2022 Veteran-Owned Business of the Year Winner - Interview
Colleen,
Thank you again for a great paella and presentation last night ! Everyone was raving about the food and the servers were amazing! This is the first party I have thrown where we didn't have a huge mess in the morning... My 4 house guests and myself are going to Italy and Mexico next year - amazing what can happen when alcohol is your travel agent!
Thanks again,
Linda H.
Thank you again for a great paella and presentation last night ! Everyone was raving about the food and the servers were amazing! This is the first party I have thrown where we didn't have a huge mess in the morning... My 4 house guests and myself are going to Italy and Mexico next year - amazing what can happen when alcohol is your travel agent!
Thanks again,
Linda H.
Paul, Thank you for such a lovely evening and a stellar dinner! Colleen, as you know, is a treasure. I thoroughly enjoyed working with her. Wishing you all the best,
Yours in service Billi
October 2021
Yours in service Billi
October 2021
Paul, Thank you for the delicious paella & jambalaya. But most of all, thank you for making it all easy for me. I appreciate and love your support.
Carla D. September 2021
Carla D. September 2021
Paul, once again you and your team made our evening a Special one! We so appreciate you and what your team do.
Many thanks,
Cynthia & Bill H. July 2021
Many thanks,
Cynthia & Bill H. July 2021
Hi Paul, Thanks again for an AMAZING experience!!!! We really enjoyed meeting you and Colleen and can not say enough about the INCREDIBLE Paella and food you prepared. It was all so delicious and the experience as a whole was so much fun!! Your easy going presence and the way you so generously share your craft and experience drew us all in and made for a fun, creative, delicious, interactive and memorable dining experience. We could not have chosen a better way to celebrate my husband’s 50th. Thank you and Colleen so much!!! Can’t wait to have you back!!!!!
Maureen D. September 2020
Maureen D. September 2020
Dear Paul,
I just wanted to say that last night was a huge success. Doug was amazing and the Paella was out of this world!!!
Everyone raved about it and can’t wait for our 2nd annual Xmas paella party!
We would definitely want Doug back next year. He was flexible with the flow of the party, walked around and cleaned up appetizer plates, mingled with the crowd and made an amazing 🥘!!!
We will be spreading the word about Fire and Rice to everyone!!!
Thanks again,
Jacquie Dufour, December 2018
I just wanted to say that last night was a huge success. Doug was amazing and the Paella was out of this world!!!
Everyone raved about it and can’t wait for our 2nd annual Xmas paella party!
We would definitely want Doug back next year. He was flexible with the flow of the party, walked around and cleaned up appetizer plates, mingled with the crowd and made an amazing 🥘!!!
We will be spreading the word about Fire and Rice to everyone!!!
Thanks again,
Jacquie Dufour, December 2018
Dear Paul,
Just wanted you to know how much we appreciate your kindness and generosity. You are such an inspiration to the girls at Jill's Place. Your demonstration and "story" mean so much to all of us, and the paella was superb.
Karen July 2018
Just wanted you to know how much we appreciate your kindness and generosity. You are such an inspiration to the girls at Jill's Place. Your demonstration and "story" mean so much to all of us, and the paella was superb.
Karen July 2018
Dear Chef Paul,
Thank you for your continued support of our Rotary club. We really appreciate having you be a part of the Beerfest! You and your company not only help the club but you also do so much for the community!
Dennis DiGiamco Jr.
June 2018
Thank you for your continued support of our Rotary club. We really appreciate having you be a part of the Beerfest! You and your company not only help the club but you also do so much for the community!
Dennis DiGiamco Jr.
June 2018
Thank you so much for a wonderful experience & absolutely delicious paella! Doug was so wonderful and we truly appreciated his hospitality, flexibility, & his kindness.
Thanks again,
Cynthia P. June 2018
Thanks again,
Cynthia P. June 2018
We had Fire & Rice do a GREAT party for us in Naples, FL, and now want to host another, but at my CHARLOTTE, NC home. Paul said that the your Low Country location might be up for the trek. Please let us know!
