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MAFIAoZA's — Co-owner & General Manager
A prominent figure on “The Nashville Scene,” Lars Kopperud has made a resounding splash on the city’s food and wine map, and in the process, has played a leading role in redefining the scope of authentic Italian offerings available to Nashville residents.
In June of 2003, Kopperud, along with business partner Michael Dolan, successfully launched MAFIAoZA’s in the heart of the city’s vibrant 12South neighborhood. Now a favorite of patrons ranging from families and tourists to local happy hour crowds and Nashville celebrities, the restaurant quickly developed its devoted fan base due to its flavorful Italian-American classic menu selections, its traditional Italian ingredients, the restaurant’s impressive wine list, and its welcoming, festive ambiance.
A native of Palmer, Alaska, Kopperud first moved to Nashville on both academic and soccer scholarships, and soon decided to make Tennessee his adopted home state. Prior to opening MAFIAoZA’s, Kopperud had added several high-profile restaurant jobs to his portfolio, including positions at Nashville favorites Mere Bulle’s and The Villager Tavern.
In addition to his culinary projects, Kopperud plays an active role in several charity and community outreach organizations in Tennessee. His active event participation has included the annual “Culinary Caper” fundraiser, with proceeds benefiting Hospice of Murfreesboro, and the March of Dimes annual “Signature Chefs” event, which Kopperud recently co-chaired.
Kopperud has a book in the works, as well. Co-written with Gannett News Service columnist Barb Ford, and his business partner Brett Corrieri (Executive Chef and Catering Director at MAFIAoZA’s, and Co-owner with Kopperud of Corrieri’s Formaggeria), Never Dine Alone Again will offer advice to young professionals on ways to entertain with panache, and how to eat healthily and well.
MAFIAoZA's — Corporate Chef and Catering Director
Corrieri's Formaggeria — Proprietor
Vinea Wine & Spirits — Proprietor
Brett Corrieri brings a solid culinary portfolio to the table in his multi-pronged role at three of Nashville, TN’s most frequented businesses: MAFIAoZA’s, Music City’s very popular, classic Italian restaurant; Corrieri’s Formaggeria, an authentic, European-style cheese and specialty store; and, Vinea Wine & Spirits, viewed by locals as the city’s premium resource for unique and specialty wines and liqueurs.
Corrieri, a native of Maine, began his culinary career by owning and operating The Owl’s Nest Coffeehouse in Nashville, before setting off for Rhode Island’s prestigious Johnson & Wales University. Following graduation, he embarked upon his apprenticeship at the renowned four-star Hotel Metropole in Brussels, Belgium. Upon his return to the states, Corrieri soon became a player on the Nashville “food scene” by serving as owner/operator of his own catering company, Bellissima Catering.
Corrieri’s talents did not go unnoticed; he next was offered by the MAFIAoZA’s team of Lars Kopperud and Michael Dolan the restaurant’s key slot of Corporate Chef and Catering Director. In this role, he continues his commitment to using the freshest ingredients and produce for his innovative, flavorful menu options, as well as the authentic Italian cured meats, cheeses and sauces that fans of MAFIAoZA’s have come to expect.
Corrieri went on in October 2005 to successfully launch what rapidly became another Nashville favorite, Corrieri’s Formaggeria, where he serves as Proprietor. Soon afterward, seeing the opportunity to offer an impressive array of top-tier wines to a Nashville audience growing increasingly interested in the “wine world,” Corrieri once again assumed the Proprietorship role when he launched Nashville’s Vinea Wine & Spirits in November 2006.
In addition to continuing efforts to open another Corrieri’s Formaggeria in Louisville, Kentucky, Corrieri is at work on an upcoming book. Co-written with Gannett News Service columnist Barb Ford, and his business partner Lars Kopperud, Never Dine Alone Again will offer advice to young professionals on ways to entertain with panache, and how to eat healthily and well.
Corrieri lives in Nashville with his “most important food critics”: wife, Bethany, and son, Calvin.