Grounded. Inviting. Unapologetically Local.
Welcome to YAVA Kitchen and Brewery — a neighborhood gathering place in the heart of Cumming, Georgia where food and beer are crafted with purpose. We're not your typical brewery with bar food — we’re a kitchen-first experience, rooted in bold flavors, wood-fired cooking, and small-batch brews designed to complement every bite.
We believe in quality over pretension, warmth over polish, and connection over transactions. Whether you're here for a casual meal, a shared story, or a cold pour by the firepit, you’re part of what makes YAVA special.
PATRICK PADILLA
Patrick’s hospitality journey spans more than 20 years, from opening and operating restaurants along the East Coast to leading operations at Black Sheep Restaurant and Dogwood Hangout in Blue Ridge. He’s also the former owner of ROE Oyster Bar and Steakhouse and most recently led the team at Cartecay River Brewing. At YAVA, he’s focused on building a warm, welcoming experience from the moment you walk through the door.
General Manager
Executive ChefBRUNO VERGARA
Bruno Vergara is an accomplished chef with two decades of experience in Atlanta’s restaurant scene, known for his deep commitment to authentic, flavor-driven cuisine rooted in his Uruguayan heritage. Before joining YAVA, he served as Executive Chef at El Viñedo Local in Midtown Atlanta, where he crafted menus reflecting the rich culinary diversity of South America and celebrated traditional techniques and ingredients. Bruno’s cooking emphasizes thoughtful simplicity and bold, balanced flavors that honor both tradition and creativity.
ALEX CIABURI
Alex Ciaburri is a seasoned Atlanta-area brewer with head brewer experience at Six Bridges Brewing, Cultivation Brewery, and most recently From the Earth Brewing Company. Known for his focus on balance, consistency, and quality, Alex has led brewing operations across a wide range of styles while building programs rooted in strong fundamentals. At YAVA, he brings a thoughtful, food-friendly approach to brewing—crafting beers designed to be enjoyed often and paired seamlessly with the kitchen.
Head Brewer
KEVIN MAXEY
Kevin Maxey is a seasoned chef and restaurateur with nearly three decades of experience in the culinary world, including leadership roles with Ford Fry’s Rocket Farms Restaurants and renowned kitchens like Gramercy Tavern and Craft in New York. He is the chef-owner of Pendolino in Sandy Springs, an Italian-inspired neighborhood restaurant where his thoughtful approach to rustic, ingredient-driven cooking shines. As a Culinary Consultant with Blue Orbiting, Kevin lent his expertise to YAVA’s opening menu and culinary direction, helping shape a thoughtful and community-focused food experience.
Cullinary Consultant
JOE ALESSANDRONI
Joe Alessandroni is a hospitality and beverage professional specializing in craft cocktail development and bar operations. As part of Blue Orbit Hospitality Consulting, he works with restaurants to build cocktail programs covering menu development, spirits strategy, and team execution. He has created award-winning cocktail programs from San Francisco to Singapore, bringing a global, operator-minded approach that balances creativity with consistency. At YAVA, Joe is shaping a cocktail program that complements our food-forward menu and house-brewed beer while remaining approachable and community-driven.
Cocktail Program Consultant