Melissa S. April 2018
Melissa S. April 2018
Paul,
Thank you - It is always such a special treat when you come!
Kathy Dennison March 2018
Thank you - It is always such a special treat when you come!
Kathy Dennison March 2018
Thank you for making my gathering special with your delicious food.
Maria Delnau February 2018
Maria Delnau February 2018
Paul,
Thank you so much for making our 25th Anniversary celebration amazing! Everyone enjoyed your food!! You Rock!!
Kim & Jeff Oplt February 2018
Thank you so much for making our 25th Anniversary celebration amazing! Everyone enjoyed your food!! You Rock!!
Kim & Jeff Oplt February 2018
Dear Paul, Thank you for the great paella & desserts. Everyone loved it!!
Best regards,
Maureen H. March 2017
Best regards,
Maureen H. March 2017
Thank you Paul for always making our party so easy for me!! And delicious!
Shannon Pertchick, Mach 2017
Shannon Pertchick, Mach 2017
Wow, what a night. I love my job! #paellanation
Tony Neveau, Fire & Rice Team Member at the Williamston Food Truck Throwdown June 2017
Tony Neveau, Fire & Rice Team Member at the Williamston Food Truck Throwdown June 2017
Fire & Rice has been providing exceptional dinners for years now through live auction prizes for the Children's Advocacy Center of Collier County, and the bidders are ecstatic to have Fire and Rice come cater their parties. We are grateful for Chef Paul's commitment to charity and especially for helping to improve the lives of abused children in Collier County! Can not recommend the food and the company enough! Five Stars!
Bryan Lee, April 12th, 2017
Bryan Lee, April 12th, 2017
Paul
Thank you so much for accommodating me and allowing me to come and pick up your delicious paella.
It was so delicious. Everyone enjoyed it and we had leftovers as you said we would. I had to tell my guests that you made it and not me and told them of the two farmers markets as well as your website
You have a great product and I know your business will be so successful
Thank you again
Beverly Koren, April 2017
Thank you so much for accommodating me and allowing me to come and pick up your delicious paella.
It was so delicious. Everyone enjoyed it and we had leftovers as you said we would. I had to tell my guests that you made it and not me and told them of the two farmers markets as well as your website
You have a great product and I know your business will be so successful
Thank you again
Beverly Koren, April 2017
Paul, I just wanted to let know that everyone raved about the paella on friday. The flan was also a big hit!!
We were all very impressed with how well organized, prepared, and efficient you were. We are already talking about having another party!!
Again, many thanks for a wonderful meal!!
Julie Accorsini, January 2017
We were all very impressed with how well organized, prepared, and efficient you were. We are already talking about having another party!!
Again, many thanks for a wonderful meal!!
Julie Accorsini, January 2017
Chef, everything tonight was first class! Alan and your server did a phenomenal job. Based on what I heard, I suspect more business will come your way from the level of service provided tonight. I knew I chose the right team, but was still blown away. Thank you for doing what you do and making me look like a hero to my wife! You are the man!
Ron Kezeske, January 2017
Ron Kezeske, January 2017
Dear Chef Paul,
Thank you so very much for your continued support of the NEC and its Barn Dance. With your support, the event was able to raise more than $230,000 for our special riders and new riders.
Kim Monarch, December 2016
Thank you so very much for your continued support of the NEC and its Barn Dance. With your support, the event was able to raise more than $230,000 for our special riders and new riders.
Kim Monarch, December 2016
Customer Service, Quality, Timeless: Yum, Yum, Yum
Anonymous 3rd St. Farmers' Market Customer, January 2017
Anonymous 3rd St. Farmers' Market Customer, January 2017
I was walking through Jazz Fest and decided to get a pint of paella to go, sounded good. Got home, grilled end a hot dog and popped open the paella and holy crap....screw the hot dog! Downed the paella and was upset I didn't get 2 pints. Can't wait to find them again and get 3 pints! Well done!
