A Hamilton-based company created by Peter Mercanti, which has been built on the success of various business ventures within the food manufacturing, hospitality and entertainment industries. 

 

As the founder of Carmen’s Group, Peter Mercanti is one of Hamilton’s hospitality pioneers whose innovations have reinvigorated food and hospitality in the Hamilton area. Peter’s vision and tenacity allowed Carmen’s to grow from its humble beginnings at Carmen’s Bakery on Concession Street into the hospitality force that it is today.

 

Peter began his career in the beef slaughter and packing industry where he gained extensive knowledge in the purchasing and selling of meat products. After years of dominating in the meat industry, he then focused his entrepreneurial spirit into developing his own family owned and operated business in 1978. The success of Carmen’s Bakery and its catering business prompted Peter and his brothers to build Carmen’s Banquet Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that became a one-stop destination for weddings and special events. The business would eventually grow where Carmen’s managed the food and beverage operations at over a dozen golf courses, hotels and event venues. Today Carmen’s Group focuses on managing its five venues including Carmen’s Banquet Centre, the Best Western Premier C Hotel and its Italian fine dining restaurant Baci Ristorante, The Lakeview Centre, the Hamilton Convention Centre by Carmen’s, and the Dundas Valley Golf and Curling Club.  

 

Peter’s innovative flare and relentless appetite for success contributed immensely towards the growth of Carmen’s. The banquet business has flourished into one of the most sought-after companies to host events in the GTHA, the hotel ranks as the #1 hotel in Hamilton by TripAdvisor, and the restaurant is heralded as one of Hamilton’s premier Italian restaurants.

 

In November 2015, Peter passed the reins of Carmen’s Group over to his two sons, PJ and Joe Mercanti, in order to focus on his newest venture. He has always had a passion for the food service industry and is excited to present new products and entirely new concepts to the market. 

 

Peter has a great track record of success. His extensive knowledge and experience in the food manufacturing, food service and hospitality industries, along with his keen business sense, will provide the foundation and long term success for his newest venture.