For owner Nicholas DeCaro, Island Style Food & BBQ pays homage to his family and cherished memories of preparing authentic Micronesian cuisine together.
Despite his family’s influence, Nicholas worked outside the food industry, finding success in real estate.
Then, a car accident changed everything.
It led him through a vicious cycle of crippling pain, loss, addiction, and, eventually, prison.
The love he had for his son helped him turn things around.
"I lost a great deal. Then I realized my son lost all that, plus his father," said Nicholas. "I vowed to change my life."
One week after leaving prison, he enrolled in Spokane Community College. He then earned a full scholarship to Whitworth University, where he went on to earn a bachelor's degree in sculpture and administration. In a class taught by Kevin Parker, Dutch Bros. Coffee owner, Nicholas focused on his business plan to open a food truck. The class gave him the momentum he needed to chase his dream.
Determined to succeed and assuming the name Chef Sin, which in Chamorro means warrior, he started preparing cultural delights in an 18-foot food truck. He and two partners opened Island Style Foods & BBQ during the pandemic to lines of hungry patrons who waited patiently for his creative entrees.
Growing demand prompted a transition from his food truck to a brick-and-mortar restaurant, which took 11 months to renovate.
DeCaro utilized Avista's Small Business Direct-Install Lighting Program to upgrade lighting throughout the 2,000-square-foot building and its parking lot. The program covered the entire $6,452 project cost, making the upgrades free of charge for Nicholas.
"Lighting can influence the mood of a restaurant and make the space feel more inviting," said Rachelle Humphrey, Avista Senior Program Manager. "From reading the menu to enjoying the food, new lighting can improve customer experience – which is good for any business."
Avista small business customers in Washington and Idaho can easily qualify for lighting upgrades like this. Plus, Avista is typically able to cover 100% of the project costs. "The LED lights in the parking lot are phenomenal," said Nicholas. "They brightened it up and made it safer for our employees."
Now, with both the restaurant and life shining brightly, Nicholas is looking forward. He’s working on a 24-foot trailer for catering and events, which will expand his services and allow for travel.
If your small business could benefit from fresh lighting and energy savings, sign up for Avista’s program now at https://lnkd.in/g4UV8ise.