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LOA Update
How Las Olas Became
MY HOME
By Erika Del Rio
John Lennon once said “There’s nowhere you
can be that isn’t where you’re meant to be.”
arrived in Fort Lauderdale Olas specifically to enjoy. I also took over the catering
as a stop on my way to business for all three locations and we grew it tenfold
IItaly to study art. I (Gran Forno Bakery, Café Del Mar & Gran Forno Pronto).
ventured to Las Olas and Running the catering business brought me great joy and I
from the first moment of truly enjoyed being part of my customer’s special
arrival I met amazing occasions such as weddings, birthdays, graduations,
people. I was wowed by corporate events and more. Managing Gran Forno Pronto
the quaintness of the for so many years has taught me many valuable lessons
Boulevard. I enjoyed and strategies to transform a business on Las Olas
meeting new people, Boulevard.
exploring the diverse I want to tell you a personal story of an experience that
menus, and admiring the just occurred earlier this January. I attended the ribbon
local art and shops that the cutting for The Friendship Café. As an ADA advocate, I
Boulevard provided. I was was touched and inspired at how genuine the purpose of
overwhelmed by the their mission is by giving jobs to people with disabilities. I
openness that I received will continue to work with the city to improve ADA
from everyone and was accessibility on Las Olas. As my good friend, Jerrod Kerr,
overjoyed to stay here longer. says “let’s make a world that works for everyone, where
no one is left out.”
What I was most in awe of, was how Las Olas reminded me
of my childhood. I grew up just outside of Leon Guanajuanto, I have spent many years on Las Olas and in this new
Mexico - a town built in the 1500’s that has similar decade I am dedicated to the goal of providing our
architecture to the historic buildings in Las Olas. One of my beloved locals with an exciting place to be and making
fondest memories is gathering in the city center for Cervantino Las Olas a destination for people from all over the world
Festival which featured live music, dancing, community to come to celebrate and enjoy.
togetherness, and fun. Christmas on Las Olas depicts these We are setting ourselves up for success, we are reaching
memories so vividly that I felt at home again. I found a job on for the stars and this team is my home!
the beach and my future blossomed from there.
I am grateful and honored to be the new Executive
In 2012, I was promoted to General Manager of Gran Director of the Las Olas Association.
Forno Pronto. My team and I transformed it from a small
café to a successful restaurant that people came to Las See you on Las Olas!
8 LAS OLAS BOULEVARD & ISLES