Thirty years in business is an accomplishment. Those same 30 years in the hospitality industry is increasingly uncommon.
Bells Corners’ Zolas Restaurant, co-owned by siblings Gina and Chef Tony Vacchio, will be celebrating this very milestone later this year.
“We are so fortunate, and very grateful to have such wonderful customers.”, Gina told me during our brunch meeting.
Customer Marie McGahan rediscovered Zolas during a friend’s wedding celebration.
“It’s not surprising that Zolas will be celebrating their 30 year anniversary. Such fabulous food and people. The menu is so diverse. You have to try their buns. Zolas is famous for them. And I like their special promotions. You can bring your own wine, and Wednesdays is Friends Days. I plan to come back to enjoy one of their handcrafted gourmet pizzas on their $10 Pizza Tuesdays.”
Tony was delighted to hear Marie’s comments.
“I’m glad that she mentioned ‘wonderful people’. Our staff is fantastic. A good percentage have been with us for over 20 years. They are a very tight team.”
The menu must play a big part in the success, I suggest.
“We stay true to how we make food here. All, but a handful of products, is made on the premises. All our pastas and sauces are made from scratch, in-house. As are our desserts. Our gluten-free breads and doughs are supplied by wonderful local artisans.”
The community is also an important part of Zolas success. In fact, Saputo and Canadian Pizza Magazine acknowledged Zolas’ ongoing community focus and collaborative programs by presenting them with the national Pizza with Purpose award.
“It’s so incredible that we were honoured with this national award. We are all about teaming up with others. There is such value in win-win activities. You have more strength, and, potentially a bigger bang with collaboration. That’s the formula for everything. Work together and potentially you have a larger reach. Work with your community, the people who live here, and the people that work here as well.”
Alex Lewis, Executive Director of the Bells Corners BIA, felt that “this award was well-deserved. Zolas stands out when it comes to presence. Tony and Gina do good work in our community, and we embrace that.”
An example of community involvement is the restaurant’s promotion of local jazz.
“Growing up, our household was all about food, good smells, and music. It was good for the senses. At the restaurant, we recognize the importance of music. We were fortunate to meet musician Chris Thompson who helped in the launch of our Saturday evening Jazz program.”
Chris, a member of the jazz trio Wave and of Standing Room Only Big Band, picks up the story.
“Gina believes very much in the importance of the community. I helped her connect with the very supportive Ottawa jazz community. We have some wonderful performers, and they appreciate having Zolas as a venue. Performers want to play here because it’s recognized as one of the best programs in Ottawa. Gina further supports the performers by incorporating their music in the restaurant’s background music.”
Promoting local art is also important to Gina.
“Initially, the arts program started because we wanted to change the look of the restaurant. The best way is through art. Chris Thompson introduced us to nationally recognized artist Charles Spratt. He was our first featured artist. The program grew quickly from there and has become very successful. Our walls are forever changing, and we’re so happy that we can expose so many talented people.”
Promoting local businesses is also important to Gina and Tony. Zolas will be spotlighting Whipprsnapr Brewing Co and Flying Canoe Hard Cider at their April 28th Pizza Tapaz event.
“It’s going to be great. We’ll be launching our new BC Crust pizza. The name has been chosen to represent our Bells Corners community, and its Black Crust appearance. It’s made with Indonesian coconut charcoal, an ingredient that has no odor or taste. It’s not just cool looking; it promotes healing and has good health qualities. We’re so excited about this new addition to our menu.” said Tony.
And, no doubt, with an important anniversary later this year, there will be further excitement at Zolas.
Gina’s eyes sparkle as she replies.
“We’re always wanting the best for our customer. A huge part of that is our involvement with interesting people. The win-win collaborations. Definitely, keep posted. It’s going to be a fun year!”
Zolas Restaurant is at 2194 Roberston Road in Nepean. For reservations, hours of operation and menus, click here. To make a reservation for the April 28 Pizza Tapas event, call 613.721.0227. There will be a 5pm or 7pm sitting where guests can enjoy an all-you-can-eat pizza bar featuring the award winning BC crust.
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