Today we’d like to introduce you to Treva Gambs.
Hi Treva, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Ive been in the industry for over 45 years. I have owned two other restaurants in Victoria B.C. that I sold. When I left Canada ( I am a US citizen but was a landed immigrant while there) I was a single mom with a 5 year old son. I moved to Oregon as that is where my parents were and albe to help me with my son. I went to work for Bon Appetit food management Co and Pastini in Portland. After 13 years I wanted to slow down and quit to find a job and wait tables . No one would hire me said I was too experienced. It was 2010 we were still in a economic downturn. I knew Salem had two high end Italian restaurants and Olive Garden. Nothing in between. I had opened Macaroni Grill in Victoria and Pastini is Portland. Both concepts I felt would work in Salem. I put together my business plan and open the restaurant in June 2010, Gamberettis was born ! by 2011 we were bursting at the seams of our small restaurant. I move it too Pringle Park and exploded. We just move it again in 2025 several blocks to the Hilton Hotel and again we exploded. During that time I opened and sold a restaurant in Albany, purchase the pizza peddler ( a family business for over 26 years) and the property in Aumsville. We did kitchen updates and added full menu. Its now G3 Pizza and burgers. I just purchased the Markum in 2023 in Mt Angel and the property. It has over 50 years of history and is a Steak house on Hwy 213 . So much for slowing down. I have re married and have two step children ( well adults now) and two grandkids. I love the water and you find me wake surfing when not entertaining.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No , the struggles from being a woman in a predominant mans world. Moving the restaurant ( twice) growing very rapid. of course there was Covid, staffing issues, Oregon legislative and taxes.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am currently the President of all three restaurants. I have been in the industry my entire life and have catered to many famous people. I also worked for a florist for several years when my son was first born. I am very creative and entertain as much as I can. My love of food and the experience is what drives me. Branding in a tough one and what we have that is in all three the restaurants is not only good food at a affordable price but service and the experience you have when you come in. We want you to feel like you been invited into our home and we are treating our guests like family. I have built a reputation for caring an quality. Each restaurant when we purchased was suffering quality issues and had lost business. Our reputation allowed us to have guest return to a old favorite know it was going to what it used to be or better. Having a Italian , Steak and Pizza restaurants also allows us to do catering in a very wide variety. I have very talented managers on my team and culinary team with a very large background so we can continue to grow and offer old favorites and new ideas.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I have been a water person my whole life and going to the lake with the family was the best! I was not a foodie until college HEE HEE
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wwwgamberettis.com
- Instagram: Gamberettis.salem
- Facebook: Gamberettis Italian Restaurant
