Darren Provenzano
Portland
Summary
Experienced operator with a strong background in production, fermentation, and small-business management. Founder of Tale of Us Pizza, running weekly pop-ups, private events, and high-volume services with consistent demand and strong operational control. Over a decade of hands-on experience in recipe development, quality systems, team leadership, and scaling production in both food and beverage environments. Proven ability to manage finances, inventory, permitting, and day-to-day operations while delivering high-quality products and building a loyal customer base.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Managing Member
Tale of Us Pizza
Portland
12.2024 - Current
- Operated weekly pop-ups and private events with consistent customer demand and strong per-service revenue.
- Managed dough production, recipe development, menu planning, and day-to-day kitchen operations.
- Oversaw all inventory, ordering, supplier relationships, and cost control.
- Handled permitting, food safety compliance, scheduling, and financial planning for the business.
- Built brand identity, customer base, and partnerships with breweries, wineries, and corporate clients.
- Executed high-volume service with consistent quality, efficiency, and professionalism.
Freelance Brewery Consultant
Self-Employed
11.2023 - Current
- Advising breweries in the U.S. and Vietnam on recipe development, fermentation protocols, QA standards, and production troubleshooting
- Led production overhaul and new portfolio design for East West Brewing (Vietnam), including hazy IPA and lager innovation
- Focused on shelf stability, extract integration, ATP protocol design, and yeast management across high-temperature brewing environments
Head Brewer & Co-Founder
Fracture Brewing
Portland
07.2022 - 03.2023
- Built the brewing program from the ground up including all recipe development, supplier relationships, and SOPs
- Led day-to-day production on a 20bbl brewhouse with focus on hoppy lagers, West Coast IPAs, and mixed culture projects
- Oversaw team hiring, fermentation control, lab program design, and packaging QC
Production Brewer
7 Bridges Brewing Co.
Da Nang
07.2019 - 02.2020
- Ran brewhouse and cellar operations for a fast-growing regional brewery
- Worked across a diverse range of beer styles with an emphasis on clean fermentation and process consistency
- Participated in scaling up production for international exports and local accounts
Head Brewer
Heart of Darkness
Ho Chi Minh City
03.2017 - 04.2019
- Directed brewing operations and R&D for one of Southeast Asia's premier craft breweries
- Managed flagship beers and oversaw a team of cellar, brew, and lab staff
- Contributed to multiple award-winning beer releases and collaborations with international breweries
Education
Associate of Arts -
Lake Cordon Bleu
Pasadena, CA 01.2010 - 01.2011
Skills
- Advanced fermentation & yeast management
- Recipe design (lager, IPA, saison, mixed culture)
- ATP testing
- Packaging QA
- DO & CO2 control
- Brewery startup consulting
- Process audits
- SOP writing
- Team training
- Production scaling
- International operations (Vietnam, US)
Certification
- Oregon Food Handler Certified, 2025
- Forklift Certified
- Extensive professional development via mentorship and international hands-on training
Skills And Focus Areas
- Advanced fermentation & yeast management
- Recipe design (lager, IPA, saison, mixed culture)
- ATP testing, packaging QA, DO & CO2 control
- Brewery startup consulting & process audits
- SOP writing, team training, production scaling
- International operations (Vietnam, U.S.)
Timeline
Managing Member
Tale of Us Pizza
12.2024 - Current
Freelance Brewery Consultant
Self-Employed
11.2023 - Current
Head Brewer & Co-Founder
Fracture Brewing
07.2022 - 03.2023
Production Brewer
7 Bridges Brewing Co.
07.2019 - 02.2020
Head Brewer
Heart of Darkness
03.2017 - 04.2019
Associate of Arts -
Lake Cordon Bleu
01.2010 - 01.2011