About
Wood Fired Cooking and Serious Libations
Inspired by trips to Baja Mexico and the Amalfi Coast, we fell in love with traditional wood fired cooking and the casual, welcoming environments where we enjoyed memorable everyday meals. From taco stands to small family-run wineries and pizzerias, strangers treated us like old friends and the food and hospitality was special. Much of what we have learned comes from these travels and experimenting in our own backyards. We love the rustic, yet simple flavors of wood fired cooking that elevates fresh ingredients and tried and true favorites to something unique. The wood oven remains the heart of our kitchens and anchors our restaurants.
Suppliers Travel & Inspiration Press
Founders
With varied backgrounds in finance, music, communications and restaurants, Big Kitchen Hospitality Partners, John and Susan Davenport, Jeff Grant and John Haggai, came together to open a restaurant featuring wood fired cooking, a seasonal menu, and craft libations. After 18 months of traveling and testing, they opened Tazza Kitchen Short Pump in Richmond, Virginia, in 2013. The group now operates six Tazza Kitchen locations in Virginia and the Carolinas.
Store Leadership
Chris CurtinSenior Operating PartnerShort Pump
Dave DesseynSenior Operating PartnerTrenholm Plaza
Phil BarrarOperating PartnerAlverser Plaza
Alex PetersonOperating PartnerStone Creek Village
Danielle WelshOperating PartnerVillage District
Tommy MelvinOperating PartnerScott’s Addition
Elizabeth OliverAsst. Gen. ManagerScott’s Addition
Rick DiringerAsst. Gen. ManagerVillage District
Food & Beverage
Jake CooperBar Lead, Trenholm Plaza
Amber ForteBar Lead, Scott’s Addition
Enya DuboisBar Lead, Stone Creek Village
Dimitri McQueenSous Chef, Alverser Plaza
Stephen MetcalfBar Lead, Short Pump
Luis Guajardo BuenoKitchen Mgr., Short Pump
Ansel PaceSous Chef, Scotts Addition
Lauren SpainBeverage Director
Marcos SanchezKitchen Mgr., Village District
Mara SudolBeverage Lead, Village District#TazzaFamily
