Widow reopens Cafe Concerto after requests

By CHRISTINA K. COSDON

© St. Petersburg Times, published October 23, 2000

Fausto Chiappinelli first opened Cafe Concerto in December 1998 as a setting for the recipes created by his Italian mother -- and a stage for him to sing passages from his favorite operas.

An experienced restaurateur, he had owned and operated Fausto's restaurant in Washington, D.C., for years. As a trained tenor, he had sung in Europe and the U.S.

Last year, the restaurant received an award from the Downtown Development Board and Main Street design committee.

Then tragedy struck. Chiappinelli died of cancer in January. His widow, Loretta Mirelli, closed the restaurant. She said she felt the place had lost its heart.

But "telephone calls and letters from friends, former customers and even some food critics" changed her mind, she said.

And now, Cafe Concerto is back.

Mirelli said she is a bit nervous about taking on such a heavy commitment.

"I have a full-time job, I really don't need this restaurant," Mirelli said. "I'm opening it for Fausto and because people have asked me to. He believed that life should be lived fully every day and he wanted to share his passion for cooking and opera.

"I miss his strength, but I have to think positive about this."

The head chef, Manuel Poiquinto, is returning, Mirelli said, as are the kitchen and serving staff. She has hired a new bartender and a couple of new waiters, which brings the employees up to nine, she said.

She said she bought some new kitchen and bar equipment, repaired the awnings and some of the plumbing and restocked the bar and kitchen pantry. She said she also added tables and chairs and music outside for up to 15 diners, mainly the smokers. The total investment, she said, was $16,000.

The restaurant, which can seat up to 150, will feature live music every evening. In addition to bands and music for dancing, there will be guest performers singing from opera and Broadway.

Cafe Concerto is open Thursday-Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dinner and from 10 p.m. to midnight for after-dinner selections. Sunday hours are 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch and from 4:30 to 10 p.m. for dinner, closed Monday-Wednesday. Call 449-9880.

Parthenon restaurant back to original owners

After a brief change in the ownership and the cooking style, the popular Parthenon restaurant, deli and bakery in downtown Clearwater has returned to its original owners, the Kapetanopoulos family. Brothers Tom and George, who moved to Pinellas County 22 years ago from Chicago, had planned to renew their previous careers as wholesale food distributors. For now, they are back managing the restaurant at 705 Court St.

The only missing ingredient in the team is George's son, Jimmy, who has opened the Crazy Greek Deli in the Wolstein Wellness Center at 24945 U.S. 19 N, Clearwater. The deli and sandwich shop will feature the same menu as the Parthenon.

The younger Kapetanopoulos said he is a partner in the business with the center's owners, Dr. Brian Wolstein and his sister, Dr. Karen Wolstein.

Bandes Construction expands to Tampa

Bandes Construction Co., based at 1368 Spalding Road, Dunedin, has opened an office in Tampa. Senior project manager John L. Scavuzzo and project manager Richard Bock will head up the new branch at 3300 Henderson Blvd.

AVID Engineering adds to staff

Cathy Coyle has been hired as impact fee coordinator/special projects manager at AVID Engineering, 2300 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor. In her new position, she will be responsible for evaluating the effect and outcome of water, sewer and transportation impact fees statewide. She has a master's degree in business administration with a specialty in technology management. She most recently worked in planning with the city of Tampa's Ybor Development Corp.

Price Donoghue Ridenour announces promotion

Tracy L. Jardine has been promoted to audit manager at Price Donoghue Ridenour certified public accountants and business consultants at 29605 U.S. 19 N, Clearwater. She has been with the firm five years, and her new duties include managing an audit team to select manufacturing, technical, medical and general business clients.

The firm was established in 1975. Its specialties include providing tax reduction strategies for businesses and individuals, as well as accounting, auditing, business valuation, trust and estate services. Audit work has been its largest growth area for the past few years.

News of businesses and business people can be faxed to the Business Digest at 445-4119 or mailed to Business Digest, 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756. We are interested in new and unusual businesses, promotions, expansions and major new contracts. Photos can be sent, but not all will be used and they cannot be returned.

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