For Salvatore Casola, Sr., tradition and family have been the cornerstones of a brilliant career in the hospitality industry. Growing up in Brooklyn, NY, Casola has fond memories of watching his two Italian grandmothers cook for 22 aunts and uncles with love and lots of laughter. In 1987, when opening the first Market City Caffe in Old Town Pasadena, California, he enlisted the aid of his childhood memories. Salvatore Louis, Casola’s father, graces the menu of each restaurant, while Salvatore Jr. joined the business in 1995.

Casola brings a lifetime of experience to Market City Caffe Hospitality Group. He earned a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from New York City College but was hungry for more knowledge about hospitality. Casola was accepted to the esteemed Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, where he received his Certificate of Culinary Arts. He began his tenure in the hospitality business as apprentice chef at the Greenbrier, a world-class gold resort and spa in White Sulfur Springs, W. Va.

Turning to the business side of hospitality, Casola moved back to New York to serve as director of catering for the venerable Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. His experience extends as far south as New Orleans, where he was food and beverage director for the Hyatt Regency and finally west to Universal City, Calif., where he was the general manager of Victoria Station Universal. In the late 1970’s Casola Sr. partnered with Gladstone’s 4 Fish founder until the company was purchased in 1980.

For Casola, Market City Caffe Hospitality Group represents a convergence of his two passions- food and family. Teaming with Chipper Pastron as well as his son, Sal Jr., the trio now own and operate restaurants spanning Southern California, Nevada and Hawaii, including; The Market City Caffe in Burbank and Brea, Calif., Dragon Noodle Company and Sushi Bar, and d.vino at the Monte Carlo Casino in Las Vegas, Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro in Los Angeles and The Palazzo in Las Vegas, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Hawaii. Consulting projects have included: - Redesign & Reopening of MGM Grand Las Vegas - Sheraton Waikiki, Hawaii.