What is your hometown, what brought you to the Emerald
Coast and how long have you been here?
I was born in Montreal Canada, grew up in Miami, Florida, and
graduated from Loyola University in New Orleans, Louisiana.
While I was attending college, I had the opportunity to work for the
Elmwood Plantation Restaurant. It was during that time that I made
a life changing decision to become a restaurateur rather than becoming
an attorney. In 1988 I had the opportunity to move back to Florida
and open the Marina Café. We are proudly celebrating our 30th
anniversary this year.
What is your profession and what led you to choose this
profession?
I decided to go into the restaurant business because I wanted to be an
entrepreneur and direct my own success.
What do you like best about Destin and what makes it
unique?
A. The beaches and the emerald green water remind me of growing up
in Miami. I truly love living on the water.
B. Destin is unique because we have the reputation of “The worlds
luckiest fi shing village” coupled with some of the most beautiful
beaches in the world.
Give us three words that best describe you.
Keep Moving Forward
I AM DESTIN because…
Marina Café has become a Destin Landmark.
I AM DESTIN
Jim Altamura
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