Patrick Schooley, August 2016 Lansing, MI
Patrick Schooley, August 2016 Lansing, MI
We were walking through the Lansing jazz festival for some dinner with our three year old and decided to stop for a sample. It didn't take long to order a pint then and come back for another the next day! Seriously phenomenal. I could have ate two pints both times! The young man and lady who were working had really great vibes and smiles!
The owner was so so nice and you can tell he appreciates your business which goes a long way. I scarfed down the paella so fast I can't stop raving or thinking about this place
I seriously , seriously need this in my life again very soon and forever!
Please remind me where I can find this again?
East Lansing farmers market every other Sunday and where else?!? :)))
Great job guys.
(Ps my son rates 5 stars as well)
Mrs. Dylan Moubray, August 2016 Lansing, MI
The owner was so so nice and you can tell he appreciates your business which goes a long way. I scarfed down the paella so fast I can't stop raving or thinking about this place
I seriously , seriously need this in my life again very soon and forever!
Please remind me where I can find this again?
East Lansing farmers market every other Sunday and where else?!? :)))
Great job guys.
(Ps my son rates 5 stars as well)
Mrs. Dylan Moubray, August 2016 Lansing, MI
Paul,
I wanted to thank you again for providing our party with a fabulous fun meal. Rave reviews have been coming in from all who attend. We will certainly use you again, and I know that there will be some smaller private parties coming to use you again, and I know that there will be some smaller private parties coming your way from last night. You are always professional and courteous from the outset. I am working with a couple of high-rises in Bonita Bay who want their parties to be as successful as ours. Believe me when I say that I will certainly add your name to the mix. an impression!
Sandy Pamberchy, Tavira at Bonita Bay, March 2016
I wanted to thank you again for providing our party with a fabulous fun meal. Rave reviews have been coming in from all who attend. We will certainly use you again, and I know that there will be some smaller private parties coming to use you again, and I know that there will be some smaller private parties coming your way from last night. You are always professional and courteous from the outset. I am working with a couple of high-rises in Bonita Bay who want their parties to be as successful as ours. Believe me when I say that I will certainly add your name to the mix. an impression!
Sandy Pamberchy, Tavira at Bonita Bay, March 2016
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"Delicious! Delicious!! Delicious!!! Oh did I mention Delicious!?!?" Anonymous 3rd St. Farmers' Market Customer, January 2016 |
Paul,
Please find attached the thank you notes from the St. Matthews House. We thank you from the bottom of our heart for your kindness & generousity. You really made an impression! Merry Christmas, Kena December 2015 |
Dear Paul,
Thank you for the opportunity of working with you this past year. I really enjoyed learning about your awesome business. I wish you much success! Looking forward to discussing a possible franchise opportunity in Miami.
Sincerely, Kelsey Merritt November 2015
Thank you for the opportunity of working with you this past year. I really enjoyed learning about your awesome business. I wish you much success! Looking forward to discussing a possible franchise opportunity in Miami.
Sincerely, Kelsey Merritt November 2015
Chef Paul, thank you very much for your continued support of the Naples Equestrian Challenge and its Barn Dance. With your help, the event was able to raise the funds for our special rider therapy programs
Kim Minarich Executive Director NEC, November 2015
Kim Minarich Executive Director NEC, November 2015
Paul, your company signing its first franchisees fits our theme of our issue, "Salute to Entrepreneurs" Ever since my mother had paella, when she visited Spain years ago and she introduced me to paella, I have been a BIG FAN of good paella-and yours definitely falls into this category! :
Karen P. Moore, Publisher Southwest Florida Business Today
Karen P. Moore, Publisher Southwest Florida Business Today
Paul:
Thank you for coming to my business classes and talking to the students about your business venture and franchising. It is exactly the kind of experience that they need to hear about and won't get from a textbook. Good luck in your business venture. Your hard work and dedication is bound to pay-off. Again, thanks.
Robert Jackson, Lorenzo Walker Technical Institute May, 2015
Thank you for coming to my business classes and talking to the students about your business venture and franchising. It is exactly the kind of experience that they need to hear about and won't get from a textbook. Good luck in your business venture. Your hard work and dedication is bound to pay-off. Again, thanks.
