Michele and Chef Chris Ponte

Chris and Michelle Ponte have been supporters of the Tampa Bay community for over 20 years with charitable organizations such as Charity Works, The Ryan Wells Foundation, and Golfer’s Against Brain Cancer.

Chris is a James Beard nominated Chef who opened his first restaurant Café Ponte 20 years ago. Recently, Chris & Michelle’s latest ventures, OLIVIA (named after their daughter) and On Swann were both recognized in the inaugural Michelin Guide for Florida. All the restaurants including the much-anticipated Ponte are part of the family-owned business, Ponte Group, which they manage along with their son’s JT & Andy Mahoney.

In addition to her work helping with the designs for the Ponte Group restaurants, Michelle is also a director and stylist with Cabi, the largest women's apparel company without any stores.

In their spare time, Chris and Michelle enjoy spending time with their family, golfing and traveling.