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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10/28/18   12:05 PM