Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Cavallo.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Lisa. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Being born into the restaurant business, I remember my father tying an apron twice around my waist when working with him at his Salem Street restaurant in the North End when I was about 6. I cleaned counters and cleaned the squid…ick! 40 years later, I’m still at it and love every minute of it, but I no longer clean squid, I now enjoy making great cocktails, serving quality dishes, and creating an environment that’s cozy and intimate for my guests.
Has it been a smooth road?
Martini Bar in Reading in 2005, no way! Actually, there was only an Asian restaurant with a liquor license at the time. We opened in 2001 with a beer and wine license only until our first expansion in 2005. The former town manager would come in with the tape measure to measure our signs, making us shave off 3/4 of an inch. In 2013 my brother left Venetian to open his own restaurant. I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to handle managing the front of the house as well as the kitchen. I am grateful now that I fully know every single aspect of this business, in both the front of the house, and the back.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We specialize in made to order Italian dishes, as well as fresh seafood, steaks, and chops. We are very well known for our extensive martini list. I try to stay away from fads, and stick to flavors that people enjoy and always have. My customers love the drinks that take them back good times as a child, like strawberry shortcake and creamsicles. but they also love the lighter fresh muddled cocktails, like the jalapeno lime. I know when I go out for dinner or drinks, I prefer restaurants that are more intimate, more comfortable, and have a nice vibe. That’s what I try to create for my guests, and they seem to appreciate it.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Just because a business succeeds in one location, definitely doesn’t mean it will succeed in another. You have to know and understand your demographic. Find out what people really want and what’s lacking in that area.
Contact Info:
- Address: 680 Main Street
Reading, Ma 01867 - Website: www.venetianmoon.com
- Phone: 781-944-3633
- Email: info@venetianmoon.com
- Instagram: Venetian Moon
- Facebook: Venetian Moon Ristorante & Martini bar
- Twitter: venetianmoon
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