ABOUT THE FOUNDER

Alberto Candivi, Il Granaio’s founder, was born and raised in the Italian town of San Colombano al Lambro, just outside of Milan. At the age of 14, he decided to pursue his love of cooking and began his formal education at a culinary academy in nearby Carpi.

 

After graduation, Alberto gained professional and creative experience throughout Italy and Scotland. He later moved to California in 1984, wanting to experience life in America. It was in Beverly Hills that he had the honor of overseeing the grand opening of Emporio Armani Express (i.e., fashion designer Giorgio Armani's first venture) as a restauranteur.

 

Eventually, Alberto decided to work toward his ultimate goal of owning his own restaurant, away from the fast pace of Southern California. The landscape and climate of the Skagit Valley reminded him of his home in San Colombano al Lambro, and the newly renovated Grainery Building was the perfectly unique setting. Il Granaio opened for business in 2001 and has been thriving ever since.