Robert Jackson, Lorenzo Walker Technical Institute May, 2015
Dear Paul,
Thank you for donating to our silent auction o the Love That Dress Collection Party. The night was a huge success!
Pace Center for Girls April 2015
Thank you for donating to our silent auction o the Love That Dress Collection Party. The night was a huge success!
Pace Center for Girls April 2015
Paul,
On behalf of the Naples North Rotary Club, and especially the Beer Fest Committee, thank you for participating in the Beer Fest. We were able to raise a substantial amount of money for our club's scholarships & service projects! We would not be able to accomplish all of these positive deeds without your generous support, and we appreciate all that you do for our Rotary club.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Heather & Rob April 2015
On behalf of the Naples North Rotary Club, and especially the Beer Fest Committee, thank you for participating in the Beer Fest. We were able to raise a substantial amount of money for our club's scholarships & service projects! We would not be able to accomplish all of these positive deeds without your generous support, and we appreciate all that you do for our Rotary club.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Heather & Rob April 2015
Paul-
Thank you so much for an amazing dinner--even out of the to-go box! I had nothing but compliments and I hope you get some future business from it! Thanks!
Carolee April 2015
Thank you so much for an amazing dinner--even out of the to-go box! I had nothing but compliments and I hope you get some future business from it! Thanks!
Carolee April 2015
Chef Paul,
Thank you so much for your generous gift to Grace Place. I trust the winner of your fabulous Food and presentation will enjoy it as much as we do. You will be getting a letter from Barbara Evans our Development Director after the event, Swing of Golf, on April 25, 2015.
Gerri Millere April 2015
Thank you so much for your generous gift to Grace Place. I trust the winner of your fabulous Food and presentation will enjoy it as much as we do. You will be getting a letter from Barbara Evans our Development Director after the event, Swing of Golf, on April 25, 2015.
Gerri Millere April 2015
Paul,
Many thanks for the excellent paella you provided for our Rotary rooftop party this evening at the YMCA. I think we raised about $5,000 for the Y plus arranged a separate $5,000 donation to buy their new furniture for events up there. Everyone had a great time!
Rich Ahrens -March 2015
Many thanks for the excellent paella you provided for our Rotary rooftop party this evening at the YMCA. I think we raised about $5,000 for the Y plus arranged a separate $5,000 donation to buy their new furniture for events up there. Everyone had a great time!
Rich Ahrens -March 2015
I would love the recipe for your paella. How many does it feed?
It was fabulous, I ate every bite. I love to cook so I can't wait to make the paella. Two people at my table are ready to hire you to do dinner parties around their pools. We will also try to get to the 3rd St. Farmers Market.
Donna Sawers -March 2015
It was fabulous, I ate every bite. I love to cook so I can't wait to make the paella. Two people at my table are ready to hire you to do dinner parties around their pools. We will also try to get to the 3rd St. Farmers Market.
Donna Sawers -March 2015
Thank you for making John's birthday an event to remember! Everyone loved the paella! We wish you luck in all you do and look forward to having you again for future celebrations!
Angela Sanders -Feb. 2015
Angela Sanders -Feb. 2015
We Brought home the humongous container of paella from the Third St. Farmers Market. OMG Fire & Rice needs to do mail order, go on Shark Tank, anything to get this out! "Home" in Naples, is my condo but I live in Milwaukee, WI area and love to have the food shipped here to enjoy!
Comment from a customer onSquare.com Feb. 2015
Comment from a customer onSquare.com Feb. 2015
If there was a "Paella Academy Award Category", you would certainly take that Oscar. The dinner you prepared for my retirement party was one of the best we have ever had. I hope you overheard the comments and raving from over a hundred guests after they dined (and had seconds and thirds). They said a louder "thank you" than I can.
Paul, your being prompt and meticulous, coupled with the show you put together makes your paella offering a perfect party meal and event. Also, I appreciate your generosity and willingness to donate a party for the Foundation for the Developmentally Disabled. You are a kind gentleman in addition to being a superb chef.
