In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.
What is your name?
Luigi Coccaro
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Born and raised Kelowna, went to Edmonton for university, but then came right back.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I love spending time with my family and friends, there are no favourites. I like being around good company and have been fortunate to have a great family and group of friends in my life.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would go to France to watch the European Cup Championship with friends. I love football (soccer) and love the atmosphere around these world class events. After watching the World Cup in Brazil with friends, I think the Euros will be amazing in France.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I love shopping, so I like to pop into Macdermott’s Menswear when I need a fresh wardrobe.
What is your favourite activity?
Playing soccer in the Kelowna sun.
Pizza, tacos or burgers?
Pizza, of course.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Once at work, I had a large party of friends that I had ordered pizzas for, but at The Curious we have community tables, so I thought everyone who was sitting at our table was part of my group and casually grabbed a slice of pizza from a customer’s plate.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Watching my father recover from two strokes. Seeing how he has recovered has been by far the most inspiring thing that has happened. Watching someone who was totally capable of daily activity and then loose that, but bounce back, is incredible.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
The summers we would spend in Italy with my grandparents. Having grown up so far from all our family it was nice to be able to go there and learn about my parents’ heritage. We come from such a beautiful village in southern Italy, and being able to spend the summers there was truly memorable.
Do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
For the past few years, I was a member of the Downtown Kelowna Association. It was great; unfortunately, life has been busy and I have had to step back. I don't think I was able to give them the time and effort it needed. It’s truly wonderful to see what they do for our downtown. This year I was really happy to sponsor KSS’s cancer fundraising week; they have been doing a really great job.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I really love hanging downtown. I work and live in the downtown and truly love watching all the great changes that are happening.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
When I am not on Ellis Street you will likely find me at my parents’ house playing cards with my dad and enjoying food and wine.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
We are seeing it happen slowly, but I would like to see more people living downtown. With buildings like the Innovation Centre, I think we will see more of this happening.
If you could be granted one wish, what would it be?
I would love to have my grandparents come visit us and see what great things their children and grandchildren have done.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I studied Romance Languages at U of A.
What is the name of your business/organization?
I own and operate The Curious Cafe, Bar Norcino and my family and I own and operate La Bussola Restaurant.
Why did you start this business?
I was born in this business. My parents started La Bussola in 1974 and, to my sister and I, it was a second home. The Curious was opened in 2014 and it’s a restaurant that lets me express the casual side of dinning that I truly enjoy.
What is the goal of your business?
Our goal is simple, to have guests leave happy and full.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Finding time to relax, the restaurant world doesn’t sleep, and sometimes it’s hard to separate work and life.
If you could start all over again, would you do anything differently?
I would take all the experience I have had to date and, of course, use those to improve; however, mistakes make us better in the long run. We learn from them and are able to adapt to situations easier in the future.
Why do you think it is important to shop local?
The more we shop locally then the more options we will have. If we do not support local businesses, then we eventually will just have chain restaurants everywhere instead of unique individual concepts. The more we support small business the better.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why:
Matt Gomez has been doing such a great job with Soilmate; truly an incredible company and one I would recommend people check out.
My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Matt Gomez of Soil Mate.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kelowna!
