The Personality Behind Pignoli’s

When nationally known Chef Robert Cardoos and his wife Barbara visited Cape Coral five years ago and saw what Will Stout of Cape Harbour had created they believed this could be the place for their epicurean marketplace. Pignoli’s (pronounced pin-yoli) is the result of 30 years of Robert’s inventive expertise in the gourmet food industry. Food has been his passion since age 12, working in his family-owned middle eastern grocery store in New England. Later he opened 19 stores in eight years and, together with his brother Ronald, was instrumental in the design of the mega super market chain Super Stop and Shop. Robert was one of the original founders of the re-opening of Quincy Market at Fanueil Hall in Boston, the highest retail location in the country.

During the 80’s Robert was the preferred caterer in over 20 estates and mansions in Massachusetts and Newport, R.I. as well as intimate parties for stars like Natalie Cole and the Monkeys. For 20 years he catered Boston College Senior Week Events and grand openings malls. He also catered a private dinner at the request of the White House for industrialist Armand Hammer, emissary for President Reagan, the night before he went to Russia to finalize the Nuclear Peace Treaty.

Robert’s most memorable event was escorting Julia Child with other Boston Chefs to New Orleans for her 80th birthday. There he befriended Chefs Emeril and Paul Prudhomme, the Cajun Chef. At Pignoli’s in Cape Harbour, Robert and Barbara Cardoos promise a community friendly store stocked with 150 types vineyards from around the world, 40 to 50 international cheeses and two dozen gourmet salads, sandwiches and hors d’oeuvres, soups and deserts, all made from scratch. Boaters can call ahead and have their orders, including ice and beverages delivered DOCKSIDE.

Pignoli’s will also offer monthly Wine and Dine nights as well as gourmet cooking classes. “Cooking is not a science,” says Chef Cardoos. “It’s the personality of the person preparing it. Catering by Pignoli will be available when the pavilion styled Function Facility opens soon at Cape Harbour. Pignoli’s will provide complete party planning from casual to black tie for special events for groups from 50 to 200. From a light lunch to a lavish banquet Pignoli’s can fill the bill.