Hollywood Stars Dine at South Osborne’s Vera Pizzeria

A unique intersection of Hollywood and local culture has emerged in South Osborne, where a popular pizzeria has attracted notable actors. Terik Cabildo, the owner of Vera Pizzeria, reports that in recent months, a number of stars have visited his establishment, drawn by its reputation for Neapolitan-style pizza.

In September 2023, actors Jared Harris and Joe Pantoliano dined at Vera while in Winnipeg filming the action-comedy film Violent Night 2, featuring David Harbour. Cabildo expressed surprise at the influx of Hollywood visitors, suggesting that word-of-mouth recommendations may have contributed to the restaurant’s newfound fame.

By October, the Hollywood presence at Vera escalated when Cabildo received a request to host a private dinner party. Initially hesitant, he soon recognized the significance of the event. “As soon as she said California number, I’m like, ‘Oh, this has got to be for the movies,’” he shared with CTV News. The inquiry led to a meeting with producer and director Adam Arkin, who was in town shooting the new series American Hostage, starring Jon Hamm.

Hamm, along with other cast members including Giovanni Ribisi, William Jackson Harper, Alan Ruck, and Mireille Enos, gathered at Vera for the dinner party in late October. Cabildo remarked, “It’s kind of cool to have them come in. They’re just people too, but it’s a little bit surreal.”

During the evening, Hamm took the time to engage with the restaurant staff, highlighting the communal nature of pizza. “There is something about pizza that, I don’t know, it brings people together,” Cabildo noted, emphasizing the connection that food creates among individuals, regardless of their background.

The presence of Hollywood actors at a local establishment underscores the potential for small businesses to gain recognition through unexpected avenues. As Vera continues to attract attention, Cabildo remains focused on providing quality food and a welcoming atmosphere, hoping to establish a lasting relationship with the film industry.