A Cy-Fair native, Felicia opened Vero Italian Kitchen across the street from Cypress Woods High School, where he graduated in 2009. After working his way up the ranks at the Conroe location of Vero, Felicia expressed interest to founder Les Lemmons in starting a Cypress franchise.
The first year of business went very well, Felicia said.
“Dinner has been a huge hit, and we’re steadily climbing in lunches,” he said.
The eatery’s menu includes made-from-scratch pizzas, pastas, salads and desserts. Meatballs, sauces and bread are all made in-house, and many ingredients are imported from Italy, Felicia said.
Felicia said Vero strives to balance franchise quality and consistency with a small mom and pop atmosphere. Felicia himself works 100 hours per week, which he said is necessary to ensure consistently good quality.
“This is my baby,” he said. “I want this to be so successful, and that means I’m going to have to be here.”
The eatery has already built up a loyal following, Felicia said.
“I’ve lived in Houston for 20 years, and they have hands-down the best baked ziti dish in the city,” said Paul DePaulis, a Cypress resident who dines weekly at Vero.
Felicia said he likes to greet every customer personally—a trait he adopted watching his father run his family’s restaurant as a child. Customers have invited him to weddings and birthday parties, he said.
Working across the street from his old high school, Felicia said he takes advantage of the proximity.
“I spoke with the culinary director and was able to recruit some students,” he said. “I also work with the counselor to help out with kids who are just looking for direction in life.”
The best perk of working at a restaurant like Vero is the feeling of community, Felicia said.
“I just enjoy being here with my guests, and I wouldn’t be here without them,” he said.
13621 Skinner Road, Cypress 832-220-6110 www.veroitaliankitchen.com Hours: Tue.-Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., closed Mondays
