Màstra Brings Authentic Italian Flavor to Utah County
When Jonathan Cagnacci moved to Utah County in 2015, he quickly noticed something was missing — authentic Italian food.
“Every time I wanted to eat out, I never knew where to go,” Cagnacci said. “I often ended up driving 30 minutes to Salt Lake and spending too much. I thought, ‘people here deserve better!'”
That thought turned into action. Drawing on his Italian roots and a lifelong passion for food, Cagnacci opened Màstra Italian Bakery and Bistro in American Fork with a goal to bring genuine Italian cuisine made from scratch to Utah County at a fair price.
At Màstra, everything is made fresh daily using a blend of high-quality local ingredients and authentic Italian products. The bread, pasta, sauces, and desserts all come from recipes passed down in Cagnacci’s family.
“Our guests experience real Italian food made with the same care and respect I would give when cooking for my own family,” he said.
“I'll never forget, years ago, arriving as an immigrant speaking broken English. Jim patiently listened, piecing together my words and believing in me when many others might have grown impatient. That moment of truly being heard in a new country was incredibly impactful.”
Cagnacci said one of his greatest rewards is seeing customers’ faces light up when they taste something that reminds them of Italy.
“Cooking for someone is a big responsibility,” he said. “When I see that spark of amazement, it makes all the sacrifices worth it.”
Cagnacci found a trusted partner in the SBDC with his mentor, Jim Herrin.
“Doing business in a foreign country with different rules and no reference points can be overwhelming, but the SBDC has been amazing. They’ve helped us plan strategically, secure funding, and grow to the point that we can open a second location.”
For those dreaming of starting their own business, Cagnacci says to have a clear vision and commit fully. “Work hard, stay consistent, and focus on improving your customers’ lives, not just making money,” he said. “Embed your values into everything you do, and success will follow.”
Business Assisted by The SBDC At:
