeline, ideas for expanding the offerings and further enhancing the community experience. “I want La Baracchina to be a safe place, a local spot where people can build happy memories with their children, friends, and loved ones,” she said. Her ambition is clear: to grow alongside her business, creating a lasting legacy in the heart of Nonantola.
Pedretti’s story serves as a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to entrepreneurship and that a willingness to embrace challenges can lead to remarkable achievements. As she continues to build her vision for La Baracchina, she embodies the spirit of innovation and community engagement that is driving positive change in Italy. The next step for Pedretti is to navigate the off-season, planning improvements and events for the spring, and continuing to build relationships with local suppliers and community organizations.
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