Rising Star In Hospitality: Darren Tripicchio
Darren Tripicchio is the General Manager of the world-famous Mulberry Street Pizzeria at Resorts World Las Vegas. He is currently one of the youngest restaurant General Managers on the Las Vegas Strip.
Darren started in the business in 2014 at 14 years of age, in local bars and restaurants back in his hometown of New Rochelle, NY. There, he shadowed the business’ best in Westchester, spending his time after school working full-seated bars, private parties, and many off-site catering events. After High School, Darren moved cross country to LA where he went to college and continued to grow in the restaurant business, this time learning from one of the best in the world, Richie Palmer.
Mulberry Street Pizzeria, a renowned name in the world of pizza, was born out of the dreams and expertise of Richie Palmer, a seasoned restaurateur who made his mark in New York before bringing his culinary vision to the West Coast. With a deep passion for traditional New York pizza, Richie established Mulberry Street Pizzeria in Beverly Hills, California, where it quickly became a hotspot for celebrities and locals alike. Known for its dedication to the art of the classic New York pie—thin, crispy crust with just the right balance of dough, sauce, and cheese—Mulberry has been a staple in the Los Angeles food scene since 1991.
This is where young Darren would learn to cook and make pizzas, and ultimately find his calling. He also began to formulate his belief – one that he still sticks to today – that “the product” is not just the food, but all aspects of the guest experience.
“The food is #1 and will always be #1, but once that’s locked down and excellent, there’s more work to do. Too many businesses fail because they moved on to service or atmosphere and the food wasn’t excellent. Your food is your business’ foundation, and it needs to be strong,” Darren explains.
Over the years, Mulberry Street Pizzeria has expanded its reach across Los Angeles, earning a reputation as one of the most famous pizzerias in the world. The latest feather in its cap is the 2,200-square-foot location inside Resorts World Las Vegas, which has quickly become a must-visit spot for pizza lovers. The Las Vegas outpost stays true to the Mulberry ethos, offering a state-of-the-art pizza experience and challenging the notion that pizzerias on the Strip are just quick stops for an average slice.
As the GM of the leading pizzeria inside Resorts World Las Vegas, Darren Tripicchio believes the key to a successful restaurant is how employees make customers feel.
“I believe in fostering an environment where staff members can be their authentic selves. It not only enhances the customer experience but also creates a positive and fulfilling work atmosphere.”
Operating in Las Vegas, Darren finds the city’s restaurant scene to be a dream come true. It is a scene where mediocrity will not suffice, and excellence is demanded. At Mulberry, the commitment to delivering the best pizza guests have ever had is paramount. Darren often walks the floor, engaging with customers who frequently share their delight in having found a pizza that exceeds their expectations.
“People from all over the world tell me it’s the best they’ve ever had, and that feedback makes my day. To know we’ve made people that happy with our product, in our resort, is very gratifying to me.”
When Darren Tripicchio isn’t managing Mulberry Street Pizzeria, he enjoys traveling, surfing, and staying active. Whether hitting the gym, hiking, or exploring the vibrant Las Vegas nightlife, he embraces all that life in Sin City has to offer.
For more information, visit rwlasvegas.com/dining/mulberry/
