REVOLUTION IN MENTALITY
Two-and-a-half years ago, Mario Montesoro left his native Genoa, where he had a café and was the president of the local association of restaurant owners, and moved to Bulgaria to be closer to his son. The 50-year old is now the owner, manager and the chef of a small Italian bistro, Pesto, in Central Sofia.
Is there something you consider typical Bulgarian?
The mentality of Bulgarians is very different from Italy. Here, the quality of a start-up project is measured first by the cash investment and only then for the idea. But for me the idea is more important than the initial investment. Small business cooperatives would help Bulgarians as they connect people. But because the Communist-era mentality is still strong, cooperatives don't work here. My colleagues from the restaurants and cafés around think of me as competition. But I am not competition – I am an alternative, together we can create a stronger market. The Bulgarians are all good as individuals but they cannot build something together. In 2013, I went to the protests and everyone asked me why. I said, "Because I live here and I want to get involved. I want to help the country."
Do you have Bulgarian friends?
I know many people, but these are not the friends I have back in Genoa. But I am open and I believe that _bavno-bavno[ital], or slowly-slowly, I can make friends here.
Do you celebrate Bulgarian holidays?
In March, I gave my foreign clients the Martenitsa, and told them the story about the tradition. They were very happy.
Can you describe Bulgaria in three words?
Opportunity. Need to think in perspective. Good women.
Do you plan to stay in Bulgaria?
I don't know yet, but I would want to stay. For me, the people in a country are more important than the living standards. I believe in 10 years Bulgaria might change for the better. But it needs a revolution in mentality. In my bistro, I use many good Bulgarian products, but I know the potential of the country is bigger. Why don't Bulgarians care more about their farming?
