Long Island Hospitality Ball 2016

Chris D’Ambrosi My empire and reputation are what make the people that come into my restaurants thirsty for a glimpse of what life is like being on the top of the guest list with no reservations. Proven to be a renowned candidate in the restaurant industry having owned and operated several successful restaurants has been a minor reflection on the past two decades of the growth, excitement, and evolution of myself and my establishments.

The gained knowledge and experience I’ve had over the past 25 years has allowed me to learn the trade inside and out from bottom up. Being a waiter from the ages of 19-23 at Matteo’s in Roslyn introduced me to my first managerial position at only 23 years old. I then opened my first restaurant as owner, Matteo’s of Howard Beach, at only 26 years old. Just a short time later, I opened my second restaurant; Matteo’s of Long Beach and became partner in a third, Matteo’s of Huntington. Venturing on my own at the age of 32 alongside my lifelong friend, Frank DePierro, to open our own restaurant, Mio Posto of Oceanside, followed by our second restaurant, Mio Posto of Hicksville. Such accomplishments have awarded me Business Man of the Year in 2007 in Long Beach and 2010 in Nassau County. From waiting tables to managerial positions and eventually owning restaurants, the business has always been a hands-on collaboration to enjoy and evolve my own passion of pleasing people personally and through the fine dining experience.

Such a lasting impression has been the ability to reinvent dining to include not only supper, but also the entertainment and club vibe in restaurants throughout Long Island. Whether it is a Wednesday or Friday night, Summer or Winter, our dinner to dancing transformations have lasted as long as the night will carry on. I can’t help to treat each customer like a personal friend; whether it’s to share a conversation, a cocktail, or a night out.

Supporting my friends has always been of great importance especially when contributing towards a positive cause; whether that is for political and non-political organizations, fundraisers, or donations to each and every group that has come my way for help no matter how big or small. I continue to do what I love and touch peoples’ lives despite my own struggles. Recently diagnosed with Stage Four Cancer has allowed me to accept such humility and challenged me to fight the fight of a lifetime. Like a true champion, I remain positive because of the support of my family, especially my wife Gena, and sons Vincent and Sabatino, and friends, as now many have come together to help me beat this battle.

I live by the motto that life isn’t about the amount of years you live, but the life you put into those years. Though the industry has its challenges, I can only aspire to always aim for success as a restaurateur and owner of the Mio Posto dynasty. I will continue to strive for excellence with the quality of our food, service, and overall experience in hopes of expanding the Mio Posto legacy. From professional to personal, my journeys and experiences continue to allow me to learn, reflect and reinvent myself and my business. I know that this year will be better than the last, and I welcome the many more to come.