Joe Benaroya - January 2015
Paul, your being prompt and meticulous, coupled with the show you put together makes your paella offering a perfect party meal and event. Also, I appreciate your generosity and willingness to donate a party for the Foundation for the Developmentally Disabled. You are a kind gentleman in addition to being a superb chef.
Joe Benaroya - January 2015
We had a great experience with Michael and Tenille on Saturday evening. They represent you well. We had a big, varied crowd at our house and everyone was impressed with the delicious food and the chefs' willingness to share paella facts repeatedly with new curious bystanders. Many, many thanks!
Rebecca Rock, January 2015
Rebecca Rock, January 2015
Our event last night was fabulous. Thank you for all you do.. You will definitely be the caterer for all of our events.
Debra McAlister-Brown -January 2015
Debra McAlister-Brown -January 2015
Dear Chef Paul,
Thank you so very much for your continued support of the NEC and the Barn Dance. With your help, the event was able to raise a substantial amount of money for our special riders!
Kim - December 2014
Thank you so very much for your continued support of the NEC and the Barn Dance. With your help, the event was able to raise a substantial amount of money for our special riders!
Kim - December 2014
Dear Paul,
It was absolutely fabulous. Michael and Tennille represent you well. My guests were very impressed and I believe you will be getting more business out of this crowd. Thank you for making the evening a success.
Dottie Bowe, November 2014
It was absolutely fabulous. Michael and Tennille represent you well. My guests were very impressed and I believe you will be getting more business out of this crowd. Thank you for making the evening a success.
Dottie Bowe, November 2014
Dear Chef Paul,
Michael and Tennille were terrific on Saturday evening and we all had a great time. Many of the guests told us how good the food was and how interesting to watch. The little leftover containers are such a nice touch and they were appreciated by all. Thanks for everything, and we will be contacting you for another party in the future; we hope you get lots of bookings from our gang!
Diane - April 2014
Michael and Tennille were terrific on Saturday evening and we all had a great time. Many of the guests told us how good the food was and how interesting to watch. The little leftover containers are such a nice touch and they were appreciated by all. Thanks for everything, and we will be contacting you for another party in the future; we hope you get lots of bookings from our gang!
Diane - April 2014
Dear Paul, Again thanks for two great parties last month. The food was delicious and service terrific! We would like to book you for December 31, 2014 - Please hold the date for us!!
Lindy Salvi, April 2014
Lindy Salvi, April 2014
Thank you for all your help for this weekend the party was a great success and of course Al did a great job with the paella. The Club is looking to engage you again for the paella in February.
Bill Springer, Executive Chef, Olde Florida Golf Club Jan 2014
Bill Springer, Executive Chef, Olde Florida Golf Club Jan 2014
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Thank you so much for providing us with such a lovely New Year's Eve party!
Perry Fagan Jan 2014 |
Thank you again for a wonderful paella dinner on New Years Eve. Happy New Year,
Jennifer DiSabato January 2014 |
You must find Chef Paul and try the paella. You will be hooked. All the locals are aware of this phenomenon. As posted on UrbanSpoon
Paul Siebert October 2013
Paul Siebert October 2013
Chef Paul catered a fantastic event this weekend at Barefoot Beach. He volunteered his time and his wonderful food for the Surfer's for Autism event. He fed hundreds of people and all anyone could talk about (food wise that is) is did you try the Paella? It was truly outstanding. I had a Paella station at my wedding many years ago, so I have a love for the dish, and Chef Paul's rates as one of the best I have tasted. Thank you Chef for your volunteerism and for feeding many hungry participants and volunteers!
Troy, Surfers for Autism October 2013
Troy, Surfers for Autism October 2013
Thank you for a great dinner last Thursday!! You and Al did a great job!! The Paella was delicious! WOW! Everyone loved it! I appreciate all you help. You really were terrific!! If you ever need a reference, I would be happy to help! Next year, I would love to do another paella dinner. Thanks again and I will keep passing your cards out! Have a great summer!
