The Food Entrepreneur Resource
Latest Reviews
This site is a place for:
- Food Business Owners — A free place to post and promote your company, products and services. Share with the world about your exciting experiences, struggles and achievements. Allow others to have an inside look at why you are a Foodpreneur (food entrepreneur) and what makes your products or services valuable.
- Food Media — People in the food media business (TV, Radio, Magazines, Newspapers) should use this site as a reference for finding people in the food biz for your next article or interview. Looking for the next great product? How about a seasoned veteran that can talk about the trends in the food industry while speaking with years of experience? Or, you need a bunch of young food entrepreneurs for an upcoming article or TV event. This is the place for you!
- Thinking of Entering the Food Business — Everyone has to eat! Why not make your next business venture a way to feed people? You might be thinking of opening a restaurant, developing a new product for grocery stores or being a private chef for the elite. This site will make you keep looking over the edge or jump!
- Foodies — Amateurs who simply love food for consumption, study, preparation, and news (wikipedia). You are not in the Business of food but do love everything about it. Welcome!
Indulge in the food business below:
Entries in Restaurateurs (2)
Merlinos' Belvedere Restaurant - Fit for Success!
Monday, February 11, 2008 at 08:37PM Foodpreneur:
Michael Merlino
About the Foodpreneur:
Michael Merlino has a world of experience in different levels of life. His education background includes a Masters degree in Business Administration. Michael worked eight years as a customer service manager in the U.S. Postal Service; ending as the Acting Director of Customer Services of a four state area-responsible for Delivery Services, Window Service, Mail Forwarding, Vehicle Services, Rural Routes and all 2nd, 3rd and 4th class Post Offices. Founder of the Missoula Roadrunners Club. The past 27 years as the Owner/Manager of Merlinos' Belvedere Restaurant. Co-founder of the Orchard of Hope Foundation and founder of the Belvedere Blues Foundation. These non-profits have donated over $500,000 within Fremont County Colorado--there is no United Way here. Past Board member and President Cañon City Chamber of Commerce and past Board member and Vice Chairman Fremont County Tourism Council. Attending cooking classes to help improve his passion of cooking for his lovely wife at home. Michael's hobbies are working out, running and cycling with multiple fitness accomplishments including 6 marathons, the Pikes Peak Ascent 4 times and has completed 49 Olympic distance triathalons. Tired yet? Wait, we are getting down to business...
About the Merlino's Belvedere Restaurant Biz:
Our family restaurant was founded by my grandfather, Ubaldo Merlino, and his two sons, Tony (my father) and his brother, Joe, in 1946. We have our own pasta shop where we make fresh pasta and our traditional Italian sauce recipes, along with baked daily fresh Italian bread, and gelato. We age and cut meat in our meatshop. We are best known for our Belvedere Italian salad, an Abruzzi style oil/vinegar dressing; and our fresh Italian sausage--we make 200-500 pounds a week. The restaurant building is unique; several underground rooms--my grandfather was a coal miner. There are three kitchens in the restaurant; two for open to the public seating and one upstairs servicing our banquet room that seats 185. We cater within a 100 mile area. My wife, Cathie, is the Vice President of our company and oversees office and financial operations. Cathie and I floor manage on a regular basis. Both my son, Adam, and our daughter, Michelle, grew up working at the Belvedere. Adam completed culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu in Portland, Oregon; after a stint in the Navy, he returned from the Persian Gulf and is now the chef here. Michelle graduated from the Art Institute of Colorado in Denver, CO. and is the Creative Director at Plan It Planners in Denver, CO. Michelle actively consults within our business and designs our menus.
Founded:
January 6, 1946
Fun Restaurant Story:
Four elderly Italian men, wearing expensive suits and speaking broken English, came down the stairs into the Belvedere. After dinner they asked their waitress for four after dinner drinks called a mafioso. She had never heard of the drink, so she asked my main bartender, who has been with us for 19 years, if he could do the drinks. He said, no, ask Mike Merlino. I was in a different room. She asked me the same question and I also had never heard of it. I told her I would take care of it. I told the gentlemen that we had never heard of the drink, but if they knew the ingredients, I would attempt to make the drinks and if they liked them they could pay for them; and if they didn't, they would not have to pay for them. I made 5 of the drinks; tasted mine and it was great--still, they did not tell me the portioning, so I was not sure they would like them. They loved them. I asked them where they were from and where they had this drink. They said they were from New Jersey and they had the drink in a restaurant there. I asked them if I could make this drink our House Specialty Dessert Drink and if I would ever comp one, I would tell the story of how I obtained the recipe. They said great. I then asked them what they were doing here in Cañon City. They said they were visiting their family, who were in the Federal Prison. We have a Federal Prison in a nearby town. What a different way to obtain a great recipe. I still tell the story after 7 years.
