Mari: So, my first question is: how did you come to the United States? And when?

Joao: I’m João Lúcio Biundini. I came to the United States in 1996. I came to go to college; I studied at FIU in 1996. Then I graduated in ‘98. In ‘98 I joined the Marines and did four years in the Marine Corps here in the United States.

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Mari: Okay. And what’s your story, and how did your relationship with Piola begin?

Joao: So, in 2003 I started a security company, doing executive protection, here in the United States. I worked 20 years at that company. And when Covid hit, we decided to change direction a bit and do other things. I had the opportunity to meet Stefano, who is the owner of the franchise, the franchisor here in Miami. And then we signed this contract here in Miami Beach, at this location, and we opened Piola here in 2022… in 2021, in October. It’ll be five years today. Today is Piola’s anniversary, the 28th.

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Mari: And what is your favorite dish?

Joao: My dish is the carbonara!