Carlino’s Banking on Renovations, Promos to Drive Business

Carlo Corteo has spent much of his adult life in the United States. But it is the memories of his homeland – and specifically his Mom’s cooking – that inspired the co-owner of to establish a rather ambitious promotion: a free trip to Italy.

Some of Corteo’s fondest childhood memories are of his mother in the kitchen preparing family dinner; he is still able to recall the smell of the aromas wafting through the house.

“Carlo brings so much love to the food he brings, the quality of ingredients,” chef and co-owner Wali Hussaimi said.

Asked how his cooking measures up to his mom, Corteo shakes his head, saying “I’ll never be as good.”

One of the original owners of , Corteo has been an owner of Carlino’s for the past 13 years. While business has been challenging in the current economy, Corteo and Hussaimi said they are committed to making this restaurant work for Mineola residents.

Renovations were recently completed which included upgrades to the rear dining area and expansion of the bar area near the back entrance.

The “Free Trip to Italy” contest comes at a time when the restaurant is also proactively offering promotions to boost business:

• Monday: diners get free dessert with every entrée purchased
• Tuesday: 20 percent off any entrée
• Wednesday: Lobster Night – a 2-pound lobster special for $25 that includes a side pasta or salad.
• Thursdays: All You Can Eat Pizza for $5.99
• Sundays: free glass of wine with every entrée.
• There is also a Carlino’s Diner Club, in which guests earn a free entrée after purchasing 10 entrees.

The trip promotion, which began June 3 and runs through Sept. 30 offers an eight-day vacation package for two people including airfare, hotels and tours of Rome, St. Peters and the Vatican.

“The chance of winning is huge,” restaurant spokesperson Stevan Roberts said. “The response has been amazing. There is significant interest in what we are doing.”

Customers will automatically be entered to win the promotion or they can also enter without purchase on Carlino’s website, complete the form and then drop it off or mail it to the restaurant. The contest is open to those 18 and older.

To date, 709 people have registered for the contest. The winners will be announced online by October 10.