Candy DeBartolo

Owner

Traveling the world has given Candy DeBartolo an eye for dynamic flavors and cultures. So, when she moved to North Tampa from Ohio, and found herself surrounded mostly by generic chain restaurants, she set out to fulfill a life-long dream. Driven by her love of curating unique recipes and inspired by West Coast ambiance, Candy created Sacred Pepper to offer deliciously bold twists on old favorites in an atmosphere that is as sophisticated as it is comfortable. Here, guests can have an authentic and vibrant experience that goes beyond just a meal without having to travel too far from home. Here, the community has a restaurant to call their own. With her flare for excitement and convention breaking ideas, Candy is ready to bring new life to the North Tampa restaurant scene.

James Maita

Executive Chef

Classically trained with over 20 years of restaurant experience, Executive Chef James Maita is recognized for his dynamic take on modern comfort food.  He enjoys reinventing traditional dishes with fresh, bold flavors and unexpected twists. Chef James looks to make Sacred Pepper a place for the community to share meals and experiences. To him, the most rewarding part is being able to see the look on guests’ faces when they take that first bite. His dedication to his craft and authenticity have earned him numerous accolades and recognition within and beyond the Tampa Bay area. Chef James treats guests like family and provides a culinary connection worth coming back for.

Joe Petrella

Director of Operations

When Joe Petrella was younger, he had a curiosity and talent for cooking because he loved how it brought his family and friends together. This passion for creating and sharing meals turned into a career that has lasted him over 30 years and brought him to Sacred Pepper as Director of Operations. He believes that there is no greater day than one spent with loved ones around the table, so he’s looking forward to creating an atmosphere that creates that sense of community with every meal.