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Former Corporate Executive Saw Writing On Wall

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By Mark  Schantz | The Suncoast News

Published: February 21, 2009

In late 2007 Rick Renedo, an executive with wireless services provider T-Mobile, had an ominous vision: Corporate America was about to collapse.

At the time, associates didn't believe this big business Cassandra. After all, everyone was buying expensive homes with hefty mortgages that, as it turned out, many could not afford.

Two years ago Renedo told anyone who would listen the bottom was about to fall out of the housing market, sparking a credit crisis in the financial sector.

Taking his own advice, he left corporate America before it showed him the downsizing door. He decided to go back to his roots, remembering a time when, as a small boy, he worked in his grandfather's Ybor City deli.

With his own business plan in place, he recently opened Spuntinis Italian Market and Cafe. The business is in the Arcade Hotel, at 210 Pinellas Ave. S.

In Sicilian spuntini means "little snacks."

A photo of Renedo's grandfather, Andrew Giovana, hangs on the wall of his deli, symbolically overseeing its operation.

Renedo says he's glad he was able to leave the corporate world on his own terms.

"Small business person is actually the future of American business," he said, adding, "People devote 20 years of their life to a corporation only to be laid off without a second thought."

In a small business you control your destiny, Renedo said. Many people from the corporate world do not understand the complexity involved with opening a small business. The most important thing is to have is a business model that includes a realistic budget and timeline, he said.

Renedo was happy to find suites in the historic Tarpon Arcade to set up his market. The Arcade is bristling with several small businesses, he said.

"It's a good feeling to know my grandfather walked here many years ago, selling eggs to shopkeepers," Renedo said. Selling eggs was something else his grandfather did, he said.

Spuntinis is filling a niche created by dire economic times, Renedo said. People are looking for great food at inexpensive prices and going back to the mom and pop shop, he said.

Renedo also operates a full-service U.S. Postal Office contract station in the Tarpon Arcade, adjacent to the deli.

Fine Italian meats and cheese is the signature of Spuntinis.

For example, his overstuffed Panni Italiano is a combination of prosciutto, Italian salami, mortadella, capicola and provolone cheese topped with creamy sundried tomato aioli on ciabatta bread.

For those who want the traditional Italian Hoagie there is sweet capicola, Genoa salami, mortadella, roasted pork with provolone on white or wheat.

His eggplant parmesan Panini consists of lightly breaded eggplant layered with provolone and mozzarella, topped with Spuntinis' house marinara served on ciabatta bread.

Spuntinis specializes in freshly brewed American coffees and espresso, along with a breakfast menu featuring egg souffles and other items.

Renedo is very proud of his selection of Gelato, or Italian ice cream. He sells flavors such as crème de menthe, fudge cookies and cream, toasted coconut fudge, and banana caramel. They also have selection of cannoli and European-style crepes.

The market features a soup of the day, fresh pasta, Greek and Spinach salad, and a hot food special.

The market features several varieties of Italian pastas and other items.

Spuntinis is open from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The postal substation is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. until noon Saturday.

Mark Schantz can be reached at 727-815 1075 or mschantz@suncoastnews.com.

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