Eddie Nickell: A native of Southern Ohio, Eddie spent his childhood on his family’s farm where they raised cattle and hogs but prided themselves on their vegetable gardens. Eddie first grew to learn and appreciate food from his family’s farm life and expansive gardens. For the majority of his life, Eddie has worked in hotels and fine dining restaurants. His restaurant experience includes restaurant captain at L’Auberge Restaurant, Leonce Picot’s Down Under, and La Vielle Mason – all of which Mobil Four and Five Star restaurants. Here in Central Florida, Eddie opened Primo Restaurant in the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes and was also the Hotel Sommelier and General Manager of Dux Restaurant at The Peabody Hotel. A veteran restaurateur and sommelier, Eddie is President of the Tasters Guild of Orlando, a non-profit food and wine appreciation society. His passion for great food and fine wine shines through at Funky Monkey Wine Company. This stylish, yet unconventional restaurant has grown to two locations in Orlando. The original is located on Mills Avenue in the Mills50 District of Downtown Orlando and offers a fresh approach to the downtown dining and wine experience in a relaxed, yet refined environment. His second location is on the world famous International Drive at Pointe Orlando. With over 120 bottles of wine to choose from, Funky Monkey has become well known around Orlando for its monthly wine dinners, upscale affordable cuisine and acclaimed entertainment. The Funky Monkey Family has grown with the addition of Bananas a Modern American Diner in the Mills50 District of Downtown, Orlando. Offering diner classics with a culinary twist Bananas Diner prides itself on a fun atmosphere and great food.

Nicholas Olivieri: A native of Coronado, California Nicholas got his love of food from his mother. She always encouraged him to try new things and experiment with food. When Nicholas met Eddie he was introduced to the joys of wine and the addiction of the hospitality business. Nicholas worked in restaurant leadership in Dayton, OH, Fort Lauderdale, FL and Nashville, TN before going into the lodging industry with Marriott and the Ritz-Carlton where he retired at the end of 2009. Being co-owner of the Funky Monkey Wine Company, Nicholas enjoys excellent food and fine wine every night.  The Funky Monkey Family has grown with the addition of Bananas a Modern American Diner in the Mills50 District of Downtown, Orlando. Offering diner classics with a culinary twist Bananas Diner prides itself on a fun atmosphere and great food.

© 2013 FMI Restaurant Group