06/11/2013

Bonita Springs, FL (June 10, 2013) With plans to open in The Promenade at Bonita Bay in Summer 2014, DeRomo’s Gourmet Market and Restaurant is bringing their passion for great food and great service in a unique and creative way to Southwest Florida. DeRomo’s will offer a refined selection of experiences including a gourmet market and full authentic bakery, a 300 seat casual-dining restaurant, a quaint Tuscan style outdoor bar and seating area, full catering services, gourmet gift baskets for purchase, and a cozy coffee shop that offers homemade gelato and sorbet.

Beyond the uniqueness of the destination that DeRomo’s will create in the community, the business will contribute approximately 100 jobs to the local economy, including specialty and trade-based jobs.  This is good news for Southwest Florida, as businesses like this further diversify the local economy and attract new seasonal residents and visitors to the area.

Within DeRomo’s Gourmet Market, guests have the opportunity to browse an extensive wine section with labels from all over the world beautifully displayed inside the in-store wine cellar. Shoppers will be greeted at the door with fresh cut flowers and many other products that will entice them to continue their journey through the market “creating a feast for the eyes.” Once they make their way further, guests can shop from a wide selection of in-store fresh produce, prepared foods, Italian specialty and international foods, fresh cut meats and fresh seafood counters, homemade pastries, a large selection of homemade fresh pasta (which will also be featured on their Restaurant menu) and even uncle Nicky’s famous homemade Italian sausages. DeRomo’s meat counter will have the feel of an old fashion butcher shop and will feature New York style family recipes. Although DeRomo’s leans toward authentic Italian cuisine, they offer a wide variety of products from around the world, products that are not only reflected in their market products and prepared foods, but also on their restaurant menu. The diversity of menu offerings is sure to please anyone’s palate.

Across the courtyard and past the outdoor market-style food carts, guests can purchase various pre-assembled and customized gourmet gift baskets. In addition, DeRomo’s offers an on-site catering consultant who provides full catering services, and is happy to take appointments and meet with walk-in customers.

DeRomo’s Gourmet Market and Restaurant is the first of its kind in Southwest Florida. When guests visit this nearly 15,000 square foot establishment, they will enjoy an old-world marketplace atmosphere that is architecturally intertwined from space to space. The design will incorporate intricate stonework, granite and brickwork, mosaic tile floors, iron archways, swooping canopies, wood-slated window coverings, and much more to please the eyes.

The DeRomo’s 300 seat restaurant offers a casual, fun, and comfortable setting with a diverse selection of menu items. Guests can enjoy drinks on the patio bar and the outdoor seating area that is surrounded by the sound of water, lush tropical landscapes, and a charming marketplace vibe.

Founder/President and CEO, Francis J. Cuomo, selected The Promenade because of the shopping mall’s unmatched beauty, and its central location in the Southwest Florida area. He wants guests from all over the area to come experience the charming atmosphere and superior tastes.  When asked about his goals in creating DeRomo’s, Cuomo said, “We will combine product uniqueness, menu variety, inviting ambiance, décor, and quality service to create a sense of “place” –a unique shopping, dining, and entertainment experience.”

Cuomo now has over 35 years of experience in the industry and has owned five other restaurants and catering concepts in both Florida and New York. His love and passion for food grew from Sunday family dinners at his Mom’s (Momma DeRosa) house where his Mom, Grandmother, Aunts, and four Sisters, would all cook for his large family (Cuomo is one of 10 children). He reminisced on his grandmother’s special authentic dishes and baked goods, not to mention the FAMOUS family recipe for the “Sunday Gravy” and “Lasagna” that his aunt Linda makes the best.  Cuomo’s grandmother continues to influence him today, as the name, DeRomo’s, is a combination of her family name and “Cuomo”.

When asked how he created multiple successful business concepts, Cuomo said, “Creating a winning formula in this industry requires exceptional teamwork, organization, creativity, and endless hard work. I believe that those team players that will be joining forces to create this great concept in Bonita Springs should and will be well recognized as well, for I am only one player on a large team.”

DeRomo’s is set to open in Summer 2014 and is sure to strengthen visitors’ experience when they spend time at The Promenade at Bonita Bay. For more information, call (239) 325-3583.