Michael knew Merlino's was a hit when:
World traveled customers say "This is the best food we have ever had". When two couples from Kansas City would fly in to our small airport, take a taxi to a motel, and eat at our restaurant Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday noon--before returning to Kansa City. When customers from the country of England returned home, talked about our restaurant and they and other couples from England have returned here to dine with us.
In The News:
Denver's Westword March 2-8, 2000; Pueblo Chieftain May 2001; Cañon City Record November, 2004; Denver Post Dining February 22, 2006; 5280 Denver's Mile-High Magazine, Top of the Town, July 2007 "Bella Belvedere"; national publication by historian and photographer John Fielder "Best of Colorado" book; Gourmet Diners Society 2005-2007, "Restaurant of Distinction"; Toprestaurants.com 2008 "One of the best Italian restaurants, steak houses in the state of Colorado"
Why is Michael a Restaurant Owner?
I have a passion for food! There is great satisfaction in continuing a "tradition" of family recipes that are considered "outstanding, and worth a special trip"--as rated by Mobil Travel Guide; but most importantly by the vast majority of our customers.
Words from the Wise:
It is tougher and tougher to get and keep great employees. Colorado has passed an annual minimum wage increase, no training wage, and yet there is a lessening of a "positive work ethic".
Contact Merlinos' Belvedere Restaurant:
Merlinos' Belvedere Restaurant
1330 Elm Avenue
Cañon City, CO 81212
719.275.5558
Website: Merlionos' Belvedere Restaurant
Rama 5 - A Thai Dining Experience in Atlanta!
Sunday, January 6, 2008 at 03:22AM Foodpreneur:
Pete Akaraskul
About the Food Entrepreneur Pete:
I got involved in the Thai restaurant business in 2000. I became part owner of one of the more famous Thai restaurants in Atlanta. In 2005, I had a chance to become a majority owner of Rama 5 in Buckhead and took it! My education background was in Law and Business. After working in the corporate world for over 20 years, I was seeking a greater opportunity and a challenge. If you have been in the business... you know I have my hands full!
About the Rama 5 of Thailand restaurant:
Rama 5 serves authentic Thai and Sushi dishes. Our staff turnover is very low which gives us an advantage when comparing our high level of service to other restaurants. We are located in the downtown Buckhead bar district which is now being transformed into the Rodeo drive of the south. We serve great drinks and food!
Marketing Strategies:
Our lunch loyalty program is very popular among our business class lunch crowd. We offer a Rama 5 Premier Membership Program that gives members a discount on every meal. We advertise in the local savvy shopper magazine. We often mail menus to our surrounding zip codes. It is important to us to take care of our current customers so we often offer in-house promotions. Our monthly newsletter grows daily!
Pete knew Rama 5 was a hit when:
During our last Anniversary party we were so packed I couldn't even get a drink... And I own the place!!!
Why is Pete a Restaurateur?
I enjoy the challenge! I was tired of working nine to five in an office and tired of working for someone else.
Words from the wise:
Dealing with the public is not always easy. You never know what crazy situation will come up next. Wait a second... My dishwasher didn't show up... Ok, time to wash some dishes!
Foodpreneur Says:
Rama 5 has to be my favorite Thai restaurant in Atlanta for the money. Yes, there are more "fine dining" Thai restaurants but the quality of food and service for the price can't be compared. I will say the sushi is the best for the money in Atlanta. I personally can probably eat 20 pieces of their nigiri salmon. The full bar is stocked with high-end liquors as well as an impressive wine list. This was once in the middle of one of the hottest night life areas in the southeast. It is going through a huge make over to turn it into an exclusive district like it was back in the 80's. Pete's dedication to his customers will keep the Rama 5 Thai restaurant going for many years to come.
Visit Rama 5 Thai Restaurant:
Rama 5 Thai Restaurant
318 E. Paces Ferry Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30305
404.442.7522
Website: Rama 5 of Thailand