Located in the South Bay of Los Angeles, Bella Vita Hospitality group is home to Mickey’s Italian Deli, Vida Modern Mexican, and Salt & Pearl.
What started as a family business has now developed into a growing hospitality operation. Whether you're raising a glass to good times or celebrating a special occasion, we're dedicated to serving delicious food and exceptional hospitality both in-house and at your doorstep.
Our Story
From the ocean's freshest catch to sumptuous land-based fare, Salt & Pearl provides an all-encompassing dining experience with a menu that is sure to please.
Salt & Pearl
Vida is a Baja-inspired modern-day Mexican eatery and bar that holds true to south-of-the-border fan favorites, combined with some creative twists on East Los Angeles comfort foods.
Vida Modern Mexican
A family legacy that opened in 1953, Mickey’s Deli has been a staple in the South Bay community where you can find the best Italian cuisine.
Mickeys Italian Deli
With 20 years of industry experience, Mickey got his start at his family’s iconic delicatessen, Mickey’s Italian Deli. At 21, he helped develop and launch a fast-casual burger concept in San Diego, Buddies Burgers, which went on to successfully operate for five years. After Buddies Burgers, Mickey joined the family business full-time. Since then, Mance has doubled the size of the business and has gone on to open and operate VIDA and Salt & Pearl.
Mickey Mance
Justin built his career with South Bay hospitality company Baja Sharkeez Restaurant Group. Essman had a 13-year tenure with the restaurant group and upon becoming a partner, he was an integral component to the group’s success with various Sharkeez restaurants and bars throughout Southern California. VIDA was Essman’s first independent project, in partnership with Mickey and Paul Mance, and Salt & Pearl has been his latest venture.
Justin Essman
Paul’s dad, Michael, opened Mickey’s Italian Deli in 1953 and it has been a staple in the South Bay community ever since. When Paul’s dad passed, Paul took over the business. He’s extremely proud of Mickey’s—both what his dad has done and what he continues to carry on. “This has been my life, and it means the world to us, doing everything we can to make it as good as it can be.”. He's happy to be expanding the legacy with VIDA, Salt & Pearl, and whatever comes next.
Paul Mance
With an astounding 24 years of experience, James Beard, Fernet, Titos, and other prestigious brands have all praised Ken’s work. His exceptional expertise extends to collaborating with renowned Michelin Chef’s like David LeFevre and award-winning Chefs such as Eric Greenspan and Luca Mandarino! His creativity and efficiency are setting the stage for an unforgettable drinking experience.
Kenneth Gray
With 10 years as a corporate bookkeeper at Baja Sharkeez Restaurant Group, Amy gained incredible knowledge of industry practices. She took those skills to help build and structure the accounting departments of technology and retail brands, ENouvation and Manduka for the last 4 years. And now, Amy has found her way back to hospitality to oversee Bella Vita’s financial success.
Amy Happy
Over the past 18 years, Drea has worked in various aspects of the hospitality industry specializing in human experience. Her journey has had pivotal roles in operations management for private members’ clubs, restaurants, events, tourism, short-term rentals, and tech across the USA, AUS, UK, and Italy. With her global experience, she brings personalized catering to a diverse clientele, supporting Bella Vita's expansion.
Drea Aguilar
Catering Testimonials
"Fantastic! Quick and easy ordering process, ready on time, plenty of food, professionally prepared and presented.. it was the perfect lunch for a birthday party group. Would highly recommend for easy and delicious catering!"
Kent H.
"The food was something special, I was curious at first b/c I'm Mexican and consider myself a good critic - I am impressed. The flavors are real, the freshness is amazing - I put the food out, then the smells began to fill the air with these delicious traditional familiar scents of spices that make the food 'POP'."
Rina C.
"Thank your for the excellent catering services you provide. Even though the event was relocated the food arrived on time and was delicious. I appreciate all the care and attention Mickey's Italian Catering provides. I look forward to a long working relationship!!"
-Duke J.
