Meet Our Team
Michael Lamando
Founder & Owner
Owner Michael Lamando, a graduate of Florida State University, has a degree in hotel and restaurant management. Michael’s passion for food and service developed at an early age having grown up in an Italian/Irish home in upstate New York. Michael started his business in 1983, 5 days after graduating from college. He originally opened as a meat market and deli with catering out the back door and slowly phased out the retail to focus on just “off-premise catering. Now, over 100 banquet and reception halls in the Tampa Bay Area rely on Amici’s Creative Catering services. When time permits, Michael loves to travel and spends his weekends with his daughter and son.
Sylvia Dean
The veteran member of the Amici’s Sales Team, is the Sales & Operations Manager and the go-to person for all aspects of the daily operations of Amici’s.
Born and bred in Scotland, Sylvia came to the United States in 1988 where she soon fell in love with a wonderful man and was married for 26 amazing years before his passing. Sylvia was a Dressmaker until she found her passion in the Food & Beverage Industry. After managing a country club for many years, where she was loved and cherished by members and staff alike, she was given the opportunity to work at Amici’s Catered Cuisine and has never looked back. Her passions are boxing, working out, dancing and, of course, her handsome redheaded cat, Hamish.
Carol Piro
our newest member on staff, comes to Amici’s from her home state of Connecticut and is a current resident of Safety Harbor. A University of Connecticut alum, she has worked in both the Food Service and Healthcare Industries for over 25 years. Her passions include music, jewelry crafting, globe-trotting, and the great outdoors.
Carol serves Amici’s as a member of the Sales & Events Team as well as a Server and Bartender at weddings and private parties. Her detailed organizational skills, highly personable character, and cheery disposition are a welcome addition to the Amici’s family.
Cierra Williamson
A lifetime resident of Clearwater, has been an employee of Amici’s for over 2 years. She is our Sales and Events Coordinator as well as the right-hand woman for our Operations Manager and was recently promoted to VP of Marketing.
Cierra attended St. Petersburg College while also working as a Paralegal prior to joining the Amici’s team. She takes great pride in achieving her goals and being helpful to others. Her passions include crafting, traveling, and spending time with her hedgehog, Harold.
Cierra is a powerful force in the workplace with her savvy computer skills, positive attitude, congenial character and tireless energy every day.
Toni Marie Horton
Has been employed with Amici’s for 5 years and currently serves as our Staffing Coordinator. Born and raised in the Baltimore WA area, she came to Florida in 1988 and eventually found her home in Pinellas County. Toni has a 40-yr career in the Service Industry and is always on the lookout for hardworking and devoted servers to help make your event dreams come true. She enjoys quiet evenings hanging out with friends and her new cat, Largo.
Ruel Teope
Began his career in the Food Service Industry in Chicago in 1980. Four years later, he and his family moved to Tampa where he worked for catering companies and hotels as a Garde Manger Chef creating ice sculptures and carving fruits and veggies for platter garnishes.
Ruel has been a valued team member in Amici’s kitchen for the past 12 years. A strong, hard worker, he takes on tasks as needed, never hesitates to help his coworkers so orders are timely and correct and is extremely accountable for excellent customer service.
Jose Lara
Born and raised in Chihuahua, Mexico, has been a Clearwater resident for 14 years, which has been filled with service in
the Hotel and Food Industries. He joined the Amici’s family kitchen staff in 2014 and currently serves as Sous Chef. When he’s not
cooking up our delicious food, Jose enjoys traveling, football, baseball and spending time with his family.
Roberto Arzate
From Acapulco Mexico where he was an entertainer, he moved to Brooklyn NY. In the 80s, he married his wife Shari and moved to Tampa in 1986, since then he has worked in the hospitality business, working in large resorts, hotels, country clubs, and restaurants as a food and beverage director. In 2021 he got hired by Amici’s Catered Cuisine, as the chef, he enjoys the challenges and innovations of the kitchen. Roberto enjoys music, golf, fishing, eating, and traveling.
Jonathan Kelly
Tampa native, born and raised here in the Sunshine State. He comes to Amici’s after more than 10 years as a Golf Professional as well as having been in and around the Hospitality Industry for many years. As a result, Jon is an integral part of our team as an events Captain, co-worker and Warehouse Manager.
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