Meet Vapiano

Our Story

The word Vapiano doesn’t actually exist. We created it from an old Italian proverb – “Chi va piano, va sano e va lontano”:  which, when translated means  “If you have an easy-going and relaxed approach to life, you’ll live healthily and longer”.

And this is how we want our teams and our guests to feel. Relaxed. You may be busy, but take a moment to relax and enjoy what makes you happy.

Pasta is at the heart of what we do.
A choice of shapes from fusilli to campanelle to linguine and tagliatelle are made fresh using the finest durum wheat semolina  in each restaurant every single day.
We also specialise in quality Pizzas (or in Germany, we have introduced the ancient recipe Pinsa), Antipasti, exceptional salads and homemade dolci.

Our Ingredients

We are incredibly proud of our pizza dough, our sauces and dressings, and sauces including our pesto which are  prepared in-house and guaranteed to be made of the finest ingredients.

Our chefs are the face of Vapiano, working in an open kitchen where they talk to guests who order their food direct, exactly how they like it.

We also offer a digital ordering system in some countries such as the UK, Netherlands and Spain where you scan a QR code for online ordering and our team bring the meal and drinks directly to your table.

Our great music and laid back vibes create a place where people love to come by for a working lunch, catch up with friends for dinner or a family weekend meal.

Our History

The first Vapiano opened on  22nd of October, 2002 in Hamburg, Germany.

Two years later, the founders decided to set Vapiano on a world tour and today there are over 134 restaurants across 25 countries including Austria, Australia, Bahrain, Columbia, Dubai, Egypt, France, Hungary, UK, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Spain, Ukraine and more.

Basically, wherever you travel, you’re pretty much guaranteed to get yourself an exceptional Vapiano bowl of pasta.

Our Team

International leadership team for a successful future!

The Love & Food Restaurant Holding s.r.o. was set up by a hand-picked group of successful European restaurateurs and hoteliers to take over the Vapiano business:

Henry McGovern
Co-founder and former long-time CEO of the AmRest group of restaurants

Sinclair Beecham
Co-founder of Pret a Manger

Vincent van der Valk
Leading Dutch hotelier and exclusive Vapiano area developer for the Netherlands and Belgium

Gregor Gerlach
Vapiano co-founder and owner of the Seaside Hotel Group

Mario C. Bauer
Former Board Member of Vapiano and serial entrepreneur

Between them, all shareholders have unique track records in the hospitality industry and have made it their mission to lead Vapiano back to its rightful place among the top European fast-casual restaurant businesses

Alan Laughlin, CEO
Alan Laughlin has many years of experience in leading international QSR and casual dining brands in Europe and the USA. Most recently as President of Burger King for AmRest successfully leading growth and expansion across Central Europe.
Alan Laughlin brings exactly the skillset needed in a people business like Vapiano

Alan’s Motto is think big, always be curious and put people first.
So, it is only logical that he sees his position much more as Chief Vapianisti Officer, CVO, than as CEO

Monika Cyz, COO 
Monika brings with her a wealth of experience, most recently as President of Pizza Hut in AmRest with over 440 restaurants across Europe

Hassan Mechmechani, Director of International Franchising & Development.
Hassan brings huge Vapiano know-how after several years within the business as well as great experience in international franchising

Paweł Szczepaniak, CIO
Focus on data driven, personalised, digital innovative experiences for all guests in restaurants and on the go. Paweł’s broad experiences in digital transformation initiatives will enable Vapiano’s digital capabilities worldwide