Staten Island Brothers Bring Little Italy to Monmouth County
Aberdeen, NJ (PRWEB) September 22, 2004 —- For brothers Chris and Matt Lombardi, the search for a location for their Fratelli Ravioli Shop and Café did not take long. They both agreed that Monmouth County was the logical choice for the Brooklyn-born pasta shop concept. Their decision has paid off in a big way as the new store, located at 1100 Rt. 34 in Aberdeen, has become something of an instant hit with both the white and blue collar set. So many people in this area are transplants from Brooklyn and Staten Island, it just seemed right to bring a piece of the old neighborhood here," says Chris Lombardi.
The Lombardi brothers are no strangers to the food business. Their father, Nick Lombardi, owned a popular neighborhood deli on Victory Boulevard in Staten Island for 20 years. Both worked in the family business before going off to college and eventually joining the ranks of corporate America. Chris became an accountant, working for Verizon Wireless and Chubb Insurance and Matt went to work for The Bank of New York. When the brothers decided to trade in their ties for aprons, they chose the Fratelli Ravioli franchise concept for two reasons. The Fratelli name gave us instant credibility," says Chris. And this is the food we grew up on—the food we love. Our mom shopped at Fratelli when we were kids."
Their Fratelli Ravioli Shop and Cafe offers fifteen varieties of homemade ravioli and eight varieties of linguini, fettuccini, and angle hair pasta, all made from fresh, scratch ingredients at Fratellis Brooklyn facility and delivered daily to the shop. The shop also features fresh mozzarella, an espresso bar, bakery items, and a complete array of packaged Italian specialty products. Guests have choice of dining in the café from the in-house menu, or taking home any of the many varieties of frozen raviolis and pastas.
Larry Vivola, co-founder of the 25-year-old Italian specialty-food concept, said he wasnt surprised that the Lombardi brothers learned the Fratelli system so quickly. "Chris and Matt were made for this type of shop," Vivola said. Were very excited to have them represent Fratelli Ravioli here in Monmouth County".
While the Lombardi brothers are overjoyed with the success of their new shop, both feel confident that they will open more Fratelli Ravioli Shops in the county. We think theres a lot of room for growth here with this type of concept," says Chris. And its a good feeling to bring back a piece of the old neighborhood".
Fratelli Ravioli Shop and Café is located at 1100 Route 34 in Aberdeen, NJ. Tel (732) 290-1005. Fratelli Ravioli Franchise Group operates and franchises Fratelli Ravioli Stores and Frats Ices. Fratelli Ravioli invokes the real meaning of Old Neighborhood Brooklyn". Visit them at www.fratelliravioli.com. For more information or photos, contact John Rarrick at (845) 358-7263.
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