“As you know, all roads lead to Italians.” That’s what Brianna Tamburello—co-owner of Vecchia Pizzeria and Vecchia Gelato & Cafe—told us with a laugh when she shared some big news: the beloved Hoover duo is bringing their family-made Italian sausage to local shelves across Birmingham.

Read on to see for details and where to find this delicious sausage.

A 25-year sausage recipe in the making

If you’ve visited Vecchia at The Preserve (right across from Moss Rock), you know Brianna and Chef Benard Vecchia pour heart and history into everything they make.

The couple started the restaurant from scratch and have spent more than a decade perfecting one of Benard’s signature culinary specialties: Italian sausage.

Benard’s Birmingham culinary journey began at a humble hot dog stand in Inverness and grew into multiple restaurants over the years. But his true signature comes from his family’s long-time holiday tradition of sausage making. He’s been fine-tuning the recipe for 25 years—and Brianna joined the story early on.

“Our third date was a sausage-making event with his family. It was loud, chaotic, full of wine—and it sealed the deal that this was a fantastic family.”
Brianna Tamburello, co-owner, Vecchia Pizzeria and Vecchia Gelato & Cafe

From there, the couple continued making sausage at Vecchia with tiny equipment, slicing, grinding and stuffing by hand for more than a decade.

Vecchia’s Italian sausage is now on local Birmingham shelves

Two years ago, the couple began searching for a way to share Benard’s legacy beyond the restaurant. That dream became real when they connected with the Virciglio family, owners of the six Over-the-Mountain Piggly Wiggly locations.

Now, Vecchia’s mild Italian sausage—available in rope and bulk—is officially rolling out in Bluff Park, Clairmont, Crestline, Dunnavant Valley at Mt. Laurel, Homewood and River Run.

Soon, a spicy version made with imported Calabrian chilies will also hit local shelves.

“What makes it special is we are using just five ingredients. It’s just pork and spices and there’s no preservatives, no fillers, and you can really taste the love and the passion, not only of Benard, but of Vecchia, our brand.
Brianna Tamburello, co-owner, Vecchia Pizzeria and Vecchia Gelato & Cafe

The soft launch places the sausage in the frozen section for now, with plans to move into fresh meat so shoppers can buy it by the pound.

What’s next for Vecchia Family Recipes

Vecchia Pizzeria — Cheers to Brianna Tamburello and Benard Vecchia on their upcoming on their new endeavor. (Yellowhammer Photography / Joel McCay)

Sausage is just the start. Under the new Vecchia Family Recipes line, the team plans to introduce more restaurant favorites like creamy Italian dressing Vecchia Shake (dried herbs and spice seasoning), classic meatballs, marinara and white-chocolate bread pudding.

“Our tagline is ‘the luxury is in the food.’ We want people to enjoy that same luxury at home, sharing great meals with family and friends.”
Brianna Tamburello, co-owner, Vecchia Pizzeria and Vecchia Gelato & Cafe

Want to try the Vecchia’s Italian sausage? Meet Benard and Brianna Friday, December 12 and Saturday, December 13 and get a taste.

Let us know if you’ve tried this sausage and stay in the know, Birmingham! Follow Bham Now on Facebook, Instagram + TikTok, and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter.