OLIVIA - Key Persons
Chef Chris Ponte began his culinary career in Europe, where he studied at the esteemed Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, France. After graduating, he apprenticed at critically acclaimed restaurants around the world before opening his 1st restaurant, Cafe Ponte.
began his culinary career in Europe, where he studied at the esteemed Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, France. After graduating, he apprenticed at critically acclaimed restaurants around the world before opening his 1st restaurant, Cafe Ponte.
Since opening, Cafe Ponte has won numerous awards, including Zagat's "Best restaurant on the Gulf Coast" and being inducted into the Nation's Restaurant News Hall of Fame. All of Chef Ponte's restaurants, including Cafe Ponte and On Swann in Hyde Park, are a part of his family-owned business, The Ponte Group, which he runs with his wife Michelle and son JT Mahoney. Together, they have created OLIVIA, Tampa Bay's new and unforgettable Italian dining experience.