Chef Roberto Leoci has had a busy year so far, receiving awards, traveling to private catering events and preparing to launch a second Italian restaurant in the new Kimpton Hotel on Bay Street.
Even though he hails from Montreal, Leoci said, Savannah enabled him to launch his career.
“A lot of people say, ‘Where? Savannah?’, but it’s growing fast, and it’s a good place for young businesses to start up,” said Leoci, who opened Leoci’s Trattoria three years ago.
Leoci and three other Savannah-grown businesses were recognized Thursday at the Buy Local Savannah organization’s 2014 Awards Luncheon at The Pirates’ House.
Last week, Leoci was named Georgia Grown Executive Chef by the state Department of Agriculture for his use of regionally sourced products. Leoci sells his own line of duck prosciutto and pancetta using a packer in Swainsboro. He says this helps put more emphasis on local products and the importance of supporting homegrown businesses.
“We do make our own pancetta and duck prosciutto in Savannah ... and you don’t have to get it from France or Canada, which is where most people get it,” said Leoci.
Leoci noted that Savannah-area Kroger will carry his line of jams, beginning March 30, and eventually the meats. Whole Foods on Victory Drive also carries his products.
Lori Collins of Savannah Coffee Roasters was the other recipient of the Spine & Sport National Excellence Award, a distinction given to locally owned companies that have received national recognition.
Collins, a native of Australia, bought the company two years ago after several vacations with her husband to Savannah. Describing herself as a “tourist who stayed,” Collins said her company has 3,500 mail-order customers across the country.
Buy Local gave its Business of the Year award to Kyle Nikola, owner of Families First Funeral Care & Cremation Center.
“I’ve been established here since 2004, I’ve got five cemeteries and two funeral homes and we’ve just been growing,” said Nikola. “When I moved here, I put down roots, and I love it. I want to be here a long time.”
Nikola said his company will handle the funeral arrangements of former NFL Giants player Roy Simmons, who played high school football in Savannah, next week.
The Advocate of the Year award was given to Scott West of Savannah Master Calendar. Although many people have mistaken him for a New Yorker, West said, he’s a proud 10th generation Georgian.
“This is my home,” Scott said. “And this organization should be the strongest in the city because we need to support these companies.”