Twenty-three years ago, two high school buddies from Staten Island, New York, Tim Langell and Joey Romano, looked at a construction site in the middle of a sleepy Georgia suburb and saw possibility. Smyrna Market Village wasn’t much at the time—just the bones of what would become the heart of downtown—but for Tim and Joey, it was the perfect spot to bring their family recipes and vision to life.
That vision became Zucca Bar & Pizzeria, where Smyrna locals could finally get a true New York–style menu, handmade with the same care Tim grew up with back home. “We wanted a place where people felt comfortable, where the food was both familiar and authentic,” Tim recalls. The response was immediate. Neighbors flocked to the Market Village, and before long Zucca wasn’t just a pizza joint—it was the heartbeat of a new community.
Right next door, Vintage Tavern opened, a dimly lit spot true to its name. The tavern’s hardwood floors were reclaimed from a Smyrna home built in the 1800s, crafted from now-rare Heart Pine wood that adds warmth and history underfoot. At the center of it all stands the breathtaking wooden bar—built in Chicago in 1904, used in Atlanta for decades, and lovingly restored to its original luster for a new life in Smyrna. With its rich character and charm, Vintage Tavern quickly became the kind of place where neighbors gather for wings, burgers, craft beers, and cocktails, served with the familiarity of an old friend.
In 2012, the team added The Corner Taqueria, a bright and energetic space where Mexican flavors come with a playful twist. Think buffalo chicken tacos with ranch and pickles sharing the menu with classic elote corn on the cob, all paired with frosty fruit margaritas and fresh salsas made daily.
Why These Restaurants Feel Like Home
Ask a Smyrna local what makes the Zucca Group special, and you’ll hear the same thing: these restaurants don’t just serve food—they create experiences.
At Zucca, the award-winning Victory Pizza is a fan favorite. But Tim’s personal go-to is the Gman Sandwich—a hearty chicken cutlet hoagie stacked with salami, roasted red peppers, mozzarella, and balsamic. “It’s a Zucca classic,” he says, adding that it’s only available at lunch, which makes it even more of a local insider’s treasure. In 2024, Zucca unveiled a beautifully renovated patio with a mural by a local artist and large booths perfect for family gatherings—a fresh chapter for a longtime favorite. Inside, the menu keeps people coming back with hearty entrées like Chicken Parmesan, classic pastas, and pizzas that balance tradition with creative touches.
At Vintage Tavern, the menu is all about crave-worthy comfort—crispy wings, stacked sandwiches, and hearty burgers with balsamic-glazed brussels sprouts. But the real draw is the atmosphere. The tavern has become a true neighborhood gathering place, where the staff know your name, your drink, and even your dog’s name.
And at The Corner Taqueria, regulars can’t get enough of the playful taco menu—blending Mexican tradition with American twists—all best enjoyed with a frosty margarita.
A Community Built One Plate at a Time
For Tim and Joey, success has never been measured just in dollars or dishes served. “Community means the most to us,” Tim says. “We love creating a space where locals see familiar faces.”
That sense of community stretches far beyond the restaurants’ walls. The Zucca Group sponsors local school programs, serves meals to Smyrna’s firefighters and police officers, and is a fixture at city events like Jonquil Fest and the St. Patrick’s Festival. Every December, the Zucca team is front and center at the lighting of the Market Village tree, surrounded by neighbors who have become like family.
“We’ve thrown wedding receptions and baby showers for our regulars,” Tim says. “We’ve seen them grow up, get married, start families, even walk through loss. To share all of life’s moments with people—it’s something we’ll always be thankful for.”
Growing Together
The Zucca Group family isn’t just made up of customers—it’s built on a core team that has been there since the very beginning. Chef JB Moran now oversees all three restaurants with a crew that’s grown alongside him for more than two decades. At the bar, familiar faces like Kristina—who began as a bartender and is now assistant manager—along with Jody, Heather, and Joe G., have been serving Smyrna regulars for 10 years or more. Behind the scenes, Krista started out waiting tables and today helps shape the company’s voice as marketing manager. And at The Corner Taqueria, Tim’s daughter Alex, who grew up in the restaurants, now manages and serves with fresh new ideas of her own.
“We grow from within,” Tim says proudly. “Our staff is family, and they’re a huge part of why our restaurants feel the way they do.”
What’s Next
After 23 years, Tim is proud of the trio’s staying power in a fast-changing city. “We’ve been lucky to be part of Smyrna from the very beginning,” he reflects. “Our next step is to keep Zucca, Vintage, and The Corner Taqueria fun and exciting for generations to come.”
Quality. Community. Legacy. These three words define the Zucca Group—and after 23 years, Smyrna can’t imagine Market Village without them.
Visit Us:
Zucca Group – Zucca Bar & Pizzeria, The Vintage Tavern, and The Corner Taqueria
2860 Atlanta Road SE, Smyrna, GA 30080
Websites: zuccapizzeria.com | vintagetavernsmyrna.com | thecornertaqueria.com
Facebook: Zucca Bar & Pizzeria, The Corner Taqueria
Instagram: @zuccapizzeria, @thecornertaqueria
“Our staff is family, and they’re a huge part of why our restaurants feel the way they do.”
“We’ve seen our regulars grow up, get married, start families—even walk through loss. Sharing all of life’s moments with this community is something we’ll always be thankful for.”