January 7, 2022
Dear Fellow Foodie,
Happy New Year! I am unsure about you, but it feels like something has shifted already. I hope it continues to stay in this more contented state; Lord knows we all need the break.
When I was deciding what to write about for my first post in this new year, I decided that I would write about the people that keep our stores functioning. Since the beginning of the pandemic, I’ve realized how much we take for granted and just how deeply we are connected as human beings. Without each person in our stores, we would not be what we are. After all, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. A flower simply cannot grow without soil and water; the same goes for a store.
I’ve talked about some members of my immediate family, not in depth, but in the abstract and I will introduce them all at a later date. For this post, I’ve decided to talk about the man, the myth, the legend: Bruno.
For those who are familiar with the Ardmore location or those who come regularly, Bruno is somewhat of a celebrity. Bruno knows everyone, their kids, their likes, their dislikes, and everyone knows Bruno. Not only is he a notable human being, but he also happens to be my cousin. To say our family business runs deep within the lineage is truly an understatement.
I wanted to interview Bruno first because I feel like so many people “know” him, but so few genuinely know the Bruno that we see in the in-between. Now, trying to get Bruno to sit down for this interview was a whole other feat. He said he couldn’t wait to be famous, but he was “too busy” to sit down. Regardless, one Wednesday, I corralled him and trapped him in a room until he answered all my questions. Below is our interview in its rawness and totality.
Wednesday, January 5, 2022
Bruno’s answers will be in regular text and mine will be in italics.
- How are you related and when did you start working with us?
I am the lovely nephew. I started working with you guys when I was in my late teens, but I used to help in the summers. I worked in the mornings throughout college when I went to Penn State because I attended classes at night.
Bruno’s dad, Bruno Sr., is my mom’s older brother.
- How long have you been with us?
Around 20 years or half of my life.
- Favorite part about working here?
I enjoy the family aspect of the business. You take more pride in your work when you know it benefits your own family. It’s not just a 9-5; you’re working for a purpose.
More Personal questions:
- 3 things you would take with you if your house was on fire?
I must say that he first asked me if I wanted serious or non-serious answers, and I chose to have him decide.
I would take my family, money, and baseball cards. The baseball cards are basically my money, and people will know what that means.
- If you were on death row, what would your last meal be?
I would smash a pizza. It doesn’t even matter what kind, but a tomato pie would work.
- Best food/meal you ever ate?
My mother’s cooking. Anything that she would make, but specifically what she used to call soup de jour. I didn’t know what that meant, then but I do now. I also would smash some fried eggplant, whether they were warm or not.
Bruno’s mom passed away in 2016 at the age of 62.
- Something you wish you knew when you were younger?
Invest in stocks and properties. Start at an early age to set yourself up for the future.
- Something a customer did/said to you that you’ll never forget?
When my son Carlo was born, this customer gave me a book to read him, and I was so surprised. She was a teacher, and she said how important it was to read to kids, and he was my first. I still think about it to this day.
I hope that this post has helped you to get to know Bruno on a deeper level and that you’ll say hi to him next time you’re in the store. He is a man of few words, but his love is felt in his actions. Some days just knowing he’ll be at work is a breath of fresh air. We love you, Bruno; now you can be famous!
Happy New Year, from my family at Carlino’s to yours.
Your Friend,
Nadia Carlino
PS: if you’re looking for great stickers for your laptop, water bottle, or funny gifts for friends, please check out this website: https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-pins They make the perfect gift, and they are affordable and offer quick shipping!
Bruno and Travis Kelce 
Bruno’s 10 min of fame
Bruno and his mini-me Carlo
