By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

After more than 40 years serving the Grand Rapids community, restaurateurs Frank and Wanda Vitale announce plans to semi-retire. Their plans include downsizing their restaurant to a catering kitchen and possible takeout for their next generation of Vitale children.

The property will be enfolded into development plans for the Wyoming City Center project spearheaded through a public-private partnership between the City of Wyoming and Magnus Capital Partners, a privately held real estate developer.

“Although it is bittersweet, we feel strongly that this is the right time,” Frank Vitale said. “We’ve had an amazing 23 years running Frankie V’s with our children and grandchildren growing up here.

“We have also been a part of so many of the families that grew up with us. There have been countless birthdays, showers, retirements, anniversaries, celebrations of life and even four weddings within these walls. It was truly an honor for us to host so many families and their special occasions.”

Magnus and the Vitales had been in discussions for a couple of years about incorporating Frankie V’s into plans for the surrounding area. Terms of the sale have not been disclosed. The property will be integrated into a third phase of HōM Flats at 28 West, the award-winning housing community that serves as a central piece to the vision for the City Center development.

“The more we thought about it, with the struggles that came with hiring and retaining employees in the industry, we realized the time had come to let go,” Vitale said. “We are forever thankful to our community, but take comfort in knowing the future of Wyoming starts at a place where our roots go deep.”

Frankie V’s – A family tradition

Described as being cut from the same cloth, Frank and Wanda come from families who immigrated from Sicily in the early 1960’s and owned pizza shops. Since their early years, they worked in their families’ respective shops, coincidentally named Vitale’s Pizza Queen and Joe’s Pizza King.

They married in 1985 and bought their first pizzeria in 1988 before opening Frankie V’s in 2001. Located at the former Sound Stage Café, the large space challenged the Vitales, who were accustomed to smaller takeout operations.

The space soon became a bustling restaurant for all ages. With the Vitales’ children attending Wyoming Public Schools, the community soon rallied behind them. They employed many of their children’s friends, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Team dinners were continuously supplied to sports teams. Donating catering services for community funerals, hosting banquets for various occasions and various other supportive activities were a call the husband and wife team happily answered.

The Vitales noted the community was just as supportive to them during the loss of their oldest son, Joey Vitale.

“We will never forget the support we received through this tragedy in our lives,” Vitale said.

The recession and COVID-19 pandemic also put an incredible strain on their business. Once again, the community stepped up and kept the take-out business flowing to support the business through the mandatory shutdowns.

“The incredible clientele of regulars who are an everyday staple will be forever part of our family,” Vitale said.

The Vitales will be forever grateful to their children, who have taken on various jobs in the restaurant. Joey, Jonny, Sera and Frankie contributed their time and talents to make Frankie V’s what it is today. Jermaine Jones, who worked side-by-side with Frank in the small takeout beginning in 1988, continues to have the restaurant’s best interests at heart.

“We are so appreciative of our staff staying on to the end,” Vitale said.

“Frankie V’s and the Vitale family have been a cornerstone of the Wyoming community for decades,” said Wyoming City Manager John Shay. “We are immensely grateful for all their contributions over the years.

“It will be difficult saying goodbye to this place, but we are assured knowing Frank and Wanda are ready for what comes next in their lives.”

Family, friends, former employees and customers are encouraged to dine in and reminisce with the Frankie V’s team during the restaurant’s final weeks this summer. Their Metro Cruise party will be one of their final events.

Wyoming City Center – A vision for the future

Magnus and the City of Wyoming have been working together for over six years on a public-private development partnership to create the Wyoming City Center. The public investment in the project will provide an ADA-compliant pedestrian bridge, connection to 4.6 miles of paved trails and a public plaza.

The private side of investment consists of HōM Flats at 28 West, the flagship workforce housing development led by Magnus.

“We look forward to continuing our journey of reimagining Wyoming,” Shay said. “The public investments we are making alongside our partnership with Magnus elevate our excitement for the possibilities ahead. We share a commitment to creating a space everyone can access, engage with and be proud of.”

Magnus and the City are consolidating existing information related to revitalization plans to create a comprehensive vision of vibrant mixed-use developments, pedestrian-friendly public spaces and increased community engagement in Wyoming City Center, per the City’s Master Plan.

Magnus will submit the project plans for the next phase of development to the City in the coming months.

“Each day this project proves what is possible with a strong public-private partnership,” said Vishal Arora, CEO and Founder of Magnus Capital Partners. “Its success has catalyzed the opportunities for a revitalized Wyoming.

“We look forward to sharing plans for additional development at HōM Flats at 28 West soon.”