by Andrea Stuart

Seated in a high chair with marinara smudges settled into the creases of his youthful smile, a young Christian Pèpe was introduced to the family business, Pèpe International, when he was a sprout. As he grew, he could be found in the back of the family bakery dusted in flour, awaiting his turn at the counter. When that time finally came, the 11-year-old could barely peer over the counter as he assisted customers. Son of Rich Pèpe, proprietor of Pèpe International, Christian has cleaned the proverbial powder from his face and is preparing to take the reins when his father retires.

Though it started as a modest family business, Pèpe International has grown into an empire of sorts including the classic Carmel Bakery and Little Napoli, and newer ventures Vesuvio, Pèpe Winery, Pèpe & Pants, and Peppoli. Christian recently obtained a business degree in entrepreneurship and has donned the hats of every position in order to familiarize himself with the business. His experience working behind the bar of Vesuvio’s 65° Rooftoop Lounge, hosting at Little Napoli and Vesuvio, stocking wines, and conducting front and back office administrative duties among other tasks has given him a sense of appreciation for all that goes into operating the family business. When Christian was in high school, he found enjoyment in bussing tables and hosting at Little Napoli. Now, he takes the most delight in getting to know the staff on a more personal level, fortifying relationships with them and learning from the dedicated people who have been working with the company.

Christian has many plans in the works for Pèpe International. In addition to hosting a plethora of events at the city-chic Vesuvio—perhaps some mixology affairs for the libationally enthusiastic or Concourserelated events for the auto aficionado—Christian is updating the Carmel Bakery menu to include Panini sandwiches. If you don’t already know Christian, you soon will. He’ll be the one standing tableside, asking you how you’re doing while you sip The Pèpe and prepare to twirl your pasta around your fork.

by Andrea Stuart

Seated in a high chair with marinara smudges settled into the creases of his youthful smile, a young Christian Pèpe was introduced to the family business, Pèpe International, when he was a sprout. As he grew, he could be found in the back of the family bakery dusted in flour, awaiting his turn at the counter. When that time finally came, the 11-year-old could barely peer over the counter as he assisted customers. Son of Rich Pèpe, proprietor of Pèpe International, Christian has cleaned the proverbial powder from his face and is preparing to take the reins when his father retires.

Though it started as a modest family business, Pèpe International has grown into an empire of sorts including the classic Carmel Bakery and Little Napoli, and newer ventures Vesuvio, Pèpe Winery, Pèpe & Pants, and Peppoli. Christian recently obtained a business degree in entrepreneurship and has donned the hats of every position in order to familiarize himself with the business. His experience working behind the bar of Vesuvio’s 65° Rooftoop Lounge, hosting at Little Napoli and Vesuvio, stocking wines, and conducting front and back office administrative duties among other tasks has given him a sense of appreciation for all that goes into operating the family business. When Christian was in high school, he found enjoyment in bussing tables and hosting at Little Napoli. Now, he takes the most delight in getting to know the staff on a more personal level, fortifying relationships with them and learning from the dedicated people who have been working with the company.

Christian has many plans in the works for Pèpe International. In addition to hosting a plethora of events at the city-chic Vesuvio—perhaps some mixology affairs for the libationally enthusiastic or Concourserelated events for the auto aficionado—Christian is updating the Carmel Bakery menu to include Panini sandwiches. If you don’t already know Christian, you soon will. He’ll be the one standing tableside, asking you how you’re doing while you sip The Pèpe and prepare to twirl your pasta around your fork.

10^th Anniversary Celebration of the Pèppoli at Pebble Beach

Ciao Amici (hello friends),

We are excited to announce the arrival of Marchese Piero Antinori, our partner at Pèppoli at Pebble Beach. Piero, legendary ambassador of Italian wines will be here visiting from his home in Florence, Italy and will be here to help celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Pèppoli Restaurant. While this is certainly just a fraction of the over 600-year history of the Antinori family wine empire, we are all very proud of this accomplishment. Piero will be joined by renowned chef Tiberio Sabatini, from the Antinori estate of Castello della Sala in Umbria.

Three wonderful events are planned and we hope you can join us to savor the cuisine and wines of Tuscany, meet Piero Antinori, one of the most influential figures of Italian winemaking, and enjoy the Tuscan-inspired ambience at Pèppoli (see details below).

10^th Anniversary Celebration of the Pèppoli at Pebble Beach

Ciao Amici (hello friends),

We are excited to announce the arrival of Marchese Piero Antinori, our partner at Pèppoli at Pebble Beach. Piero, legendary ambassador of Italian wines will be here visiting from his home in Florence, Italy and will be here to help celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Pèppoli Restaurant. While this is certainly just a fraction of the over 600-year history of the Antinori family wine empire, we are all very proud of this accomplishment. Piero will be joined by renowned chef Tiberio Sabatini, from the Antinori estate of Castello della Sala in Umbria.

Three wonderful events are planned and we hope you can join us to savor the cuisine and wines of Tuscany, meet Piero Antinori, one of the most influential figures of Italian winemaking, and enjoy the Tuscan-inspired ambience at Pèppoli (see details below).

Hello Friends,

On April 11, Garcia Boxing hosted its second annual “Celebrity Boxing for Charity” at the Hyatt Regency in Monterey, benefiting the Kinship Center of Salinas.

Famed boxing trainer Max Garcia asked if I would jump into the ring and be one of the celebrity boxers at his fundraiser. Before I had time to think I had said yes, and then wondered what I just got my self into! But Max agreed to train me at his gym in Salinas and I’m happy to report I am actually beginning to get into shape and learn a little about boxing. To be honest, it is the hardest sport that I’ve ever attempted.

The Kinship Center is a non-profit adoptive care agency that helps place abused or abandoned children into permanent families.

A highlight of the event will be a bout between former NFL star Dana Stubblefield vs. former two-time world heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe, while I will be fighting against Jesus “Chuy” Rodriguez (19-3).

Please consider joining us to help raise funds for the Kinship Center and come watch me get beat up for charity!

Please enjoy my newsletter and best regards to all.

Ci vediamo a presto (I hope to see you soon),

Rich Pèpe

Hello Friends,

On April 11, Garcia Boxing hosted its second annual “Celebrity Boxing for Charity” at the Hyatt Regency in Monterey, benefiting the Kinship Center of Salinas.

Famed boxing trainer Max Garcia asked if I would jump into the ring and be one of the celebrity boxers at his fundraiser. Before I had time to think I had said yes, and then wondered what I just got my self into! But Max agreed to train me at his gym in Salinas and I’m happy to report I am actually beginning to get into shape and learn a little about boxing. To be honest, it is the hardest sport that I’ve ever attempted.

The Kinship Center is a non-profit adoptive care agency that helps place abused or abandoned children into permanent families.

A highlight of the event will be a bout between former NFL star Dana Stubblefield vs. former two-time world heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe, while I will be fighting against Jesus “Chuy” Rodriguez (19-3).

Please consider joining us to help raise funds for the Kinship Center and come watch me get beat up for charity!

Please enjoy my newsletter and best regards to all.

Ci vediamo a presto (I hope to see you soon),

Rich Pèpe