Bombolini's was in business Since
1984 and closed the last of five locations in December 2005. Chef Carlos went to work for Norwegian Cruise lines as
First Cook then went on to being promoted to
Sous Chef and unofficially because of
delay ion paperwork and the reduction from three
ships to one ship from Hawaii, his work as Executive Sous Chef was never documented.
Chef Carlos was also a Butcher and acted as Chief Butcher for Norwegian Cruise
lines filling in for the Chief Butchers between contracts during 2006 on the
"Pride of America Cruise Ship" then to Sous Chef in 2007. Prior to the above information
I worked in restaurants since 1965 in Freeport, New York. With the exception of
from 1968 to 1983.
1964 In New York I sold Newspaper for
Newsday, did deliveries for Drug stores and worked in a
shoe repair store and also in a small Italian Town
General store.
1965-67 worked as dishwasher for Al B. Whites Restaurant
across for the tracks, Guy Lombardo's Lake Tower Inn and
Carl Hoppel's. As well as bus boy and server for several
mayor restaurants with my uncles.
1967 drove and moved with my family to Miami, Florida.
1968 in Hialeah Fl. Sold Christmas trees
after school and worked at Burger King and became night
manager.
1969-72
Played guitar with bands
Salt & Pepper & two others while Working for Exclusive
Home Product and became Manger winning 5 trophies in 6
months for top sales and manager of the month.
1970 after school Worked at Aero Space
System as a Machinist and became Tool & Die Maker and
Plant Supervisor.
1972 Took State
Certified General Contractor and passed it Building
house in CoCo Plum, Miami and coral Gables with my
brother Felix V., Gutierrez.
1975 Got Bartender certification with A
Plus Grades and opened as Head bartender the Cricket
Club on Biscayne Blvd. in Miami, FL. with Beverage
manager Joe Russo.
* Worked Holiday ins as bartender and
started to do DJ functions at Different Clubs including
The Jockey Club @ Biscayne Blvd...
1983 Went for lunch to a small pizzeria and bought it
thus became the first Bombolini's @ 1256 West 68 Street
Hialeah, FL
Q: What is your primary product or service now 2012?
Chef/Lead Prep for the
Darden Restaurants & also presently in 2012 I can not continue to do any
more catering since I am entering the Health Care Insurance business in
Florida with a State 215 License.
Q: How did you first become interested in your line of business? What
is your background?
When I was in New York in 1964 an
Italian shoe maker named Joe that took care of me when I got out of school till my
mother got home from work and I assisted Joe in the shoe shop cleaning and doing
easy shoe repair work. Joe used to call me Bombolini's. Joe always cooked lunch
for both of us [Italian of course] When I was a Certified State General
Contractor in 1972 and in 1983 went to do a job at a pizzeria name Express Pizza
and ended buying the little place from owners that did not want the business
any longer. After learning the hard
way about Pizza and Italian food as time went on I then open my second location
and my third, my fourth and finally my fifth that I closed on Dec 2005.
Tired of
the workforce in the area and the unwillingness of the landlord to sell me the
building, I gave up on the business and wanted to spent more time with my family
and leave the business rat race. Today I am semi retired and whenever I get a
chance vacationing in the Islands, when ever a get
away is possible! Thanks to all who made Bombolini's possible and supported me all those 20 plus
years.
Q: How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category
and area?
When I was in business in a
building location it was My food quality, taste, massive selection and portion
servings. Customer personalized service and caring.
Q: How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
We do not have a physical location
now and do not plan to open another location.
