Our Story
For nearly three decades, the Longo family has been serving authentic Italian cuisine in the Triangle. In 1993, Mario Longo Sr. opened Vic’s Italian Restaurant in Downtown Raleigh’s Historic City Market, transforming a simple pizzeria into a warm, family-friendly restaurant that quickly became a favorite among both locals and visitors.
As the restaurant’s reputation grew, so did the vision for its future. Building on the strong foundation his father created, Michael Longo has continued to expand the family business while honoring its tradition of quality and hospitality. His entrepreneurial journey began with the Vic’s Pizza Bus food truck, launched in partnership with Bowstring Brewyard. From there, he expanded the Vic’s brand with locations in Glenwood South, offering a menu filled with classic Italian favorites including handcrafted pizzas, calzones, strombolis, pasta dishes, and traditional recipes made with fresh ingredients.
With this steady growth paving the way for future opportunities, the newest Vic’s location for Michael is scheduled to open in Wendell Falls in January 2027.
“We’re looking forward to creating an authentic Italian dining experience that balances tradition with innovation,” says Longo. “Our new restaurant will celebrate the craftsmanship of Italian cuisine, from fresh, locally sourced ingredients to time-honored recipes, in an inviting and modern setting. We can’t wait to share this new chapter with the Wendell Falls community.”
In addition to expanding the Vic’s brand, Michael has also begun exploring new directions for the family’s culinary legacy. Most recently, he introduced an entirely new concept with the launch of Mikey’s Pizzeria. Stepping beyond the Vic’s name, Mikey’s offers an interactive, family-focused dining experience featuring make-your-own pizza stations, arcade games, pizza-making classes, and a welcoming atmosphere for everything from family outings to date nights. The concept reflects Michael’s passion for creating memorable experiences while continuing his family’s legacy of bringing people together over great food.
