Every Beauty Needs a Brain: The Woman Behind Vecchia Pizzeria

In the bustling heart of Hoover’s Italian food scene stands Vecchia Pizzeria, where the aroma of authentic Neapolitan pizza wafts through the air. At the forefront is Chef Benard Tamburello, a dynamic force who embodies the fire of the kitchen—boisterous, bold, and always ready to stir both the sauce and the crowd. However, every vibrant flame needs a steady hand to maintain it, and that is where Brianna Tamburello shines.

While the spotlight often shines on the chef tossing dough in the air, Brianna plays the quieter yet crucial role within the pizzeria. She is the calm amidst the culinary storm—the strategy, the structure, and the soul behind the scenes. While Benard might be deemed the “Beauty,” Brianna undeniably represents the Brains of Vecchia.

A Passion for Food—Through Education

Brianna’s journey in the culinary world has roots that stretch back nearly 20 years, not within the walls of a restaurant, but at Adams Produce. There, she excelled as an account executive, overseeing school nutrition programs across Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, and the Florida panhandle. Her mission focused on aiding K–12 school districts in applying for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Snack Program, a national initiative that aimed to introduce healthy produce to children in underserved communities.

With boundless enthusiasm, she collaborated with school nutrition directors to inspire kids to embrace kiwi, jicama, and vibrant carrots. Her deep passion for food always aligned with something greater: education, wellness, and community.

A Perfect Match

In 2012, destiny brought Brianna and Chef Benard Tamburello together. As she assisted him in managing his beloved restaurant, Bernie’s On Main Street, they quickly discovered they were a culinary match made in heaven. Brianna’s refined hospitality skills complemented Benard’s charismatic energy in the kitchen, creating a synergistic dynamic that hinted at something extraordinary on the horizon.

Not long after, they began to dream big, concocting an idea that was uniquely theirs—an endeavor that blended their talents into a memorable experience. That dream evolved into the beloved Vecchia Pizzeria & Mercato.

The Backbone of the Brand

Today, Brianna meticulously oversees nearly every facet of Vecchia’s operations. From catering and private events to accounting, HR, and payroll, she navigates each task with precision. She’s the mastermind behind social media, website updates, newsletters, and blog posts—ensuring that the pizzeria’s voice resonates authentically with its guests.

In this true partnership, Brianna is the driving force that allows Benard the freedom to create passionately. It’s a relationship rooted in mutual respect, reflecting their shared love for food, family, and the Vecchia community that feels like an extension of their own.

Authenticity Over Flash

Brianna’s vision remains crystal clear: luxury resides in the food, not in pretentiousness. At Vecchia, there’s no room for the superficial. Instead, guests encounter heartfelt dishes showcasing bold flavors and beautiful simplicity in a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels akin to home.

Rejecting gimmicks or anything that strays from their brand identity, Brianna is dedicated to telling their story—one that celebrates loud, warm, deliciously chaotic Italian family dinners, served consistently with care and devotion.

Quiet Grace in a Loud Kitchen

Though Brianna may not be the one greeting guests as Benard does with warm handshakes and jovial exchanges, her presence is profoundly felt throughout the pizzeria. Often found behind the counter during peak times, she seamlessly assists where needed and guides the kitchen crew through the busiest moments with a steady, reassuring demeanor.

She brings an aura of grounded peace that harmonizes the Vecchia experience. Brianna is the comforting hug after the storm, the thoughtful smile that assures everyone that there’s a purposeful plan in motion behind the scenes.

So the next time you step into Vecchia and bask in the delightful blend of chaos and comfort, of vibrant family vibes and finesse, remember that it’s not solely about the pizza. It’s about the determined vision of a remarkable woman who understands that the real recipe for a lasting restaurant lies in heart, hustle, and a generous dose of grace.

Thank you, Brianna, for embodying the brain—and the heartbeat—of Vecchia Pizzeria.

The Woman Behind Vecchia Pizzeria

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