Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted to purchase a new car or to go on a vacation or pay off an old debt but you didn’t have the money and didn’t want to borrow any? What about that old jewelry that’s sitting in the drawer at home that you never use? Is that of any value? And what are you going to do with the silver urn you found at the side of the road? That’s probably worth some money! Is there anyone that can quickly help you turn your valuables into cash that you can use to get what you want? In El Sobrante, there now is Cash 4 Gold & Diamonds. And owner, Atoumane Agne, told us that he can help with this process.

Atoumane has been doing business as Cash 4 Gold & Diamonds in their new location at 452 Appian Way, Suite B, in El Sobrante since moving there from Hilltop Mall where he originally bought the business from his partner over 10 years ago.

Originally from the Republic of Senegal, Atoumane came to the United States at the age of 11 with the desire to become a nurse and help people. After learning to speak four languages, including English and French, he is now learning to speak Arabic and has achieved the title of Certified Nurse Assistant.

Atoumane told me that the Cash 4 Gold business was intended to be a way of making an income while pursuing his healthcare career. He didn’t realize how closely related to healthcare his business is. Often in dealing with customers Atoumane feels like a psychologist as he guides them through what can be a difficult time in their lives.

He has found on more than one occasion, a client will present him with an inherited piece of jewelry the family doesn’t want to part with but can think of no other way to divide the asset between two or more heirs than to sell it. In such a case, one solution has been to make a copy of the item so each of the heirs can have one. This one example has grown the business to include jewelry fabrication and repair, and watch repair.

Atoumane is continuing to take his business in new directions. But his aim has always been customer satisfaction. The Chamber of Commerce congratulates Atoumane for his success and welcomes him to El Sobrante with recognition as Business of the Month for January, 2019.

Tony Raffanelli got the idea of Godfather’s Limousine Service from bartending at special events. He saw the need for a quality limousine service that could make any normal event a special day to remember. So, 37 years ago Godfather’s opened its doors for business, when Tony bought a 1972 Cadillac formal limousine and had it painted white for weddings.

Today, Tony commands a fleet of limos and stretch limos that are available for wine tastings, quinceaneras, weddings, funerals and any special event. However, he says the pride of his fleet, the white Rolls Royce, is only available for weddings.

I met Tony at his place of business, located on the corner of La Paloma Dr., and Appian Way, at 407 La Paloma Dr., in El Sobrante. He had just finished giving the place a new coat of paint. And, as always, the place was immaculate….just like the fleet of cars he has. So, when only the very best will do, champagne and red carpet service, call Tony of Godfather’s Limousine Service at (510) 222-9995. And congratulations to Tony Rafanelli and Godfather’s Limousine Service, the Business of the Month for October.

By Bob Sharp, Chamber Board Member

MARIA’S GOURMET PASTRIES
3800 “B” San Pablo Dam Road
El Sobrante, CA 94803
(510) 669-1187, (510) 669-1195
mariaspastries@sbcglobal.net

Maria Nunez has always loved baking and making delicious desserts. But it wasn’t until about 30 years ago, after making her first birthday cake for her daughter Mayra and her husband Alejandro, that she realized her hobby could be much more. Everyone who tasted her cake loved it and she soon became looked upon as THE cake maker to go to.

Maria and Alejandro Nunez opened Maria’s Gourmet Pastries in El Sobrante in 2005. Now the excitement for her cakes and pastries grows with every bite. And so does the demand. So popular are her baked goods that Maria is looking to expand her business and their business is currently looking to hire more help.

They specialize in making custom cakes. Most of their business is birthday cakes but they also make cakes for weddings and other occasions.

When it comes to pastries, their most popular sellers are the fruit tarts and the tres leche chocolate desserts. But it doesn’t stop there. If you like cheesecake they have all kinds. When I visited their shop last, they had New York, blueberry, strawberry, and cappuccino cheesecakes. I bought a slice of each. You might also try their cookies, croissants, cinnamon rolls or brownies. Pastries don’t stay in the display case for long and the selection will vary so you never know what to expect when you visit. But it’s all delicious!

You are welcome to stop by Monday through Saturday from 10am to 7pm; and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Free, hot coffee is available for their customers. They are located in the Park Plaza Center on the corner of Hillcrest Road and San Pablo Dam Road.

Congratulations, Maria and Alejandro!