Maria van Schaijik, who was born in Liechtenstein and moved around a lot during her childhood, is the Owner of Andiario, the critically acclaimed restaurant in West Chester that has garnered rave reviews since it opened in 2018.

Van Schaijik earned a bachelor’s degree in History and Economics from the University of Dallas and a master’s degree in Statistics from Arizona State University. She spent a semester in Rome, where her lifelong love of art and culture blended naturally with her appreciation for good food and wine.

She credits renowned pizzamaker Chris Bianco, the proprietor of Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix, as having he biggest impact on her career.

Van Schaijik, who has shaped her restaurant’s front of the house to provide a seamless link between guests and the kitchen, is proud of Andiario’s success.

“I am most proud of sticking to a vision and opening a business in an industry where the odds are against you,” said Van Schaijik, who began working as a cashier at Carlino’s when she was 17.

Her favorite Chester County restaurant is – of course! – Andiario.