About Vitale's Pizza Grand Rapids

 

Vitale's Italian Restaurant is a local landmark, where the Vitale family of Grand Rapids earned its legendary start in the pizza business. It began when Giuseppe "Joseph" Vitale immigrated from Sicily to Grand Rapids, and encouraged his, brother Salvatore "Sam" Vitale, to joinhim.

Joe and Sam knew the value of hard work, a throwback to the Depression Era, when as a youngster after completing elementary school, they went to work to help support their family. In 1962, Joe opened his first business, "Pizza Queen," on Stocking Avenue on the Grand Rapids Northwest side. Two years later, he opened a second Pizza Queen located on Leonard Street NE. Joe's brother Sam owns that one now called Vitale's.

Both businessmen used the same time-tested recipes brought over by Joe from the old country. Even today, they continue to insist on creating their own dough, sauces and home-made sausage.

Sam Vitale is always thankful to the people of Grand Rapids for the opportunities he found here and for being able to realize the American Dream.

God Bless America.

God Bless You.