SoBol has a rich history of unique stories by employees along with those working with the organization. SoBol stories will highlight SoBol team members journey’s with the company and their contributions to SoBol.
The operations and growth of the company would not be possible without the work of its loyal group of core employees. From the start, Jason’s concept and famous acai bowl recipe was a hit. Once the business gained traction, Jason was in need of help behind the counter. He found this help in his family’s famous ice house. He knew he needed someone trustworthy. A person with a can-do attitude. Someone that could grow with his company to make it into the rapidly growing organization that SoBol is today. He found these qualities in Catherine Rivera, SoBol’s original employee.
Catherine, more commonly known as Kat, had been working for Jason’s mother at Papa Mia’s Ice House, scooping Italian ices during her summer months away from school. Her fierce and hard-working reputation started in Bellport High School as Jason’s mother’s business student. It was in that classroom where Kat’s potential was noticed.
Kat spent two summers at the ice house before Jason arrived on the scene, with his unique acai bowl concept. The business started as a hit. With customers lined up for their healthy breakfast, Jason knew he needed help. That’s when he brought on Kat. This started the recipe for success, creating a culture of fast, high quality service that has stuck with SoBol since. Their days in the ice house would start at 6 a.m. and end at 11 a.m. The two would serve a healthy breakfast before the ice house would open. After that shift, Kat would continue her work at the ice house from 11 a.m. to close, proving her hard-working mentality.
Kat was the only SoBol employee for 5 months. From there she attended culinary school and graduated with a culinary degree. Upon returning home, she knew she wanted to be with this company for the long haul.
The team consisted of Kat, co-founder Jim Kalomiris and Jason Mazzarone. As more employees came aboard, Kat remained their right hand woman. She is described by the two owners as their “guardian angel”.
Today you can find her at either the Sayville or Patchogue stores, where she is the general manager of both locations. At both stores, she is referred to as the “Acai Queen”.
Her love for the work that she does, her loyalty to SoBol and her positive attitude made her the original employee, and makes her Jason and Jim’s right hand woman.