Today we’d like to introduce you to Graziano Sbroggio.
Graziano, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born into a family that owned restaurants in Treviso, Italy. Upon finishing school, I became co-owner and manager of the family restaurant, “La Cappelletta.” I moved to Miami Beach in 1990 to help operate TiramesU restaurant.
TiramesU in South Beach was known for its dedication to quality and authentic Italian cuisine. It was popular and successful from day one until it closed in 2017, almost 30 years later.
In 1998, I opened Spris “La Pizzeria del TiramesU” on Lincoln Road. Spris offers a large variety of wood-burning brick-oven pizzas, specialty sandwiches, and salads. Spris has since grown to a total of 4 locations.
In 2000, along with partner Mark Soyka (of News Café fame) I opened Segafredo L’Originale on Lincoln Road. Located adjacent to the Colony Theater, this café-slashparty-spot continues to attract locals and visitors alike. In 2015, Mark Soyka, Luca Voltarel and I teamed up to open Segafredo’s second location in Bayside.
In 2001, I opened Spuntino Bakery with TiramesU’s Executive Chef, Carlo Donadoni. It was created to supply homemade breads, pastas, and pizza dough to my restaurants. In 2002, Spuntino Catering became the official catering division of Graspa Group. Spuntino Catering specializes in European-style full service catering for weddings, social events and VIP corporate functions.
In 2007, I became partners with Mark Soyka and Luca Voltarel in the historic Van Dyke Café, an American bistro on Lincoln Road. We gave the second floor a much needed facelift and brought back the live music it was known for.
2011 marked the opening of Salumeria 104 in Midtown Miami in partnership with Carlo Donadoni and Angelo Masarin (co-owner and executive chef.) Salumeria 104 is based on the Italian concept of a trattoria, including an onsite shop featuring Italian specialty cured meats. In July, we opened our second Salumeria 104 in Coral Gables.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No great road worth traveling is smooth! Looking back on 30 years makes me truly proud. Looking forward to the next 30 fills me with excitement. I thank the Miami community for welcoming us with open arms. I thank my partners and team and family for helping me realize my dreams. Grazie one and all!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Graspa Group story. Tell us more about the business.
Graspa Group is known for creating and operating authentic, traditional, Italian culinary concepts. It is comprised of the Spuntino Bakery & Catering Company and three stellar brands: Spris, Segafredo, and Salumeria 104. A fourth is on the way, in the form of a new concept called “Esotico,” set to open late 2018 in the Canvas Condominium in Miami.
Below is the list of the Graspa Group family of restaurants, nine to date.
Spris: South Beach, Midtown Miami, Downtown Miami, South Miami
Salumeria 104: Midtown Miami and Coral Gables
Segafredo: South Beach and Bayside
Esotico: Miami Arts & Entertainment District
I’m proud of my partners, proud of our team and proud of our first class reputation. We work very hard to provide guests with the best experience possible. I’m proud that our dedication has resulted in a great reward – loyal, satisfied and appreciative customers.
There are many wonderful restaurants in Miami. I believe that what sets us apart from others is our style and delivery. We’re creative but we don’t focus on being trendy. We aim for consistency and excellence. We’re joyfully obsessed with catering to the needs and whims of our customers. We do our best for them, day in and day out. If they’re happy, we’re happy!
In the innovation category, the “APE” is a cool tidbit and traffic stopper. Imported from Italy, the “APE” is a 3-wheel pizza truck we use for street events and private parties. It’s currently operating at The Warf on the Miami River.
Food is my life. Good food, that is! The Graspa Group slogan says it all: “We are food people. It’s what we do. It’s what we love.”
What were you like growing up? Personality wise, interest wise, etc.
I was a quiet boy that loved helping my parents in the trattoria they owned. I learned about life by learning about food. How to grow it, select it, prepare it and present it. Serving guests delicious meals that made them happy made me happy! It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with the hospitality business. By the time I was a teenager, I was dreaming about creating and owning restaurants that would be dedicated to three things: quality, simplicity, authenticity. My dreams materialized in beautiful Miami, the city I now happily call home and joyfully share with my wife Silvia and three children.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck helps of course but what really helps is passion. I’m driven by my love of food and my respect for it. Food is a crucial part of life, from the moment we’re born. Food is sustenance, culture, family, celebration, memory. I can think of no better job than feeding people. When it comes to luck, I think of it like this: Lucky me that I get to do what I love.
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