WiseGirl Ristorante is Contra Costa County Small Business of the Year

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Friday, August 13, 2021

PLEASANT HILL – For its community contribution during the pandemic including donating food to those most in need, WiseGirl Ristorante Italiano & Cocktails, owned by Angela Warren, has been named Contra Costa County Small Business of the Year by Sen. Bill Dodd.

“Angela has made a huge difference in the lives of so many people,” Sen. Dodd said. “Her passion for helping people is amazing. I’m very happy to recognize her for making her community a better place.”

“I am honored for WiseGirl to receive such an important award and to be receiving this type of recognition,” Angela Warren said. “More importantly I am grateful for the opportunity to inspire other women and business owners to continue to push through, not stopping in pursuit of their biggest dreams, and not letting the challenges of life and this world discourage them on their journey. I am proud to continue to lead my organization with warm hospitality, a giving heart and a love for all people.”

WiseGirl opened in Pleasant Hill in 2014. Warren previously co-owned Back Forty Texas BBQ, also in Pleasant Hill. She grew up as a member of an Italian restaurant family and said WiseGirl was inspired by her roots. It has since become a catalyst for community outreach and philanthropy.

In 2019, Warren was awarded Outstanding Employer Philanthropist by the Eastbay Leadership Council. She has been on the board of the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce for eight years, serving as chair from 2019 to this year. Also, she belongs to Rotary International and is the president-elect for Pleasant Hill Rotary.

Warren lives in Pleasant Hill with her husband, Joe Kalinowski. Together, they have a blended family including seven children and three grandchildren.

Photo: Angela Warren

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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Sonoma, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties. You can learn more about the district and Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.