Deb Lauer :) May 2013
Deb Lauer :) May 2013
We hired Chef Paul for our wedding and he absolutely surpassed any and all expectations we had! With all that could have gone wrong with an island wedding Chef Paul's food was PERFECT! Our guests simply could not get enough of the food. The only unfortunate thing was we were left with almost no leftovers.....it was that good. Thank you Chef Paul for making our wedding one for the ages!
Michael & Rebecca Jordan March 2013
Michael & Rebecca Jordan March 2013
I hosted an Olympics Fundraiser to help raise funds to help finance the trip to London for my family to go and watch my brother, Sam Hazewinkel, compete in his first Olympics in Freestyle Wrestling.
I chose Chef Paul to provide the meal for the evening. I have been to other events in which Chef Paul catered, the food has always been amazing. Chef Paul gladly accepted the request, and set up an immaculate spread of Paella, Pasta, and even provided a vegetarian salad to accomodate everyone's appetite. The response for my fundraiser kept growing, and I was receiving notices that more and more were attending. I contacted Chef Paul the morning of the event and explained I would have probably 12-20 more people than what we originally discussed. Chef Paul gladly made the necessary arrangements to provide enough food, at last minute notice, for all of my guests. This highly impressed me. Everyone at the fundraiser was completely happy and satisfied with the dinner provided by Chef Paul. I received many positive comments about excellent meal.
What impressed me more is that Chef Paul went above an beyond what he was called for: he assisted in set-up of the event, as well as closing it up and cleaning up. I was short on a few supplies (tables, etc.) and Chef Paul even had extras of what I needed so I was not at a loss.
I would highly recommend Chef Paul for your next event. He is an amazing chef, his food is very delicious, he is friendly and helpful, and provides an overall very pleasing experience.
As posted on UrbanSpoon - Jake Hazewinkel
I chose Chef Paul to provide the meal for the evening. I have been to other events in which Chef Paul catered, the food has always been amazing. Chef Paul gladly accepted the request, and set up an immaculate spread of Paella, Pasta, and even provided a vegetarian salad to accomodate everyone's appetite. The response for my fundraiser kept growing, and I was receiving notices that more and more were attending. I contacted Chef Paul the morning of the event and explained I would have probably 12-20 more people than what we originally discussed. Chef Paul gladly made the necessary arrangements to provide enough food, at last minute notice, for all of my guests. This highly impressed me. Everyone at the fundraiser was completely happy and satisfied with the dinner provided by Chef Paul. I received many positive comments about excellent meal.
What impressed me more is that Chef Paul went above an beyond what he was called for: he assisted in set-up of the event, as well as closing it up and cleaning up. I was short on a few supplies (tables, etc.) and Chef Paul even had extras of what I needed so I was not at a loss.
I would highly recommend Chef Paul for your next event. He is an amazing chef, his food is very delicious, he is friendly and helpful, and provides an overall very pleasing experience.
As posted on UrbanSpoon - Jake Hazewinkel
Our Rotary Club hired Chef Paul for the finish line party of our 5k. He made two types of paella for 250 hungry runners for the second year in a row and they LOVE it. Paul has never let us down. He is such a hard worker, always on time and loves to share the paella experience. I have recommended Chef Paul's Paella over and over...you can't go wrong with Chef Paul! Highly recommend.
As posted on UrbanSpoon November 2012 - Heather Milner
As posted on UrbanSpoon November 2012 - Heather Milner
We have been to several events catered by Fire and Rice and Chef Paul and each of them was fabulous. The food is always delicious and in addition the atmosphere is warm and friendly and EVERYONE has a great time! He always goes the extra mile to make the event run smoothly from start to finish. I would use him again as a caterer without hesitation, will enthusiastically recommend him to others, and hope to be invited again to any event he is involved with! He also has a generous heart for charities and gives of his time and talents readily. How generous he is in so many ways -- hopefully you will get to see him in action soon!
As Posted on UrbanSpoon - Mary Clarke
As Posted on UrbanSpoon - Mary Clarke
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Best Paella, Great easy idea for any gathering. Delicious, easy and affordable.
Gibranna Salerno LaCava |
A tremendous chef.
Erik Kellar |