Exploring Life & Business with MARIO of LA TRAVIATA RESTAURANT

Today we’d like to introduce you to MARIO.

Hi MARIO, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started working as a waiter in 1989 at a very high-end Italian Restaurant Madeo in San Pedro, then in 1990 moved to long Beach to join the newly opened L’Opera Ristorante. in 1992 I accepted a general manager role at Mum’s restaurant in Long beach and soon after that I started my first restaurant which was called THE HOUSE OF MADAM JOJO. that turn out to be a great success leading the way to start my second restaurant La Traviata in downtown Long beach in 1995 that to this date I own and manage. La traviata has been a story of ups and downs and let downs just like the story of opera La Traviata itself. There are so many other details that I will save for later.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Smooth…. far from it. initial financial problems, betrayal by so called partners or investors, an awful divorce leading to temporary loss of my restaurant, hostile takeover by a wealthy investor, 2008 through 2011 financial hardship and when finally got out of the dark waters, and some hopes of the better future, Comes Covid 19 which to this date effects ours and many other businesses. Still, we are here.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
La Traviata is pretty much a family owned and operated business, I have been working with the same chef my dear friend Trinadad Betancourt since 1994 to this date. he truly is a master chef with a very calm and measured manners (unlike many other chefs) we specialize in homemade pastas and excellent raviolis. The ambiance here is remanences of old European architect and charm with high ceilings and, marble floors and large chandeliers which gives the dinners a sense of luxury without the high prices. We also have a 2000 sq foot elegant private room that can seat up to 115 guests. We have always had live music during the weekend and will continue to do so. we have been very consistent with our great food and service and specially our famous hospitality.

What are your plans for the future?
I would like to create a new cafe style outdoors just outside the restaurant to cater the younger crowd with easy service and much lower pricing.

Pricing:

• medium

Contact Info:

• Website: https://latraviata301.com