Brooklyn Honors Fratelli Ravioli-Entrepreneurs of the Year
Brothers Larry and Christian Vivola Receive Top Honors At Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala
Brooklyn, NY (PRWEB) December 8, 2004 -- The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce paid tribute to the Fratelli Ravioli, presenting them the Entrepreneurs of the Year Award at their 87th Annual Dinner Dance Gala on December 2, 2004. For brothers, and partners, Larry and Christian Vivola, the award represents the culmination of 26 years of their familys dedication to providing the best ravioli and pasta available.
The original Fratelli Ravioli Shop was opened by Raymond and Josephine Vivola on Court Street in South Brooklyn in 1978, and quickly became a neighborhood institution well renown for their fresh pastas and homemade sauces. Like many family businesses, the Vivolas sons, Larry and Christian, grew up working nights and weekends, learning the operation from the inside out. During this period they also cultivated a love for all things food". By 1990 the brothers were working full time in the family business and began setting the pace for steady growth, all while maintaining the same dedication to quality and customer service that put them on the map.
Through a series of well-calculated moves, the Vivolas have taken their company from $500,000 in annual sales to system-wide sales approaching $5 million since taking over in 1990. By moving production out of the individual retail stores and into a 5,000 square-foot facility in Red Hook, Brooklyn, theyve created production efficiencies that enable them to easily keep up with the ever-increasing demand for their specialty products. The brothers have also begun to focus entirely on franchise development and currently have three franchise units open, with four more scheduled to open in 2005 throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. Their franchise model is unique in that no matter where they open a new unit, one gets the feeling they are back in Brooklyn when they step through the door. These are essentially Mom and Pop stores," says Larry Vivola. When you walk in, you become like family-and thats been the secret ingredient to our success since the beginning."
The brothers have recently developed another successful concept they call Frats Ices, where they sell homemade ices, ice cream, spumoni, and their trademark fried ravioli they lovingly call Frats". Theyve even created a hot Cheesecake Frat that is served with a variety of sweet dipping sauces, which has become the shops signature item. The first Frats Ices location opened in Brooklyn in the summer of 2004. As a result of the enormous popularity of the flagship location, the partners have begun a national franchise development of that concept as well.
About Fratelli Ravioli
Fratelli Ravioli Franchise Group operates and franchises Fratelli Ravioli Stores and Frats Ices. Fratelli Ravioli truly is A Taste of the Old Neighborhood". Visit them at www.fratelliravioli.com. For more information or photos, contact John Rarrick at (845) 358-7263.
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