Elaine & Vincenzo Grande: The Owners
Elaine & Vincenzo Grande are originally from New Jersey, but relocated to Florida in 2011. There, they have decided to create “Vincenzo’s Cucina”, an authentic Italian restaurant. Both of Italian descent, Elaine’s family from Naples, and Vincenzo’s family from San Gregorio, Calabria, they are no strangers to the food business and authentic Italian cooking. Vincenzo grew up in his family’s pizzeria business, while Elaine has the Italian woman’s touch in the kitchen. The two are passionate about their heritage and their business but they are also passionate about spreading awareness for children’s cancer. Continue reading to find out more about their plans for supporting this cause through their business.
The Cucina
The couple shared with me that the restaurant has a strong focus on bringing Florida authentic Italian food. Their menu will include all the staples: pizza, chicken cutlets, and even Elaine’s signature sandwich consisting of prosciutto, pesto and vodka sauce. Sounds delicious! The two shared that they plan on having two separate sections of the restaurant: a casual section to get subs and a full service center for guests to sit down and order appetizers and entrees. “Southern Italian cooking with a touch of the North East,” is what the two said about their inspiration behind their menu. Even better, Vincenzo’s cousin, Vincenzo is a renowned pizza chef, and was even a personal pizza maker for Donald Trump. Chef Vince, his name is also Vincenzo, is also apart of the strong support and staff that is going to provide this community and guests with rich Italian food!
Pizza, Pasta, Family
What set this conversation apart from my other interviews with restaurant owners was this couples’ passion for spreading awareness of children’s cancer. The two were kind enough to share with me that their son had bravely fought against Leukemia for many years. Here is where Vincenzo shared his love for his family, and for his wife calling her “the true Italian mother,” as she made sure her children were fed, and taken care of everyday. A truly touching story, their son, Vincenzo Junior, is happy and healthy and loves to have his mothers’ chicken cutlets before his football games. Sounds like anybody you know? If not, click here.
Why You Should Try It
Vincenzo’s Cucina is a proud supporter of Hardcore Italians, and they even plan to sell Hardcore Italians merchandise in store. They are driven by connecting with the community of Ponte Vedra Beach and making them family. “Being Italian is all about becoming family,” is what Vincenzo said to me when I asked him what it means for him to create this business as well as being a proud Italian. But if you try this restaurant keep in mind that you are also supporting a good cause. The restaurant plans to donate proceeds to foundations that are dear to their hearts such as the The V Foundation, Dick Vitale’s foundation that has raised nearly $12 million for pediatric cancer research, as well as other charities that spread awareness. So be on the lookout, the restaurant is nearly complete and set to be open late January, early February!
