Vicini's New York City Pizzeria

The Vicini's story begins in the wonderful city of New York. The three partners include, Denise DelPiccolo (born and raised in Brooklyn), her son Graig (raised on Staten Island and a former New York City police officer) and Valerio Bruno (from Little Italy, Manhattan) all who relocated to California in 1999-2001 after living in New York their entire lives. They became neighbors in 1980, residing on Staten Island for over 20 years. Thus the name "Vicini's" (pronounced Veecheenee's) meaning neighbors" in Italian! Denise relocated to the West Coast and her desire for pizza, as she was accustomed, led her to every pizza place in Northern California. She realized quickly her search was futile. Denise contacted her dear friend and neighbor, Valerio with the idea of opening her own pizzeria. Valerio had 40 years experience in the New York City restaurant industry. He was operating his own pizzeria, which was well known in the New York City area, so Denise knew he would bring his Old Italian pizza recipes to the table and help her with this new endeavor of bringing authentic, quality New York City pizza to the state of California. After Valerio saw the need for great pizza for himself, he joined Denise and Graig in sunny California. The three enthusiastic partners were able to successfully open Vicini's New York City Pizzeria in July, 2002 in Vacaville, California. After six successful years in Vacaville, the trio from Staten Island, New York decided to expand. With their brand recognition growing, a demand for many more locations began so in 2008, the founders decided that the best way to open more locations was through the world of franchising. They opened their 2nd restaurant, the franchise prototype, in 2008, in Fairfield, Ca. The Vicini's story is one of perseverance, passion, and the desire to spread great New York City Pizza across the world.