store,” he says. “This will be where I will retire. I’ve made incredible relationships in this community.” Mario has numerous friends who would agree that his caring nature is apparent through his community involvement. He has, for instance, helped raise over $100,000 for Children in Crisis, a nonprofit that provides homes for abused and neglected children in Northwest Florida. In acknowledgment, Mario was nominated by a fellow citizen to serve (2013 to 2014) as an Honorary Commander for Eglin Air Force Base.
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The yearlong program assigns each honored and chosen civic leader to a military partner, also a leader on the base. The two interact with one another and with other civilian-military partners at various honorary commander events. The purpose is to build relationships that facilitate deeper insights into the role of the Air Force. Thus, as community leaders, honorary commanders are encouraged to share what they learn. Completing his term, Mario says that his partner, Maj. Eric Queddeng of the 96th Civil Engineering Squadron, not only taught him a great deal about the US military’s mission, but also gave him a greater appreciation for his father’s military career in Chile. No matter where individuals live or what they do, Mario finds that virtually all cherish happy times shared with friends and family. Similarly, personal relationships mean everything in the restaurant business. “You build relationships so people want to come back,” Mario insists, adding that the courtship begins at the front door. One couple, in particular, recently visited Mario at his restaurant to let him know they were moving away. “They wanted to thank me for the friendship and great dining experience,” he says. “It really moved me. Those kinds of experiences keep me going.” Whether at the restaurant or at home entertaining, Mario is happiest when making others happy. Accordingly, in the spirit of Tommy Bahama, he’ll continue to do just that with an attitude that life is one long weekend.
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panaMa city Beach: 850.236.3582 destin: 850.543.4424 22200 PCB Pkwy, Suite A PAnAmA City BeACh, FL 32413
home - garden - gifts Only ½ mile east of Seaside at the corner of 30A & 395 next to V Seagrove. Open Tues - Sat 10 - 5 850.231.2036
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