OUR TEAM

Owner Carlos Rodriguez’ passion for the culinary began early on, inspired by his grandmother Rosario “Sayo” and her love for food and family.  Born in the tropical island of Puerto Rico, fresh ingredients were always available to create the freshest cuisine and develop creativity.  Since then Carlos has been working in restaurants in all positions: from dishwashing, to cooking, to bartending, all the way to ownership.  While attending Eastern Connecticut State University, Carlos traveled to Spain, England, Scotland and France where he had the opportunity to experience and learn about other cultures and their culinary expertise.

 In 1995 he moved to East Hartford with sister Annette.  Max Amore opened that year and it is there where he meet his long time friend Jeff Obert and partner Christopher Riley.  In 2000 he worked with Pepe at Costa del Sol Restaurant where he helped develop and manage the Bar. In 2004 he got an offer from Ton Altmann to manage the new Churrascaria Braza under The Hot Tomatos Restaurant Group, where he worked until 2008 as General Manager.  That year he decide to try his own luck and bought Pierre’s Courtside Café in New Britain CT.  In 2010 he joined with Chris Riley and started Capital Catering focusing on managing cafeterias.  In 2014 they founded Click2Cater an online food ordering business for caterers. By 2018 Capital Catering had grown to 10 different cafeterias all over the greater Hartford area and a banquet hall.  

In 2019 their true passion came true when they opened Soma Grille in Simsbury.  They are very excited to have the opportunity to provide the best in ambiance, service and great cuisine at an affordable price to the area patrons.  

Currently Carlos resides in South Windsor with his wife Linda, twin girls, Isabella and Julianna, and their dog Wesley.  

General Manager Christopher Riley, born and raised in Connecticut, has had a thirty five year career in the Hospitality industry. His first priority has been and will continue to  be a passion for the guest experience. The guest experience is paramount to the success of any great restaurant. Chris has the privilege of partnering with Carlos Rodriguez on this venture. His domain expertise lies in event planning, marketing, sales, and management. Chris and Carlos met at Max Amore in Glastonbury and have become lifelong friends as well as partners in their Capital Catering and Click2Cater businesses.

Chris resides in Granby, CT with his wife Teri, daughters Toryn and Meara, and their dogs, Murphy and Ozzie.