Bahamians are known for their versatility and their ability to adapt to every situation. Therefore it’s no surprise that a Bahamian is tackling the Italian food market. He is none other than the inimitable King Eric Gibson whose name is synonymous with Bahamian entertainment at its best.
Garibaldi is located on West Bay Street in the old King and Knights building next to Poseidon Car Rentals. Garibaldi offers savoury meals that every Bahamian palate will salivate over. Make no mistake – even though Garibaldi serves up some yummy Italian dishes the Bahamian dishes are also well represented.
Aficionados of Italian food will be glad to hear that Garibaldi will gladly deliver orders of five or more to its customers and will gladly cater events for businesses, schools, parties and other social gatherings. According to Garibaldi’s owner, the company’s motto – “Eat Healthy Live Happy” – expresses their commitment to the public’s health. “Our food is prepared here on our premises and only with the freshest ingredients; organic vegetables and herbs which are grown locally,” he said. He added that they only cook with the finest extra virgin Italian olive oil.
So how does Garibaldi attract customers? “Aside from the sumptuous food, we utilize emails, flyers and other methods of advertising to get the customers’ attention; however the food is the major attraction and word of mouth sends a lot of business our way,” said Mr. Gibson. When one owns a business one has to put in as much time as is possible to make it successful, he added. He stated that not a day goes by that he is not doing something to enhance his business. He said that for anyone to make a success out of anything they should work hard and work smart. Mr. Gibson said that he is not bothered in the least by his competition as competition forces you to be better.
For now the goals that he has set in respect to the business has to do with improving and promoting healthy eating habits in Bahamians. He said that so far the feedback about Garibaldi’s service and food has been quite positive.
Starting and maintaining a business is not an easy task and Mr. Gibson said that he advises all future entrepreneurs to first study the field then try to get a job in that specific field. This is in order to gain some experience…”So that you will know for sure if it’s something you love and see yourself doing in the future.” He also said that persons should talk to other business owners in that field and get first hand information, etc.
Mr. Gibson also said that you should make sure that you know how to manage money and to always hire persons who are trustworthy. When you can accomplish all these steps then you are well on your way to owning and operating a successful business, according to Mr. Gibson.
Mr. Gibson feels that he is giving Bahamians a taste of Italy while being true to his Bahamian roots, as evidenced by the Italian-style chicken in the bag, conch lasagna and other such creative mixes which gives a new take on Italian food.
Garibaldi is one spot where the entire family can come to try something new or satisfy their natural cravings. Gibson insists that his food cannot be put in the category of other fast food restaurants. “I am promoting healthy eating and everyone has to eat in order to live. So whether it is here or elsewhere it is always the customer’s choice,” he said.
By: Nadine Thomas-Brown, The Nassau Guardian
