2011

Pierre E. Bossant    Chef, Boys Town
Paul & Gary Epstein    Purveyors, Republic Nation Distributing
Company-Falcon Division, formerly known as Nebraska Wine & Spirits
Michael J. Flanagan    Chef, Methodist Hospital - Creighton University                 
Greg Lindberg    Purveyor, Absolutely Fresh Seafood Co., Bailey’s and Shuck’s
Donald L. Losole and Marie Losole    Owners, LoSole Mio Restorante Italiano
Anthony J. "Tony" Piccolo    Owner, Piccolo Pete's Restaurant

 

Bossant Pierre

Pierre E. Bossant
Chef, Boys Town

 Born in Paris, France, Bossant began as an apprentice baker at age 13. He joined the Navy and French Marines and served in Algeria as a Sous Chef in the Officer Mess Hall and on a destroyer. In 1960 he moved to Omaha and worked in the Brandeis Cafeteria. He served 27 years as the Chef Manager at the Boys Town Employees Café and 13 years as the personal chef for the director. As Chef Emeriti, he still enjoys creating French and American pastries, cooking meals for special events and most of all, cooking for Father Peter.


Epstein Paul GaryPaul & Gary Epstein
Purveyors, Republic Nation Distributing Company-Falcon Division, formerly known as Nebraska Wine & Spirits

Paul Epstein began his career at Foley's Department Store in Houston as a buyer of ladies sportswear. In 1976 he joined Nebraska Wine & Spirits and worked his way through the warehouse, office, and sales to become sales manager in 1978, and President in 1985. He increased the company's market share in wine and spirits along with developing a imported and craft beer division. He served as President of the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America's Council of Executive Development as well as various committees and is a member on their Board of Directors. In January, 2008, the company was sold to Republic National Distributing Company and Epstein remains the CEO.

Gary Epstein also worked at Foley’s in Houston TX and began at Nebraska Wine and Spirits in 1981. As Senior Vice President he worked side by side with Paul Epstein and was instrumental in the company’s wine growth. Following the sale to Republic National Distributing Company, Epstein holds the position of COO.


Flanagan MichaelMichael J. Flanagan
Chef, Methodist Hospital - Creighton University

The great nephew of Father Flanagan, founder of Boys Town, Michael is a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and holds a BS from UNL. Involved in the Omaha food community for over 40 years, his passion for food continues to grow. Michael credits a variety of influences for his love of food, including: the Abraham Catering family; Erwin Siegler at the Blackstone; Michael Harrison, Tony Abbott, Marcel Karavel’, and Lionel Have’, French Café; Joe Villella; Al Buda; Lou Torco; and, Richard Bolamperti. Michael was a founding member of the Southeastern Nebraska Chef de Cuisine Association, the first ACF chapter in Nebraska. He also founded the American Culinary Chefs and Apprentices of Omaha and Lincoln, the first ACF chapter in Omaha.


Lindberg GregGreg Lindberg
Purveyor, Absolutely Fresh Seafood Co., Bailey’s and Shuck’s

Owner of Absolutely Fresh Seafood Company since 1979, Lindberg began bringing fresh seafood to Nebraska and Iowa, selling off the back of a refrigerated truck. He moved ‘inside,’ at the request of the Douglas County Health Department and never looked back. Self employed since 1973, he has owned a variety of businesses including a card and gift shop, specialty advertising and commercial/residential painting. Lindberg was the founding president of the Omaha Blues Society with 11 members in 1998 and three years later the organization had more than 650 members.


Losole Don MarieDonald L. Losole and Marie Losole
Owners, LoSole Mio Restorante Italiano

Don has been an Executive Chef for more than 40 years, and together Don and Marie have worked side by side, owning and operating two successful restaurants, a banquet hall and deli market. During his tenure as Executive Chef at the Field Club of Omaha, Losole oversaw the design and remodel of the kitchen facilities. Throughout their career, Losoles’ have entertained celebrities Arnold Palmer, Bob Hope, Tony Bennett, Kevin Costner, Edi Falco and Bo Pelini.

 


Piccolo TonyAnthony J. "Tony" Piccolo
Owner, Piccolo Pete's Restaurant

68 years ago, Piccolo founded Piccolo Pete’s Restaurant at 20th and Dorcus Streets. Known for his integrity and respect for his customers, Piccolo honored customers that served the public such as police, firefighters and utility workers. Piccolo’s business strategy was to provide a place to bring the family, enjoy a Nebraska steak at one of the best prices in town in one of the cleanest, warmest and most enjoyable restaurants in Omaha.