Throughout the month of December the Alexandria SBDC will be highlighting some of our clients to get an inside scoop of what their holiday season looks like.
Name: Larry Ponzi
Business Name(s): PC Group (Cafe Pizzaiolo, Piece Out, St Elmos Coffee Pub and Market to Market Del Ray)
How long have you been in business in Alexandria? In 2007 my wife Christine and I started a family business in Crystal City and quickly grew to Alexandria by 2008, where we now have all 5 businesses. We will open a 3rd St Elmos Coffee Pub in 2022.
Tell me a little about your business(es): We specialize in comfort foods made from scratch with warm and friendly service. We are team oriented and manage with family values. We take pride in serving our neighborhoods with an equal focus on food quality, happy customers and motivated staff.
How did you first learn about the SBDC? I met Bill and Gloria back in 2008 when I was researching how to raise capital for our second restaurant. They have a great way to put new clients at ease and make them feel welcome, and build ongoing relationships that you are always thankful for.
Something unique you are doing this holiday season with your business(es): We are pretty busy getting back to the old ways of catering groups and parties and doing some events, while adjusting to the new challenges from the pandemic pressures. It’s nice to see people coming back out, we really missed seeing a lot of great people last year!
Favorite thing about the holiday season in Alexandria: I love the spirit here, between the decorated store fronts, events like the Candy Cane Crawl and festive customers and staff we are very lucky to be here!
Something you are thankful for: A huge milestone for us is that we now offer full health insurance plans for full time employees which is not common in the independent restaurant world.
Favorite Alexandria business to visit during the holidays (besides your own): Taqueria Poblano
Favorite holiday tradition: Getting a tree with our family. We have two daughters away at college so really look forward to having them back for a few weeks!
How people can find you (website, social media – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn):
I’m on Facebook and LinkedIn as Larry Ponzi
Our business websites and social media are listed below;
Piece Out
Facebook: Piece Out Del Ray
Instagram: @PieceOutDelRay
Café Pizzaiolo
Twitter: @CafePizzaiolo
Facebook: Café on Fern
Instagram: @CafePizzaiolo1
Market to Market Del Ray
Twitter: @m2mDelRay
Facebook: Market 2 Market Del Ray
St Elmos Coffee Pub
Facebook: St Elmo’s Coffee Pub
Instagram: @StElmos