Landy F. Labadie, 26
Current Position: Director of operations, Chispa Restaurants LLC
Background: Born and raised in New Jersey, Labadie graduated from Florida
State University in 2003 with a degree in economics. "While in school I worked
in every nightclub in Tallahassee, ... from working the door, to VIP manager, to
general manager at Sloppy Joe's and Fat Tuesdays," he says. In 2003, Emilio and
Gloria Estefan hired Labadie to manage Bongos Cuban Cafe at Bayside Marketplace.
Four months later, he left to join Chispa as assignment manager, becoming
general manager in 2004, and moving up to director of operations early this
year. Labadie is an active volunteer for Amigos for Kids and a member of the
Cuban American National Foundation.
The Future: In five to 10 years, Labadie sees himself running Pharmed Group
Corp., The ASTRI Group, or another one of Chispa owners' Carlos de Cespedes or
Mike Tomas' companies. "There is a possibility of opening up my own, but I am
sure they would be a big part of it," he adds.
An Opportunity Grabbed: A friend and politician whose name Labadie would not
disclose recommended him to Chispa's owners. "I left Bongos on good terms," he
says. "But Chispa was a better opportunity because they were growing.'
The Career that might have been: Labadie interned with financial services
firm Morgan Stanley in New Jersey and was offered a job as a financial advisor
in Tallahassee at the same time the Estefans made him an offer. "[Restaurant
management] was something I loved doing so I just kept on at it," he says.
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