People In Profile Kent 3rd Quarter 2020

Kristin Garramone

Kristin’s passion has always been hospitality. She is now the Director of Operations for Roma Italian Restaurant and Sul Tempo Cocktail Lounge. Kristin began her career in the hospitality industry at the age of 15. She was mentored by Chef Tom Hannum at the renowned Hotel DuPont. Starting in the commissary, she moved her way up through the DuPont kitchens and 3 years later entered the Culinary Program at Johnson and Wales in Rhode Island. After her time in Rhode Island, she returned to Dupont and continued building her career. She decided that to fully understand and appreciate all aspects of the industry she had to touch all of the pulses. Kristin spent the next four years bartending, waitressing and managing local eateries. Though she loved what she was doing, she missed the kitchen hustle, so back to the kitchens she went. Kristin has run some of our state’s staple upscale restaurants, including; Back Burner in Hockessin, 1717, Dome (Platinum Dining Group), River Rock Kitchen and holding her last culinary title as chef at the Dupont Country Club. After leaving the kitchens, Kristin has held titles of; Food and Beverage Manager, Director of Hospitality and also has traveled as a Regional Director of Food and Beverage. When husband Joe began discussing adding an upscale cocktail lounge to Roma, Kristin knew this was a winning combination. “We had a lot of work to do to get Sul Tempo opened while elevating the service in Roma. It has been by far the best, and most challenging experience of my life. Joe handles the food, and I handle the service and operation. We get each other and know the challenges of the other’s day to day. Our goals and expectations are the same, and we push each other to make that happen. We are each other’s biggest cheerleader, and to me, that is magic.” Both Kristin and Joe are extremely active when it comes to giving back. Kristin has been on the Sip and Savor Committee to support Meals on Wheels Delaware. The 2016 Heart Ball supporting the Heart Association was also another outlet that Kristin found she could help raise money and make a difference within the local community. “We have a venue that is perfect for helping to give back. We have to take advantage of every opportunity to help.” While loving the community and the business, Kristin and Joe always find time to reconnect on their boat, or running around playing with their two dogs Cooper and Valia.

Joe Garramone Junior

Chef/Owner Joe Garramone began his career at the young age of 12, working for his father in the kitchen of Roma. Over the years he has worked his way up and ultimately taken over Roma when his father, Giuseppe retired in 1999. Chef Joe prides himself on consistent, well-executed dishes. “Guests have been coming here for over 45 years and have an expectation. My goal is to exceed their expectations every time they visit.” Joe has elevated the Dover dining experience while still keeping the tradition his father created in 1973. Through the years, he has added his own signatures while still keeping the staples in place that started the business. In December of 2015, Joe along with his wife Kristin developed a fresh twist to Roma, Sul Tempo. Sul Tempo Cocktail Lounge has already proven to be a risk worth taking. “Sul Tempo allows us to build our brand while maximizing space. Kristin and I worked night and day on this vision. Watching Sul Tempo develop, while elevating the dining experience at Roma has truly been my greatest accomplishment in this industry. When you find someone just as passionate in the experience, as well as the end result, the sky is the limit.” Joe uses the space to support local fundraisers, nonprofit organizations and other local outreach programs. Recently, Joe has worked with Meals on Wheels Delaware, Heart Association, and Habitat for Humanity, just to name a few. “I have the opportunity to give back to the community that has supported our family business for years.” Dover has found a winning combination. 

Thank You . . .