Vinny’s Italian Grill & Pizzeria opens in Chapel Hill

The space in Eastgate Shopping Center that was for many years home to Sal’s Pizzeria (and more recently Carmine’s) is back in the family. Josephine Finazzo, daughter of Sal’s owner Leonardo Tornetta, opened Vinny’s Italian Grill & Pizzeria (1800 E. Franklin St.; 919-942-6989; vinnysitaliangrille.net) late last month with her husband, Carlo.

The restaurant is the latest location of a Virginia-based chain founded by Finazzo’s cousin, Vinny Vitale. The family also operates the Triangle area’s other Vinny’s location in Hillsborough.

Carlo Finazzo has roots of his own in the local Italian restaurant landscape. His brother, Joe, owned the now-shuttered Carini in Cary.

It should come as no surprise, then, that Vinny’s is a family-friendly place. Or that the specialties are New York style pizzas, subs and classic Italian-American pasta dishes – some made, according to the website, from “old family recipes.”

Vinny’s is open for lunch and dinner daily.

Send restaurant news to Greg at ggcox@bellsouth.net. Be sure to tune in to Greg’s radio show at 11 a.m. Saturdays on WPTF.