Waiter strives to make his customers 'No. 1'

<p>Having been in the restaurant business for 45 years, Franco Licata knows a thing or two about keeping customers happy. That’s why Licato, head waiter at Cucina Paradiso restaurant, has been chosen as Service Person of the Week and placed in the running for the Service Person of the Year award.</p><p>Licata has been working at Cucina Paradiso for more than three years. He used to own Fino, an Italian restaurant once located on the corner of East Washington Street and Petaluma Boulevard, where Thai Issan is now.</p><p>“I’ve been in the restaurant business since I was a teenager in Italy,” said Licata. “You have to make the customer No. 1.”</p><p>After selling Fino, Licata moved to Palo Alto for a few years before deciding to move back up to the North Bay. He currently lives in Novato. </p><p>“I liked the food at Cucina, and so I approached him (owner Dennis Hernandez) about work and he gave me the opportunity,” said Licata. “I enjoy the clientele. I know most of them. I like the atmosphere here and the food. The food here is No. 1!”</p><p>“Franco always makes me feel that I’ve just run into one of my oldest and best friends,” said customer Tom Simms. “He makes me feel like I’m ‘coming home’ when I enter the restaurant. He always combines the finest foods with the best wines to provide a memorable dining experience.”</p><p>“I want to say thank you very much for nominating me,” said Licata. “I’m so happy the people here think good about me.”</p><p>Five nominees will be named Service Person of the Week, through Feb. 19. Then, locals will vote on which one should be crowned Service Person of the Year. He or she will be honored in the Argus-Courier and at the 2009 Community Recognition Awards on March 27.</p><p>To nominate someone, use the online nomination form at www.petaluma 360.com to tell us why you think your nominee should be considered for the service person award. Nominations can cover all aspects of the service industry, but should not include business owners or managers. Previous Service Person of the Year honorees will not be considered.</p><p>— Argus-Courier</p>