Wednesday, May 21, 2003

Take your very best friend to Gumba's

By EMILY BALDWIN
ebaldwin@thecitizennews.com

Generally when you think of restaurants owned by a chef you think they must have been doing this their whole life. This is not so, however, for John Manzo, owner and operator of Peachtree City's newest rotisserie cafe.

Although John has always had an interest in and a talent for the culinary arts, he thought of it as no more than a hobby when he decidedto go to culinary school in the late '90s. At that time he worked selling tractors by day and going to school in his free time.

After moving to Senoia in 1998, John built a "little restaurant and commercial kitchen in his basement for family and friends." He was tired of selling tractors, so when he was approached by the owner of Yancy Brothers to open a restaurant he jumped at the chance. But after about a year in operation he turned the company over to a new operator. John then went through stints in the grading business and selling cars, but all the while felt drawn to cooking.

"I began to seek God on what to do," he said. "He instructed me to use the talents He gave me."

And thus came the beginnings of Gumba's. Many thought the Manzos should name the restaurant after themselves, but John says he didn't feel right about taking credit for what he feels is God's gift to him and his family. On their way to church one Sunday morning, John prayed for a name to be revealed to him.

That day the church's pastor told the congregation about a building that was to be named for him, and how he felt that when "the Lord builds a building, you don't put your name on it." John agreed and immediately thought, "Lord, you're my gumba." In John's Italian heritage, referring to someone as your gumba means that they are your very best friend. And so on March 10, 2003, Gumba's Rotisserie-Cafe was opened.

Gumba's serves a variety of foods such as their rotisserie chicken and pork loins, Mama Manzo's Lasagna, and Snap's Salmon. Their dessert menu offers delicious tastes of traditional Cannoli and Italian Ice as wellan auhentic Peruvian Flan. The Manzos feel strongly that people should be health-conscious about what they eat and are happy to help out in this venture.

Soups and sandwiches are served with a side of fruit: an apple, orange, or a bananna. Their food is fresh and nothing is fried; an ideal dinner for busy families who are concerned with eating right. Gumba's offers dine-in, take-out, drive-thru and catering options forevery occasion. Simply call or fax in an order and pick it up in theirdrive thru window for your convenience.

Of the Gumba's experience, John and Martha Manzo say, "we want you to have a friendly, family, neighborhood restaurant where you can enjoy fellowship over a delicious, healthy meal."

Gumba's Rotisserie-Cafe is at 290 Highway 74 North; call inyour order at 770-487-8828 or fax it to 770-487-8587. Hours ofoperation are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

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