Restaurateur and local culinary celebrity, John Vazzano, is known for his local chain of Italian restaurants, Vazzy’s. As I entered the door of the Italian eatery’s Bridgeport location, Vazzy’s Brick Oven, the smell of fresh pizza dough, marinara and herbs radiated from the open kitchen.

John greeted me with a smile and started in on the back story about how Vazzy’s began. “It was 1993, my business partner [Vincent Noce Jr.] and I were at Bagel King when I told him about my idea to open a restaurant.” So with John’s passion for food and Vincent’s business savvy, the two set shop with a single location in Bridgeport. “But Stella [the general manager], who’s been with us for about 16 years, She’s the one who keeps this place going!”

Over the years the eatery has expanded to include location is four additional towns: Stratford, Monroe, Fairfield and Shelton. John has also gone into other business ventures, such as the Vazzano’s Four Seasons, a catering and banquet facility, and Pizza Pie Wagon, an on-site fully loaded catering truck that serves Vazzy’s signature Italian fare as far as New Jersey and Massachusetts.

Vazzy’s prides itself on being a true neighborhood establishment. I experienced the Vazzy’s brand of hospitality firsthand when John served me a plate of delicious cheese ravioli with pink sauce. “We already have second generation customers coming in. Everyone just waits at the bar or lounge conversing while they are waiting to be seated.”

In addition to serving locals at the various locations, Vazzy’s provides 20 schools with hot lunches around Fairfield County. John and his team have also provided dinners for the local police and fire departments.

In fact, philanthropy is a big part of life at Vazzy’s. The Vazzy’s Invitational Golf Tournament is a non-profit annual event that has raised more than $250,000 for local charities. This summer’s event, the charity’s 20th, happens August 8. “This year’s funds will be donated to the Sheehan Center [of Bridgeport] and Swim Across America,” says John.

Vazzy’s is a true kitchen away from home. It's not just a place to eat good food, but a place to be surrounded by good people.

Have you had good times at Vazzy’s? Share your pasta stories here.

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