Restaurant Owner Rebounds From Robbery

Reported Stephanie Coueignoux

WINTER PARK -- Restaurant owner Gary Tolla has come a long way in the past year.

Last May, three men held up Tolla's Deli Italian Cafe. Two employees were hurt. Since the robbery last May, Tolla has installed extra security measures.

"The morale was definitely low," Tolla said.

But as a small business owner, Tolla had to move forward or lose it all.

"It happened that one day and that's where you have to leave it – at that one day," Tolla said.

Fast forward to today. A plaque now welcome customers.

Winter Park recently awarded Tolla the Small Business of the Year Award. Humble as he is, Tolla dedicates it to his customers.

"If I could have had everyone be on that stage with me as I got the award, that's how it should have been," he said.

Tolla says his passion is twofold. He says he loves to cook, but he also makes sure he takes the time to meet and greet with his customers to make sure they're happy and satisfied.

That's exactly why customers keep coming back.

Jack and Mary Gallagher have come here pretty much since the place opened five years ago. They say Tolla not only feeds your stomach, but your soul.

"When I come in here, I don't shake hands with Gary, I have him in abbraccio [hug], you know," said Jack Gallagher.

"If everybody gives a little bit to enliven the community you live in, the community is much better," Mary Gallagher said.

Tolla plans on sticking around this community for as long as he's welcome.