The Needle Vol. 17

DOWN TO BUSINESS

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Mel Biondi has been in the good taste business all his life, beginning in Colorado where his family’s Italian restaurant has been open since 1959. When he’s not closing deals, you’ll find Mel at Bambusa – his fourth restaurant. Located just off Fifth Avenue, Bambusa is an American bistro with a twist of glam – and lots of entertainment. “We do fun things like bingo where drag queens call the balls,” he says. “During high season, it’s a two-week wait to get in.” Mel’s restaurant business doesn’t just serve up some of the best Italian homemade dishes in Naples – it also acts as a bright spot for those in need in the local community. Bambusa often hosts raffles and events to raise money for addiction recovery, women’s shelters and other important causes. And while restaurants and real estate might not seem related, Mel sees them as a natural fit: “To be successful in either, you’d better be focused on the customer.” The Customer is Queen

“To be successful in both real estate and hospitality, you'd better be focused on the customer.”

MEL BIONDI mel.biondi@compass.com 720.934.3843

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