Vito & Nick's II is owned by Nicholas Barraco II, son of Nicholas Baccaro, who is the Nick in Vito & Nick's, the southside institution at 84th and Pulaski that is home to many Pizza Clubbers favorite thin crust pie. Vito is Nick II's grandfather.
Initially, I assumed that the two were part of the same company and that Vito and Nick's II, which has multiple locations, was just an extension of the original. When I came across this article announcing the opening of another V & N II location, I did some investigating. While Vito and Nick's II emphasizes its ties to the original Vito & Nick's , the original states in block letters on its website, NOT AFFILIATED OR ASSOCIATED WITH VITO AND NICKS II IN MOKENA IL OR ANY LICENSEE OR FRANCHISEE. It seems likely that some family squabble got overblown and that there is some bad blood.
In any event, V & N II seems to be looking to become the Uno's of the thin crust world - the pizza that is the definition of Chicago style in the minds of the rest of the country. Not only does V & N II have six locations in the Chicago suburbs, it also has a location in Gilbert, AZ and is opening one soon in Coral Gables, FL. They also ship frozen pizzas and they are looking for people interested in franchise opportunities.
Perhaps the CPC should invest. But first, we should definitely plan a trip out there to see if the son is as talented as the father.
Coral Gables, FL!
ReplyDeletewe went to barraco's on 95th and it was great! geez, it's like the mafia with chicago pizzerias...
ReplyDeletecisco, is barraco's another part of the same family or is in someone unrelated with the same name. there's no mention of vito & nick's on barraco's website.
ReplyDeleteBarraco's is related to Vito and Nick's. There had to be some type of falling out between the family. Vito and Nick's II may also be the same Nick Barraco who owns Barraco's in Evergreen Park
ReplyDeleteHello all, my name is Raquel Barraco, daughter of Nicholas Barraco II and granddaughter of Nicholas Barraco. Just so you guys know, yes there was/ is a family squabbling. My father, mother, sister, and I run our Mokena location. We also have our franchises.
ReplyDeleteTo answer your questions: the restaurant Barraco's is owned by my father second cousins and have completely different food. And, we do not own the Evergreen Park location.
Our franchise in Coral Gables, FL is up in the air at the moment. Although, we are now selling frozen pizzas near the Chicago area; hopefully we will be expanding soon!
My family and I appreciate your business very much so. Thank you to you all! If you have any questions or comments feel free to e-mail my father at our website.
www.vitoandnicksii.com
Stop in soon to see us!
Hi Raquel
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for clearing that up for us. Hope to make it out to your place soon.