Wednesday, October 22, 2003

Johnny Carino's names Ferrell as general manager

Eric Ferrell has been named by Ameliorate, LLC, as the new general manager of the Johnny Carino's Country Italian Restaurant located next to the Fayette Pavilion shopping center.

Ferrell is a 20-year veteran of the restaurant industry. Prior to joining the three-state franchise group, he trained and worked in a variety of fine dining and steak house restaurants that included Sullivan's and Broad Ripple Steak. His expertise lies in guest satisfaction and management development. He is a highly skilled chef and possesses an extensive knowledge of wine.

He is in preparation now for the International Court of Sommeliers.

Upon arrival into the company, he assisted with the rollout of Johnny Carino's new menu and revised wine list. The new menu features items such as Italian Pot Roast, Baked Four Cheese Manicotti and Lamb Marsala. New wines that can be found at the restaurant include Ruffino Riserva, Ducale Chianti Classico and Hogue Cellars Riesling. Old favorites like 12-Layer Lasagna and Jalapeno Garlic Tilapia remain a mainstay of the restaurant Eric will now oversee.

As general manager, one of the first projects he has before him is to kick off the new "Dine To Donate" program for the Fayetteville community. Eric will seek out not-for-profit organizations that are interested in teaming up with Johnny Carino's to raise money.

The chosen organizations will have an opportunity to fill the restaurant on a designated night and receive 10 percent of the receipts taken in.

"I am very excited about the new 'Dine To Donate' program and the opportunity it gives our restaurant to give back to the community. I am anxious to locate some qualified organizations and plan upcoming events in the very near future with them," said Ferrell.

"We are extremely lucky to have Eric as part of our ever expanding management team," said Kevin Callaway, chief operating officer and part owner of Ameliorate, LLC. " I hope everyone in the community makes a point of stopping by the restaurant to meet Eric and get to know an outstanding talent in the restaurant industry today."

Johnny Carino's is open for lunch and dinner. Call ahead seating is available for large groups of 8 or more during certain times of the week. The restaurant specializes in catering and curbside carry-out. In the very near future, the restaurant will begin hosting wine tasting dinners. They urge you to contact them early to book your holiday parties for the upcoming season.

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