Vesta, a wood-fired pizza restaurant in Redwood City, has seen a dramatic increase in customers since BTS member V praised its pizza during a concert at Stanford University. This endorsement has turned the restaurant into a hotspot for BTS fans, known as the ARMY.
As reported by Palo Alto Online, V declared on May 16 that Stanford has the best pizza, referring to Vesta, where the K-pop group dined on May 11. Owner Peter Borrone noted that BTS returned to the restaurant twice after their initial visit, which included their manager and security team.
BTS’s Impact on Vesta Pizza
During their first visit, BTS ordered everything on the menu, including salads, small plates, and various pizzas. Borrone shared that their favorite pizzas were the pepperoni and the sausage and honey, highlighting the uniqueness of the pepperoni pizza with Calabrian spiced honey.
Borrone had initially chosen not to disclose the group’s visit to the public, hoping they would return. When V and j-hope returned to Vesta, the restaurant was flooded with fans who had heard about the group’s presence.
Fan Reactions and Restaurant Experience
Borrone described the atmosphere that day, saying, “Some fans saw them, and it was the coolest thing to see the excitement and energy of these people sitting there staying calm but so excited.” He further elaborated on the respectfulness of the fans who visited the restaurant.
After the concert, Borrone was so enthused that he bought tickets for his family. He expressed his excitement about V mentioning the pizza again during the show. The following morning, he was flooded with texts about BTS livestreaming while enjoying Vesta’s pizza.
Increased Popularity and Customer Interest
Since the concert, Vesta has experienced a surge in customers, many of whom have inquired about the staff’s experiences with BTS. The restaurant has become a point of interest for those curious about the group’s dining habits.
The entire experience has been surreal for Borrone, who expressed his gratitude for the unexpected attention and the joy of sharing good food with the K-pop group. Vesta continues to thrive amid this newfound popularity, serving not only pizza but also a slice of BTS fandom.
What This Means for Local Businesses
BTS’s endorsement has significantly boosted Vesta’s visibility, demonstrating the power of celebrity influence on local businesses. The influx of fans visiting the pizzeria illustrates how quickly a single mention can transform a restaurant’s fortunes.
As the BTS ARMY continues to flock to Vesta, it highlights the importance of community engagement and the potential for local restaurants to thrive through unique experiences. Vesta stands as a vivid example of how cultural phenomena can elevate local culinary establishments.
