Matt Casola, self-described “Cheese God,” launched Sul Tavolo about a month into the coronavirus pandemic. At a time of uncertainty, Casola brought his passion for cheese to the people of Toronto. Sul Tavolo, meaning “on the table” in Italian, aims to bring authentic, handcrafted cheeses like burrata and mozzarella right to your table. Casola explains how he has pulled, twisted and knotted his way to success.
What inspired you to get into foodservice?
“I have been in the food service industry for over 15 years. I always had a passion for food and I knew it was something I wanted to pursue in some way, shape or form.”
What do you love about your business?
“I love that I am able to make people smile with delicious fresh cheese and many other top-notch Italian products. It also makes me feel very close to my roots, which is very special. I make fresh mozzarella, and we’re well-known for our burrata and stracciatella. I learned how to make fresh cheese at a part-time job. Between my love for people and my love for good food, I knew I could do something great.”
What’s the most interesting thing to happen to your business?
“I was fortunate enough to be able to film an episode of a television show with one of the celebrity chefs I grew up idolizing! I had the opportunity to share my journey and passion with David Rocco, who I reached out to on Instagram to try my cheese about five months prior. David became a good friend and mentor and it was truly an honour to have been asked to be on an episode of David Rocco’s Dolce Vita.”
What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?
“I believe just getting started is the hardest part about running a business, getting the ball rolling. There are so many different opinions about what you should and shouldn’t be doing. It’s hard to stick to your gut and do what you know is right. From the size of my business cards, to the laptop I chose to buy, to the unit I chose to work from, people always had negative things to say. Keep your head down and move forward.”
Which Cambro products help make your business work?
“The product I have been using since Day 1 has been the Poly Food Storage Boxes. I can rely on it to keep my precious fresh cheese fresh! I also don’t have to worry about bits and pieces of the wearing bin falling into my product. Also, the Cam GoBox®–everything stays so cold!”
Links for Sul Tavolo
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: ADRIANA DESIDERIO IS THE DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER AT CAMBRO.
