Episode 075 - Chef Bruno Serato
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Sir Bruno Serato arrived in the U.S. from his native Italy speaking no English with only $200 in his pocket. Through hard work and determination, he worked his way up from busboy to owner of the Anaheim White House restaurant, whose patrons include U.S. Presidents, sports stars, and celebrities. In 2005, Chef Bruno founded Caterina’s Club, a non-profit organization inspired by his mother, Caterina, that serves over 5,000 warm nutritional meals to underprivileged children every single night. Among Chef Bruno’s many honors are a CNN Hero award, being knighted by the Italian government, receiving the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and a papal blessing from Pope Francis.
Chef Bruno joins me on the Wow Factor to share the story of why he came to the U.S. and how he learned everything he knows from being hands-on in his job rather than having had formal schooling. He zooms in on some of the pivotal moments in his career, good and bad, including the fire that burned his restaurant to the ground. Chef Bruno also gives us some behind-the-scenes insights into the workings of the Caterina’s Club foundation and their current projects supporting families.
"I feel like evil will not win against love. I decide that love will prevail. I decide to rebuild the love that I have.” - Chef Bruno Serato
“Stop talking about it and just do it!.” - Chef Bruno Serato
“It doesn't take much to change life for people in need. It just needs the courage to do something.” - Chef Bruno Serato
This week on The Wow Factor:
Chef Bruno’s upbringing in Verona, Northern Italy as one of seven children, and when he realized he wanted to become a chef
Why and when Chef Bruno came to the USA and why he never intended to stay
How he got the opportunity to buy his first restaurant
How as a leader he brings new employees into his restaurant and qualities he looks for
The current projects at Catarina’s Club and how they are supporting families to move out of motels and into secure accommodation
How Chef Bruno innovated when COVID-19 meant lockdown in California
When Chef Bruno met Pope Francis and what they talked about
Chef Bruno’s book Power of Pasta and why he decided to write his story down
Bruno Serato’s Words of Wisdom:
It takes zero money to be a decent human being, and being a kind decent person is the foundation of leadership.
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