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They say that he who does not risk does not win and he put it to the test when he decided to leave his country in search of his dreams., with only 5 dollars in your pocket. What he did not imagine was that years later life was going to surprise him.
“Has been an incredible experience and a dream come true. With hard work, I managed to achieve my goals,” says Gerardo Cea in an interview with Clarion.
With the hope of living the American dream and achieving greater economic stability, the Argentine 57 years – native of the Buenos Aires province – He made the decision to emigrate to the United States with his parents in August 1985.. In this way, she immersed herself in an adventure that would change your reality forever.
From Buenos Aires to the Big Apple
The protagonist of this story was born in the neighborhood of Palermo, in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. Since he was little, he looked for a way to help his parents financially, who They worked hard to raise their familyin his words.
Young Gerardo worked in several businesses dedicated to the sale of consumer products, such as grocery stores and spice emporiums.
“I did not study a university degree, but I had the best education at home thanks to my parents. Although we lived with what was just and necessary, when it came to eating, they went to great lengths and made excellent dishes. So, dinner turned into a beautiful event and our home in our own restaurant”, explains the Argentine with emotion.
Gerardo enjoying an afternoon at his home in Miami, United States. Photo: Elena Medina.
That teenager in the eighties, saw himself captivated by the American film and music industry, which he enjoyed on the big screen. For this reason, At just 18 years old, he got to work to start an adventure in the land of opportunities.
As a result of this, Gerardo proposed to his parents that they emigrate to USAwith the aim of living an experience abroad, according to his words.
However, they did not have money to pay for the plane tickets and that desire seemed to fade more and morebut Gerardo dreamed big and life rewarded him.
“Cafe Prima Pasta”, an emblematic restaurant in Miami, United States. Photo: Gerardo Cea.
“We were lucky to have financial help from relatives of ours who were living in NY. Thus, we were able to cover the expenses and arrive in the Big Apple, something I longed for for a long time“, expresses the entrepreneur with joy.
This way, in August 1985Gerardo arrived in the city of lights with his parents, with only 5 dollars in your pocket. From that moment on, his life took a 180 degree turn.
“The next day, my uncle got me a job as a waiter in a well-known restaurant. I had no knowledge of the English languagebut I learned it over time,” Gerardo asserts.
80s. Gerardo with his uncle in New York, United States. Photo: Gerardo Cea.
The surprising thing is that that bar belonged to the Gambino, the famous crime family that used to dominate organized crime in New York, USA. There, the young Argentine had the opportunity to meet those movie stars and artists that he saw on television, such as John Travolta, Yoko Onoamong others.
In that job, I worked 12 hours a day. “It was very hard. Furthermore, some time later, They killed Paul Castellano, the mafia boss. From that moment on, the restaurant began to decline and we decided to leave the city“, indicates the businessman.
Consequently, In November 1987, they moved to the city of Miamiin order to find a better job and set up a gastronomic establishment with his parents. Upon arriving, Gerardo was hired as a waiter in a business, but his parents did not have the same luck, according to him.
The emergence of “Cafe Prima Pasta”
In 1993after much effort and dedication, the young Argentine used his savings to found a restaurant with his parents. “I was afraid to start. I went from being an employee to the owner of an establishment, It was a lot of responsibility.”says Gerardo.
“We set up the business with my parents, they were in charge of cooking all the dishes and I was in charge of the place. The interesting thing is that The day we opened “Cafe Prima Pasta”, people lined up to get in, something incredible“adds the entrepreneur.
Gerardo with Diego Torres and the Messi family. Photo: Gerardo Cea.
Since then, the business grew exponentially. Currently, They have 65 employees and have capacity for approximately 140 diners, according to his words.
As time went by, the Cea family received clients from all over the worldmany of them, global icons, such as the Argentine star: Lionel Messi. More than a decade ago, The world champion attends “Cafe Prima Pasta”a restaurant that fuses Argentine and Italian culture.
“In July 2023when the whole world was aware of the football future of Messi, His father contacted us to have dinner at the restaurant with himafter having signed his contract with the club “Inter Miami CF”. Crazy, the first place they chose to have dinner was ours, we couldn’t believe it”proclaims Gerardo.
The Argentine who took a risk, started in the United States and achieved success. Photo: Gerardo Cea.
Even the professional footballer He chose this establishment to celebrate his 35th birthday.. “It was amazing to welcome Leo and his family“I always wanted them to feel cared for and well cared for,” the man adds.
After 30 years of experience in the gastronomic field, Gerardo and his family work hard to provide the best possible care. And they became one of the most successful and recognized gastronomic businesses in Miami, United States.
“We have fulfilled the American dream”Gerardo comments happily from his new home.
