Inspiring Conversations with John Roberto of Fire & Ice, J&J Catering, The Woods on 84

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Roberto

Hi John, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started off in the restaurant business as my first job as a bus boy and dishwasher. As luck would have it, after a year, I was working a shift and they needed help on the line. I quickly learned how to make a Fish Fry during Lent. I Loved the rush of quickly getting food to the guest and the rewarding feeling of preparing a meal that people enjoyed. I started taking Culinary classes at the community college and joined the Chefs Association. I learned so much from people who spent a life time perfecting their skills. I worked at various restaurants during the years and I started an Off Premise Catering Company. (J&J Catering, Still on Going). I also ran corporate dining cafes for 25+ years. Then in 2019 I noticed a small Pizza and Ice Cream place close to home was for sale. I thought that would be a great Place for family and friends to gather. It could be a place to build happy memories. I purchased it and named it Fire & Ice. As business started growing the Pizza place was a bit too small for all the catering we do. So I Built an Event Center (The Woods on 84) with a big kitchen. The hall seats 80 people and I also have a place to prepare all of our catered events . I love what I do and am thankful to be a part of celebrations and special occasions. I currently work with a group of amazing adults and Teenagers along with my wife Tami, my son Jacob, and my daughters Jenna & Megan. Being able to do what I love with the people I love.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Challenges and obstacles come and go in this business, Sometimes you have to work on marketing, sometimes staffing requires your attention and other times you have to work on your costs. It seems to rotate. I found if I focus on quality and the customer first that takes care of the marketing. Then hiring and training staff takes care of costs so that there is more time to enjoy what I like doing the most.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are all about food. We have food for everyone. Fire & Ice features Pizza & Ice Cream with Piadina’s. Burgers, Salads & Hot Dogs. Food By the pan is available for pickup to help with a DIY party. J&J Catering is an off Premise Catering company that specializes in food brought to the guests location . What ever you need we can supply: food, servers, Flatware, Glassware, Tents, etc We customize to the needs of the guest. We offer many choices including Italian, BBQ, Clam Bakes, Wood Fired Pizza Oven, on Site Grilling etc. Groups of 30 to hundreds . The Woods on 84 is a Premier event center with max capacity of 80 and offers everything you need from exquisite meals, table lines, center pieces, smart tvs, surround sound, Full Bar Service and Friendly service. Between these 3 options we can cater to all people. There are price options for every budget. What really sets us apart from others is our customizing of all details. We are happy to go off menu for you and create an event that you imagine. We treat our guest as we would like to be treated.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love the people in our community. Good down to earth people with great family values. The thing I like the least is the occassional snow storms.

Contact Info:

• Website: Fireandice84.com, thewoodson84.com/, and www.j-jcatering.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/painesvillefireandice/, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566809249608 and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100058825316341