We’re looking forward to introducing you to Al Scavelli. Check out our conversation below.
Al , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is a normal day like for you right now?
1s get the kids off to school then get to work.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Al Scavelli, and I’m the owner of CRISP wine.beer.eatery located in the Heights. I’ve owned and operated CRISP since we opened in 2012 alongside my business partners Olsi Lito and Angelo Scavelli. CRISP in the Heights is a local neighborhood Italian restaurant that I’m proud to say is open seven days a week for lunch, brunch & dinner. We specialize in wood-fired pizzas and traditional homemade Italian dishes, but with a modern, chef-driven American. In addition to the temperature controlled wine cellar , we offer 24 craft draft brews and plenty of specialty cocktails like our old fashioned & aperol spritz. You can Enjoy CRISP with friends, family or colleagues in our main dining , bar or patio area. Our patio is definitely a hit during nice weather, plus we are dog friendly.
What makes us special I guess would be our passion for what we do. We have been in the industry since we were kids, from bussing tables, washing dishes bartending and making pizzas. We found what could earn us a couple dollars in our pockets when we were kids could be turned into a career that we could support our families with.. We’re continuing to expand our Restaurant with an addition of a private area / speakeasy located in our building. We look to elevate our bar program, and build even deeper connections with our community. For us, it’s about more than just running a restaurant—it’s about creating a space where people feel at home, celebrated, and well-fed.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I remember when I was 16, my car’s headlight went out. I didn’t have the money to pay a mechanic, so I bought a replacement with the cash I earned working at a local pizzeria. I asked my dad for help—he handed me a screwdriver and told me to figure it out. I was frustrated, but after a few hours, I got it done. That experience & lesson taught me self-sufficiency and the confidence to tackle problems on my own—lessons I’ve carried with me ever since.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Too many to reference, but it’s a drive that comes from doing something I love & enjoy to get me through the tough times.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
spending time doing things I enjoy and surrounding myself with people that I care about and that care about me.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
stressing about the little things
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.crispheights.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crisphouston/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crispheights/
Image Credits
Gisele Parra
