Lomeli's Italian Restaurant

Carlo Lomeli, founder of Lomeli’s Italian Restaurant, Inc., started his restaurant career in 1968, at age 14, as a busboy for Sala’s Italian Restaurant in Lawndale. By age 16, Carlo realized that he had a tremendous passion for cooking; while at Sala’s he learned how to cook and became their main chef. At age 18, Carlo became Sala’s manager and worked for them until 1977. He was now 23 years of age and felt he was mentally and financially ready to venture out on his own. On December 11, 1978, Carlo bought Big Joe’s Italian Restaurant. In 1979, he changed the name to Lomeli’s Italian Restaurant.