Worcester Business Journal

May 9, 2016

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www.wbjournal.com May 9, 2016 • Worcester Business Journal 17 LAURI & JOHN MASIELLO Masy BioServices | Pepperell, MA Customer since 1999 We've partnered with NMSB for our Real Estate and Equipment needs. Smart banking made easy. Our Relationship Managers and Commercial Lenders are local people who are responsive, experienced and ready to help your business succeed and grow. Please contact Ruth Cavanagh, SVP, Senior Loan Officer at (978) 772-8502 x1155 or email ruth.cavanagh@nmsb.com. nmsb.com/theirstory Visit: >> FA M I LY B U S I N E S S Enton and Oriola are first genera- tion immigrants that moved to Worcester from Albania with their families in 1996. When they first opened Livia's Dish – named after one of their two daugh- ters – it was a struggle because it was in the location where two other res- taurants had failed. The couple put together a menu that was unique enough from other restaurants in the area, but at the same time would give people reasons to try comfort food with a twist. They treat Livia's Dish as their home, and they want guests to feel that way, too. In the last two years, Livia's Dish has been recognized from different media outlets for its brunch and con- tinues to maintain 4.5-star reviews on Yelp, TripAdvisor and Google. Last year, the restaurant was recognized by Vacation Idea Magazine as one of the best restaurants for brunch in Worcester. Livia's Dish was featured on the local television show Phantom Gourmet. The next step for the couple is their second location, set to open later this year. They will take over the location currently occupied by Shiraz Armenian Cuisine, which is set to close and hand over the spot this summer. New Family Business Livia's Dish Location: Worcester Industry: Restaurant Founded: 2012 Founders: Oriola Koci and Enton Mehillaj Top executives: Oriola Koci, president and restaurant manager; and Enton Mehillaj, president and executive chef of cuisine Employees:12 Generation currently running company: 1st Family members currently working for company: Oriola and Enton, husband and wife Website: www.liviasdish.com Athletic shoe and sportswear retailer Sneakerama maintains its hold in a very competitive market dominated by big brand names by offering a very family friendly atmosphere and personal service to each customer. Despite the competi- tion, Sneakerama believes in letting its employees spend time with their families not only on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, but on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day and even Mother's Day. The retailer hosts free community Thursday Night Fun Runs, open to run- ners of all abilities. Occasionally, the store brings in manufacturers' representatives to showcase running footwear, which runners can take for a test run. Afterward. Sneakerama provides refreshments, as well as occasional speakers such as two- time Boston Marathon winner Geoff Smith, to give advice to runners on how to improve their stride. These events are always family oriented. Many of the par- ticipants are husband and wife; they bring their children, push strollers and even have the occasional dog. Sneakerama has greatly expanded its sponsorship of area road races, such as Worcester Celtic 5K and Worcester Firefighters Memorial 6K. Small Family Business Sneakerama Location: Worcester Industry: Athletic retail Founded: 1978 Founders: Louis, Helen and Stephen Genatossio Top executive: Stephen Genatossio, president Employees: 15 Generation currently running company: 2nd & 3rd Family members currently working for company: Stephen Genatossio, owner and president (husband); Lisa Genatossio, office manager (wife); Vanessa Genatossio Whalen, manager (daughter); Jackson Genatossio, sales clerk (son) Website: www.sneakerama.com

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