Meet the Festival Organizers
Our festival is led by a passionate team of Italian food experts and pizza and pasta lovers. Each contributes their expertise to create an unforgettable experience for all attendees, from tastings to cultural activities and live entertainment.
Mario Vollera
Originally from a small countryside near Rome, Mario grew up surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, developing an early connection to food and service. at just 16, he was already a Pizzaiolo, and has since traveled through countries like Sweden, Germany, Spain, and Italy—gaining valuable experience and cultural insight along the way. Mario holds the Guinness World Record for the longest pizza in the world, and has specialized in wine, cocktails, top-tier service, sushi, and whisky. for him, being a restaurateur is more than a profession—it’s an art refined through hard work, passion, and a true commitment to creating memorable experiences for every guest.
Mario Vollero arrived in the united states in 2008 with a suitcase full of dreams, a deep passion for gastronomy, and a clear vision: to share his love for food, wine, and hospitality. he began his journey working at antica pizzeria and piccolo in Venice, and in 2013, he co-founded South end Wine Bar, a cozy local gem where wine and pizza come together in perfect harmony. his entrepreneurial spirit led him to reopen the iconic Roosterfish Bar in 2018, one of the oldest and most beloved gay bars in los angeles. in 2023, alongside his team, he brought new life to the sushi bar OWA (formerly wabi sabi), also in venice.
Peppe Miele
Peppe Miele is a leading figure in the promotion of true Neapolitan pizza across the Americas. As president of VPN Americas, the U.S. delegation of the Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana, Peppe has dedicated his career to preserving and spreading the culinary traditions of Naples. In 1992, he made history by opening Antica Pizzeria in Los Angeles—the first restaurant in the United States to be officially certified by the AVPN. It was there that Los Angeles food lovers first experienced the taste of authentic Neapolitan pizza, crafted with passion and strict adherence to tradition.
After closing the restaurant in 2011, Peppe focused on education and consulting. He first founded the Accademia della Pizza Napoletana in Marina del Rey, California, and later established Napoletana Consulting, now considered the most respected Neapolitan pizza consulting firm in the country. Through his tireless work, Peppe has trained and mentored hundreds of pizzaioli and entrepreneurs, helping bring the art and flavor of Neapolitan pizza to communities across the U.S.
David Turkell
David Turkell is a community organizer proudly born and raised in the city of Los Angeles. Turkell’s community-centered focus resulted in several successful events and fundraisers, including but not limited to last year’s Pastrami Pizza Fest with RC Provisions and co-hosting an event with Industry only in Las Vegas after Pizza Expo in Las Vegas.
In January 2025, following the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, David Turkell founded the LA Pizza Alliance, a rapid response initiative supporting communities affected by disasters. Under his leadership, the Alliance has already delivered over 100,000 slices of pizza to first responders and displaced residents, demonstrating his commitment to impact beyond the digital sphere. He runs Turk’s Pizza Party – a social media account that is always serving hot and ready memes.
William Cypher
I’m a professional pizza maker with over 10 years in the industry, specializing in Neapolitan, Detroit, New York, and tavern-style pizzas. My work blends tradition with technique, focusing on quality dough, balanced flavors, and consistent execution. As a traveling consultant, I partner with restaurants across the country to refine their pizza programs—whether it’s launching a new concept or improving an existing one. My goal is simple: to help others serve incredible pizza with confidence and craft
PIZZA AND PASTA FEST LA 