When Henryk Glodek purchased Bambino’s in Concord in March of 2023, it was his life’s Plan B should his primary job end. He knew he would be tasked with carrying forward the popular legacy of serving the best pizza in town.
Originally from Poland, Glodek has lived in five different countries including in a refugee camp in Italy, briefly, before living in Canada for 17 years. He met his current wife in Russia who had family already living in the Seattle area. In 2012, they moved to the States.
Glodek worked in technology risk management for Bank of West until Bank of Montreal acquired it. He knew he would need a back up plan should the acquisition lead to a job loss. That’s when he searched the internet and discovered Bambino’s in Concord was for sale.
In March 2023, Bambino’s became his. Taking something successful and making it better is no easy task. But Glodek invested in some cosmetic and equipment upgrades including its new mural on the exterior entrance. With such success, there’s been minor changes to staff, and a gentleman’s agreement with the previous owners, who still run Bambino’s in Vallejo, to make virtually no changes to the menu or recipes.
Instead, Glodek has introduced entertainment. Saturdays are now accompanied with live music and dancing from 6:00 – 9:00 PM. Comedy night is always the last Tuesday of the month beginning at 7:30 PM. (but not this month due to it falling on New Year’s Eve.)
Also new, Bambino’s now serves a daily lunch buffet. The all-you-can-eat fare includes, various pasta dishes, Italian chicken dishes such as Chicken Marsala, Chicken Piccata, Chicken Parmigiana, pizza, and salad bar. All at a modest $18.95. Salad Bar Only is $9.95 which also includes several toppings and fresh fruit. Bread sticks.
Daily specials are painted on the store-front windows and Happy hour is 3:00 – 6:00 PM daily, except on NFL Football nights. On those nights, Happy Hour continues until close.
“It’s been extremely rewarding to please people. I have many returning customers,” says Glodek.
While the food and service continue to bring customers back, and take-out and catering is still popular, Glodek desires to take Bambino’s to the next level to make this Italian casual dining experience a regular attraction for Concordians. Bambino’s is located at 1895 Farm Bureau Rd. at Willow Pass.
