Little Chef’s Big Dream Sizzles: Stone & Skillet Opens in Dayton
The Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center will cut the ribbon Friday, April 10, at Stone & Skillet, the new restaurant at The Odeon owned by local chef Christina “Chrissy” Giordanella. The 3-5 p.m. grand opening celebration at 65 Pike St. marks the realization of Giordanella’s long-held vision of owning her own kitchen space, just weeks after the restaurant’s soft opening in late February.
Giordanella’s “food is love” philosophy, first highlighted in the September 2025 Chronicle profile, remains unchanged. Giordanella, known as Little Chef Giordanella since launching her private chef business in 2023, still works full-time, Monday through Friday, cooking for patients and staff at Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center. Despite a demanding schedule, she dedicated herself to becoming an entrepreneur, pursuing her goal relentlessly, and became a true testament of inspiration.
“Keep working at it and don’t give up, even if you’re unsure. Try it out, and if it doesn’t work out, don’t beat yourself up,” said Giordanella.
Transitioning her business into a brick-and-mortar restaurant while continuing private events and meal-prep services emphasizes her determination. After joining the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce in the summer of 2025, her dream began to unfold into reality. She went from renting space inside the Carson City Community Center to obtaining permits and moving into The Odeon building in January.
The ribbon-cutting will feature Giordanella, her family and the team, highlighting the transformation of the restaurant space. Tireless hours went into the aesthetics of seating, decor and ambiance while maximizing every inch. The event is open to the public and will showcase the restaurant’s signature skillet-driven menu of fresh, made-with-love comfort food. Customer favorites include crispy fries, burgers and chicken wings. Keep an eye out for Giordanella’s personal choice dishes, savory and sweet crepes and stir fry.
Everything at Stone & Skillet revolves around the wrought iron theme, with rotating daily specials and a cycling menu during the soft-opening phase that will become static after the grand opening. Giordanella draws on her high-volume hospital experience to keep service fast and fresh while still offering the personal touch that built her private-chef clientele. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday 5-8 p.m., while some holidays and special-event days foster catering needs.
Giordanella has four children ages 1 to 9 and lives in Dayton. She is supported at the restaurant by three staff members plus family help from her father, Christopher Giordanella, and her brother, Jonathan Giordanella. Her 9-year-old daughter happily assists by taking orders, showing how her love for food and service carries into the next generation.
Although food is Giordanella’s forte, the front-of-house operations have given her new opportunities to learn what running a restaurant truly entails. Her partner Silvia Rego handles creative multimedia, marketing, and social media. She creates fun and inventive posts that visually entice customers with upcoming events and mouthwatering menu options.
Giordanella feels fortunate to have a prime location in Dayton. Stone & Skillet and The Odeon’s entertainment offerings make a fantastic combination for people to indulge in and enjoy. She hopes to also use the space to host events such as birthdays, tea parties and cooking classes, sharing her expertise with the community and visitors near and far.
“We’re looking for longevity at the Odeon,” Giordanella said. “Who knows where the business will go.”
Even though the restaurant opening is the focus, Giordanella continues to offer Little Chef Giordanella services, including private chef gigs, meal prep, and catering. She currently prepares three meals a day, five days a week, for a family of three in Tahoe. She plans to slow those endeavors but wants to continue showing her love through cooking in various ways and maintain accountability to her long-time patrons. Her main challenge will be finding time to rest, yet her passion and family support keep her moving forward.
“We are a local restaurant in hopes that you find comfort in trying our food,” she said. “At Stone and Skillet, our food is made with intention and heart, but stay because you feel connected, welcomed, and part of something real.”
From dishwasher to restaurant owner, Giordanella’s journey is a demonstration of what it takes— years of hard work, unwavering dedication, and the courage to chase a dream while raising a young family, maintaining a full-time job and having side gigs. By dining there, attending events, or simply spreading the word, locals and visitors help small businesses continue to grow and strengthen the area's food scene. As Stone & Skillet opens its doors, the community has a chance to support a passionate local entrepreneur whose story proves that with persistence and heart, big dreams can indeed become reality.
Join the ribbon-cutting on Friday, April 10, 3-5pm. Connect on Facebook for future events and promotions. Read the article from last year about Little Chef Giordanella.
