News Summary
Grand Rapids chef Jenna Arcidiacono, owner of Amore Trattoria Italiana, was honored on The Jennifer Hudson Show for her contributions to the community. Nominated for the West Michigan Remarkable Women award, she attended the awards event and received an invitation to be a guest on the show. Jenna showcased her culinary talents and nonprofit work, including her initiative Food Hugs, which supports local restaurant workers. A watch party is scheduled for her episode’s airing, inviting the community to celebrate her achievements.
Grand Rapids – Local chef Jenna Arcidiacono was recently honored on the popular television show The Jennifer Hudson Show, where she showcased her culinary talents and community contributions. Arcidiacono, known as Chef Jenna throughout Michigan, is the proud owner of Amore Trattoria Italiana, which has been a staple on Alpine Avenue since its opening in 2010.
Earlier this year, Arcidiacono was nominated for the West Michigan Remarkable Women award by Nexstar Media Group, which recognizes outstanding women making significant contributions to their communities. This nomination led her to attend the Remarkable Woman awards event in California last month, where she connected with hundreds of midwestern women who shared similar passions and experiences.
During her trip, Arcidiacono received a surprise invitation from The Jennifer Hudson Show to attend a taping for a May 22 episode. She participated in the show’s traditional “spirit tunnel,” a moment that she described as a bucket list experience. During her grand entrance, she danced joyfully, overwhelmed by the excitement of the moment that she had often seen on TikTok.
Out of approximately 125 women present at the taping, only five were chosen for interviews with host Jennifer Hudson after a segment featuring musician Questlove. Each participant, including Arcidiacono, was awarded a Hollywood star with their name, reminiscent of the stars on the famous Walk of Fame.
Chef Jenna’s restaurant, Amore Trattoria Italiana, has garnered acclaim over the years, being recognized as one of the top Italian dining establishments in Michigan by MLive in 2018. Beyond her culinary expertise, Arcidiacono is deeply committed to her community through her nonprofit organization, Food Hugs. This initiative began to deliver meals to first responders and hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since evolved to include distributing generous tips to local restaurant workers, having shared $1,000 tips on at least 70 occasions. A recent giveaway to a family-owned restaurant, China Inn, went viral on TikTok, amassing over 7.1 million views.
In addition to her contributions through Food Hugs, Chef Jenna hosts an annual fundraiser aimed at providing scholarships for women aspiring to become chefs, with scholarships starting at $5,000. This initiative emphasizes her dedication to supporting the next generation of culinary talent.
During her appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Jenna filmed two segments: one focusing on her nonprofit work and the other discussing upcoming initiatives planned through Food Hugs. Reflecting on her experience back home in Grand Rapids, she expressed gratitude for the connections made with fellow women featured on the show and for the opportunity to meet Jennifer Hudson, an experience that has yet to fully sink in.
To commemorate her appearance on the show, Jenna Arcidiacono is hosting a watch party on May 22 from 9:55 a.m. to 11:55 a.m. at Bridge Street Bar in Grand Rapids, inviting the community to join her in celebrating this remarkable achievement.
Arcidiacono’s story exemplifies how local entrepreneurs can impact both the culinary scene and their communities. From her well-respected establishment to her philanthropic endeavors, she continues to inspire many around her.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: Grand Rapids Chef Jenna Arcidiacono Made It To Hollywood
- Google Search: Grand Rapids Chef Jenna Arcidiacono
- WOOD TV: Remarkable Woman Chef Jenna
- Google News: Remarkable Woman Chef Jenna
- Fox17: Make-A-Wish Michigan Celebrates 12,500 Wishes Granted
- Wikipedia: Make-A-Wish
- MLive: Grand Rapids Chef to Appear on The Jennifer Hudson Show
- Encyclopedia Britannica: The Jennifer Hudson Show
- WOOD TV: Meet Our 2025 Remarkable Woman of West Michigan
- Google Scholar: Remarkable Women West Michigan
