Restaurateur and local culinary celebrity, John Vazzano, is known for his local chain of Italian restaurants, Vazzys. As I entered the door of the Italian eaterys Bridgeport location, Vazzys 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 Vazzys 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 Johns passion for food and Vincents business savvy, the two set shop with a single location in Bridgeport. But Stella [the general manager], whos been with us for about 16 years, Shes 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 Vazzanos Four Seasons, a catering and banquet facility, and Pizza Pie Wagon, an on-site fully loaded catering truck that serves Vazzys signature Italian fare as far as New Jersey and Massachusetts.
Vazzys prides itself on being a true neighborhood establishment. I experienced the Vazzys 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, Vazzys 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 Vazzys. The Vazzys Invitational Golf Tournament is a non-profit annual event that has raised more than $250,000 for local charities. This summers event, the charitys 20th, happens August 8. This years funds will be donated to the Sheehan Center [of Bridgeport] and Swim Across America, says John.
Vazzys 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 Vazzys? Share your pasta stories here.
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