It all started when…
In every neighborhood in Brooklyn and the small towns on Long Island where I grew up, certain restaurants were institutions. Generational and family-run, they ranged from small Jewish delis to Italian neighborhood restaurants to 24-hour Greek diners. These places were like second homes to me — they created a sense of comfort through food.
I soon realized that Asheville had no authentic “Old-School” New York Italian restaurants, and inspired by my own family’s cooking, I created an experience combining the atmosphere & food that I know and love. I wanted to bring an affordable, comforting, neighborhood Italian restaurant to Asheville. At Vinnie’s, folks can begin new traditions with their families and friends, all while evoking memories of good times past.
Vinnie’s opened its doors in 2010, and has since grown into a beloved dining destination.
I’m proud to welcome you in our restaurant, where every night is a party!
— Eric Scheffer, Owner / Chef
Who’s Vinnie?
Vinnie's was named after one of my father's closest friends, Vinnie Cappola. Vinnie owned several pizzerias & small Italian restaurants in and around Manhattan, and on Long Island, and I worked several summers in those kitchens.
Our Staff
It’s not just the food. Our staff is what makes Vinnie’s a remarkable experience. Whether it’s your first time dining with us or your regular weeknight getaway, you’ll always be met with friendly faces and people who are passionate about the comfort and joy created by classic Italian food.
Our staff shape their careers here, with an average employment length of 4-8 years, and many members who have been with us for as long as 12 years (going back to our previous restaurant, the Savoy!)! We love taking care of our guests.
Want to be part of the Vinnie’s company culture? Employment opportunities are here.
IN THE PRESS
When in Asheville: The 23 Best Restaurants in Asheville
WLOS ABC News 13: Vinnie’s Announces Expansion into South Asheville
Asheville Chamber of Commerce: How Eric Scheffer Instills a Sense of Family in His Restaurants
Asheville Citizen-Times: Vinnie’s Expands
Making It In Asheville Podcast: Eric Scheffer Puts People First in Business
When in Asheville: A Vinnie’s Italian Date Night
Biltmore Beacon: Vinnie’s Expands into South Asheville
Capital at Play Magazine: Open For Takeout - Vinnie’s Italian
Asheville Date Night: A Romantic North Asheville Dinner Date
Edible Asheville: All in the Sauce
Mountain Xpress: Asheville’s Food Pioneers
For press inquiries, contact Chelsea Burrus | chelsea@thescheffergroup.com
We do not allow pets, emotional support animals, comfort animals or therapy animals in any of our indoor dining areas. Trained service animals, animals trained for the benefit of an individual with a disability, are the only exclusion from Health Department rules prohibiting restaurants from allowing animals indoors.
