NewHavenBIZ

BUSINESS PROFILES | NOVEMBER 2022 | NEW HAVEN BIZ 6 V al Capobianco has come a long way from the 14-year-old who washed dishes at a pizza place in Waterbury's Naugatuck Valley Shopping Center. Today, he owns Brazi's Italian Restaurant in New Haven, an eatery that's established itself as a local favorite and has drawn such luminaries as playwright Arthur Miller and actors Brian Dennehy, Al Pacino, Paul Newman, Robert Redford and Amy Irving. Brazi's, which is named for Italian actor Rossano Brazzi (minus one z), seats 250 and opened in 1993. It is a casual dining eatery that draws both families and business groups. "We get a lot of family functions and corporate functions," Capobianco says. Capobianco was born in Torre Del Greco, part of Naples, and emigrated from Italy to the U.S. with his family at the age of 7, where they settled in Waterbury. During his college years, he worked at four restaurants simultaneously as a troubleshooter, often putting in 70 to 80 hours a week while maintaining dean's-list-level grades. Capobianco graduated with a bachelor's degree in accounting and business administration in 1991 and then took a managerial position at Mamma Brava Restaurant in Freehold, New Jersey. But he soon returned to Connecticut, accepting an offer by noted restaurateur Tony D'Alto to manage Pasta Plus. In 1993 he became managing partner at Brazi's, which is in Food Terminal Plaza adjacent to the Long Wharf Theatre. Over the years, the establishment has grown, adding 35 or so seats, and enlarged its service bar, Capobianco says. There have been cosmetic changes, too, to be expected in a business nearing three decades of operation. A bigger service bar, for example, allows the restaurant to function as a small party venue, he says. One of his signature dishes is Chicken Cutlet Scarpariello, breaded cutlets fried golden brown and served with hot cherry peppers and potatoes in a light sauce, which was written up in the New Haven Register newspaper. Capobianco says Brazi's is also known for its fried calamari and the dessert affogato, a vanilla-based concoction with chocolate, caramel and a shot of espresso. Capobianco's commitment to his community is also notable. A married father of two, he has been active in programs for New Haven youth, providing children with educational trips on the schooner Amistad, and rewarding them for doing well in school. And he's earned numerous honors, including the Community Service Award from the American Committee on Italian Migration and the President's Appreciation Award from the West Haven Black Coalition, as well as State Assembly and Congressional awards. Prior to Covid-19, Brazi's was a sit-down establishment. But the pandemic spurred a pivot toward takeout, with the help of Uber Eats, DoorDash and other food delivery services, Capobianco says. Even as the worst of Covid-19 seems to be past, takeout is here to stay for Brazi's, making up about 30% of the restaurant's business, he says. "There's so many moving parts," Capobianco says of the challenges facing restaurants. However, he is optimistic for the future and grateful for the support of Yale, the city of New Haven, the business community and his restaurant's loyal customers. Restaurant Serves up Commitment to Cuisine, Community Italian Restaurant Address: 201 Food Terminal Plaza, New Haven, CT 06511-5911 Phone: (203) 498-2488 Website: www.brazis.com Product or Service: Full-service restaurant Top Executive: Val Capobianco, owner Year Founded: 1993

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