Restaurant Industry Veterans Expand a Successful Grab-n-Go Concept with Globe’s Help

The Client: 

La Cucina

The Needs:

• Refrigerated cases and other equipment to expand a Grab-n-Go concept to new locations with varying configurations
• Headquarters kitchen expansion to accommodate growth

The Results:

“We were lucky that our business expanded and grew through the pandemic. Others weren’t so fortunate. I can’t complain, but opening a new location in October 2021 with the supply chain climate like it was—that was a challenge. But Bill and Globe came through and got us what we needed on time, even in spite of those difficulties. I’m so grateful for that.” (Joy, Owner)

The Story:

Greg and Joy Bozzi were not strangers to the restaurant industry when they opened La Cucina, a “Grab-n-Go” food service concept in North Branford, CT. They had owned and managed their restaurant for years, which is how they were connected to Bill Severino (one of Globe Equipment Company’s salespeople). Like them, he’d also managed several local restaurants and food service operations. They had earned each other’s mutual respect on the “front lines.”

The Bozzis had already opened their first La Cucina location before Bill worked for Globe. But when they were ready for expansion, they called on him for help.

“Of course it’s nice to work with old friends on a concept like this. But Greg is a truly an amazing chef, and Joy is doing a fantastic job with front of the house operations. They’re setting a standard in a trending segment, and they’re doing it right. That’s a fun thing to be a part of,” said Bill.

The original La Cucina North Branford location opened in 2016, offering cold takeout meals and catering services.

After success in North Branford (even pre-pandemic), the Bozzis opened satellite locations in Guilford, CT and Cheshire, CT. For those, they called on Bill and Globe to help provide equipment. Bill met with them early on to see the new spaces, and help Greg and Joy think through the locations’ layouts and equipment needs.

Unlike North Branford, the satellite locations didn't need full kitchens, but they did need plenty of refrigerated display cases, with good traffic patterns through the spaces to handle checkout and customer demand.

“There are lots of refrigerated cases available on the market. They also come in at very different price points. Navigating supply chain issues is tough, too. People can spend too much on these cases if they’re not careful, so I help my customers really think about how they’re going to be used before I make my product recommendations,” says Bill. “You know, you have to keep the food at the right temperature, yes. But beyond that, I help people spend and save in the right places. That way they can do it right AND profitably.”

“We were lucky that our business expanded and grew through the pandemic. Others weren’t so fortunate,” said Joy, reflecting back on her work with Bill over the past few years. “I can’t complain, but opening a new location in October 2021 with the supply chain climate like it was—that was a challenge. But Bill and Globe came through and got us what we needed on time, even in spite of those difficulties. I’m so grateful for that.”

Bill helped Greg and Joy sift through their options, and procure the right cases to store the food safely and consistently. Additional locations are on the horizon. In addition to more geographic growth, they’re also expanding the original North Branford kitchen space to accommodate increased volume from the additional storefronts.

“Joy and Greg have so much going on in this expansion, plus running the day to day. I love to be there for them. Sometimes I tell Joy, ’Relax, it’s just food!’ I think she appreciates it, because she knows she can indeed relax about the equipment part. I’m looking out for their interests,” says Bill.

“We’re a local business, so we stay local wherever we can, even down to the soda products and ice cream in our stores. I try to do the same even for the equipment, like our coolers. It’s part of who we are,” says Joy. “And Bill and Globe go above and beyond for us because that’s part of who they are.”

Thank you Joy, Greg, and La Cucina for your partnership!