Where It All Began
The idea of creating the perfect Japanese-American fusion comfort food began as an idea in Paolo Vergara’s kitchen. He decided to test it out and invited over his friend Andy Stofan to present him with a tasting of a 100% grass-fed beef, panko breaded, deep-fried burger. Both immediately fell in love and saw the opportunity to share their passion for the food in the Virginia Beach area. Thus, Oishii Burger was born.
How It All Began
While Paolo and Andy both were working full-time jobs, the dynamic duo were not rookies when it came to running a business together. They both created and manage Swol Food, a meal prep service focused on providing clients with fresh, affordable meals free of additives and preservatives. Paolo and Andy made the jump to turn their idea from concept into reality by utilizing their experience and knowledge in the food and beverage industry. Oishii Burger opened doors to their first brick and mortar in April 2019.
Why We're Different
Oishii not only provides the freshest ingredients and a delicious menu, but it also delivers an unparalleled experience brought by its team and comfortable atmosphere. Paolo and Andy are obsessed with creating unique, flavorful plates and culinary masterpieces for their customers. Through word of mouth, pop-ups, and a lot of hard work and commitment, Oishii Burger is quickly becoming one of the most beloved Japanese-American fusion restaurants in Hampton Roads.
Paolo Vergara | Owner
Good Work Takes Hard Work.
Born a Navy Brat, Paolo spent 7 years in Japan right outside Hiroshima in the small town of Iwakuni. The birth and idea of Oishii Burger came from a work trip to Seattle, where he discovered deep-fried Katsu burgers. He instantly fell in love and began working on the perfect recipe to bring back to Hampton Roads, which ultimately led to Oishii Burger. Much of the love and character put into the dishes at Oishii Burger are influenced by Paolo’s time in Japan, with a western, modern twist. He is inspired by his cousin Dominic, who used to work for a Michelin Star Chef in Italy and learned most of his skills and techniques through sheer determination and watching YouTube videos.
In Paolo’s (almost non-existent) spare time, he enjoys candle-lit dinners with his wife, Raven, spending time with his daughter, Lauren, talking about renewing his pilot license, long walks on the beach, and constantly trying to find ways to improve personally and professionally on a daily basis.
Fun Fact: Paolo had a short career in male modeling, appearing in commercials for Coastal Edge & Sakura AYCE Sushi.
Andy Stofan | Owner
You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.
Since the 4th grade, Andy has always loved cooking for his family and others. He got his first job when he was 14, working for a local pizza shop and has not stopped to take a break since. As he got older, he continued to pursue a career in food and beverage, while managing a number of restaurants and bars in the Hampton Roads area. As a direct result, Andy joined with Paolo in 2016 to manage Swol Food, which they still currently operate. It has always been their dream to own a restaurant, so after great success with Swol Food, Andy partnered with Paolo, and Oishii Burger was born. Andy’s goal for Oishii is to provide an environment that customers love to visit and hangout at, just like he does while cooking for his family and friends.
In Andrew’s spare time, he enjoys teaching his fiancée, Chelsea, how to cook (…yikes), snuggling his newborn son, Ayden, and dog, Chubbs, fishing, working out, spending time with family, and learning how to provide the best dining experience in a laid-back, comforting atmosphere.
Fun Fact: Andrew drove to Ohio to adopt his family dog, Chubbs, who is a Beabull breed (3/4 English Bulldog and 1/4 Beagle). He was born on an Amish farm. Ask him to see a photo.
Meet Our Team
Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.
Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much. They were the last people you’d expect to be involved in anything strange or mysterious, because they just didn’t hold with such nonsense.
Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much. They were the last people you’d expect to be involved in anything strange or mysterious, because they just didn’t hold with such nonsense.
Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much. They were the last people you’d expect to be involved in anything strange or mysterious, because they just didn’t hold with such nonsense.