With a world-class leadership team and Nonna at the heart, the family-owned restaurant expands its tradition of excellence
Dallas, TX (RestaurantNews.com) La Stella Cucina Verace, the family-owned Italian restaurant in Dallas’ Arts District, today announced the addition of several seasoned hospitality veterans, including an internationally trained chef, longtime Dallas restaurant operator and expert sommelier to its leadership team. The expanded team will support the restaurant’s continued momentum and its upcoming growth, including a new location in Addison later this year.
Recent additions to the leadership team include:
- Marcelo Mintz, Executive Chef – With nearly three decades of international culinary experience spanning Italy, France, Brazil and the United States, Mintz brings classical training, vibrant flavors and global perspective to La Stella’s menu.
- Jeff Barker, Director of Operations – A Dallas native and longtime industry leader, Barker brings extensive management experience from acclaimed concepts including Chamberlain’s Restaurants and Mi Piaci.
- Kyle Kepner, General Manager – A veteran sommelier and hospitality leader, Kepner has more than 30 years of experience in fine dining and wine service, including leadership at III Forks Steakhouse and ownership of The Wine Authority.
- Yuri Tukuli, Sommelier – Formerly of Monarch and Mister Charles, Tukuli is Albanian-born, educated in Italy and brings immense wine knowledge and expertise. He will be directly responsible for the award-winning wine cave at the upcoming Addison location.
- Ozzy Samano, Executive Chef – Samano brings experience leading multi-concept restaurants, including Drake’s and Hudson House with Vandelay Hospitality Group. Known for seasonal, trend-forward menus, he will shape La Stella’s culinary offerings across its growing portfolio.
- Frankie Quintanilla, Chef de Cuisine – Quintanilla has led the Dallas kitchen as CDC for the past two years, collaborating closely with JP, Alex and Nonna. He previously cooked with Lombardi Concepts and at Da Mario at the Star, where he developed his foundation in Italian cuisine.
“These leaders add an extraordinary depth of expertise to La Stella at exactly the right time,” said Giuseppe ‘JP’ Piccinini, CEO of Vesuvius Holdings and investor in La Stella. “We’ve experienced remarkable momentum since opening in 2022, and as we expand, this team will help us deliver the same hospitality and excellence our guests have come to expect.”
La Stella opened in Dallas’ Arts District in March 2022 and has quickly become a sought-after dining destination for everything from date nights and anniversary parties to corporate gatherings. Its popularity in Dallas laid the foundation for the upcoming Addison location, La Stella Italian Steakhouse and Music Lounge, which will allow the restaurant to host larger events and offer multiple private dining rooms.
The new leaders join La Stella’s founding family team:
- Alexandra Beswerchij – With a background in corporate marketing and event planning, Beswerchij oversees private parties and events while curating refined floral experiences that enhance the atmosphere and create a distinctive sense of luxury for guests.