Café Brasil opened for business in January of 1991, bringing to Los Angeles a quick-casual style restaurant that reflects the culinary diversity of Brazil. The restaurant's owners have diligently provided healthy versions of exotic, traditional Brazilian cuisine, including vegetarian and vegan options, and have recreated the atmosphere of their native Brazil in both establishments.

Marcelino completed his studies at Senac, the culinary school of Sao Paulo, and later became an instructor. The school is famous for producing internationally known chefs trained in European quality cuisine, as well as all aspects of restaurant work and management. Later, he was a hospitality instructor for several well-known hotels in Rio De Janeiro and São Paulo, such as The Meridian, Rio Palace, and Caesar Park Hotel in Ipanema.

Later in Los Angeles, he worked at the Café Campanile and the Sofitel Hotel. Marcelino also lived in France, where he studied wine and French cuisine.