Full name: Gene Todaro
Title: Proprietor
Company: Marcello’s Wine Bar Cafe
Age: 40
Hometown: New Orleans, Lafayette and Baton Rouge
Why do you do what you do?
Because I enjoy entertaining people.
What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
Knowing when to buy and when to sell.
What was your first job?
Dishwasher at my dad’s restaurant when I was nine.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Put your family first.
Who do you most admire in the local business community and why?
Lee Berg because of his tireless work ethic and high standards.
If you could have any job other than your own, what would it be?
An artist.
What is the greatest personal or professional obstacle you’ve overcome?
It’s a work in progress but my ego and impatience have been my biggest obstacles.
If you started over, what would you do differently?
Finish school.
What is your prescription for life?
To not take myself too seriously.
What book are you currently reading?
Without Feathers by Woody Allen.
If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would they be? (Authors? Leaders?)
Dave Chappelle, Anthony Bourdain and Wes Anderson.
Who would play you in a movie?
Benicio Del Toro
What do you do to unwind?
Exercise
What is the most expensive purchase you’ve made for yourself?
Various pieces of art.
What is your favorite weekend activity?
Visiting museums with my wife and kids.
What’s your theme song?
“In Between Days” by The Cure
What’s your favorite spot in Baton Rouge?
My backyard.
How do you take your coffee/tea?
A tall, triple shot, breve latte from Community Coffee.
What is your favorite movie? TV show? Band?
Any Fellini film. TV is “True Blood.” Band is The Killers.
What is your favorite gadget?
My iPhone
What is something that you can’t live without?
My wife and children.
If you could change one thing about Baton Rouge, what would it be?
The climate.
What is your greatest hope for Baton Rouge?
That Baton Rouge will embrace the future.
What is your greatest fear for Baton Rouge?
That fear will prevail.
