Benedetto’s Turns 10 Today

Most people wouldn’t dream of opening a restaurant and getting married within days of the other. But, then again, Bennet Pumo isn’t most people.

“Chef Ben,” as he is known by patrons in the community likes to do things at his own pace. That pace just happens to be fast forward.

From its high-stress beginning, Pumo’s has become a fixture in the Land O’ Lakes community. In fact, the Italian eatery is celebrating its 10^th anniversary today.

Pumo recently shared the story of Benedetto’s beginnings while sitting at the piano bar inside his 21529 Village Lakes Shopping Center Dr. restaurant. Surrounded by workers busily preparing for that evening’s opening, Pumo said his future wasn’t always so rosy.

A '10-Year Plan'

Years ago he made some bad choices, he frankly shared, and found himself no longer a student at Saint Leo University, without a job and even without a driver’s license.

Wanting to stand on his own two feet, Pumo literally hoofed it to find jobs. He was able to land one at Villagio in Lutz. He had to walk there each day and started off as a dishwasher. He eventually worked his way up through the ranks, finally learning how to cook under the then-owner’s tutelage.

Before long, Pumo was offered an opportunity to open his own restaurant inside Whiskey Willy’s. He served up Italian dishes there until a fire wiped out the kitchen. Not willing to give up, he was able to find his current location, and Benedetto’s was officially born 10 years ago today.

“(We’re) inviting everybody to come out for dinner,” Pumo said. The restaurant will have raffles, live entertainment and “stories over the piano bar.”

So, what does Pumo attribute his success to?

“I really had a 10-year plan,” he said, joking that he had hoped to retire by now. “In the restaurant business (it’s said) if you make it one year, that’s good; two you’re lucky; and three you’re there. I think it’s three you’re lucky and five you’re there. It’s been a long road.”

In all seriousness, Pumo said, Benedetto’s can attribute its success to a few key ingredients.

“I’m cheaper than the chains,” he said, adding that entrees come with a side and a salad. “People get so tired of the chain food. You can’t fake fresh.”

Dishes, he said, are also made to order, and he prides himself on the restaurant’s service and its live entertainment nightly.

Pumo also said getting involved in the community has been important to his success. He’s a regular at the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce’s Business Expo and makes appearances at local schools and more.

“If I don’t support the community that’s around me, they’re not going to support me,” Pumo said.

Pumo also credits his wife, Elizabeth, for her support for teaching him how to handle the “front-end” part of the business. Prior to opening, he only had experience in the kitchen. She taught him the ropes of customer service, he said.

Destined to Do This?

Pumo was likely destined for the restaurant business.

Pumo’s father, Bennet Sr., set his son up in his first food-service business. The younger Pumo was only 12 when he was selling ice cream along Miami Shores. In college, Pumo studied business administration and hotel management. He worked several jobs before landing at Villagio.

His days at Villagio, he said, taught him the art of cooking and that’s also where he discovered he had a talent for it.

“I was really good at it,” Pumo said.

Now, Pumo said, creating fresh dishes is second nature.

“It’s a choreographed dance back there,” he said pointing toward his kitchen.

The Pumos celebrated their 10^th anniversary in late August. They have one daughter, Alyssa, 8.

To find out more about Benedetto’s or to get on the newsletter list for weekly specials and coupons, visit the restaurant online at benedettoitaliano.com. The restaurant opens daily at 4 p.m., but hours do change depending on the season.