A new establishment in downtown New Kensington brings together three of Sam Iovino’s passions: wine, cigars and food.
“I’m old-school Italian. I believe in entertaining,” said Iovino. “I love entertaining and getting people together.”
Iovino, 56, of Monroeville plans to open Vinci Winery at 1021 Barnes St. on July 9.
“Coming down to Fridays on Fifth and seeing what they’re doing in New Ken, I love it,” Iovino said. “I grew up in Braddock, and this reminds me of that.”
If the vintage, old-school vibe of the 1,800-square-foot space is any indication, Iovino’s goal of bringing something unique and different to the New Kensington area will come to fruition quickly.
The menu includes charcuterie meats from Italy; appetizers, such as Nduja, a spicy, spreadable salami; and special sandwiches including Stracciatella, a creamy mozzarella spread and Gremolata, a parsley, lemon and olive oil spread, said Zach Pushnik, executive chef for Vinci.
“They’re all delicious,” said Pushnik, who has cooking experience from Cenacolo in North Huntingdon. “I’m a little biased, but I think they’re all really good.”
Vinci also will serve wine, including its house wines — Rosso, Pecorino and Montepulciano; Pennsylvania liquors; and Iron City beer.
“It’s really something on its own,” Pushnik said of Vinci. “There’s not a lot like it around here.”
The building runs the length of Barnes Street and Fifth Avenue; Iovino asks people to enter on the Barnes Street side because of the parking lot there.
The kitchen and restaurant area seats more than 60 people, and the cigar lounge, closest to Fifth Avenue, seats around three dozen.
Iovino said he learned to cook from his parents, Sam and Cathy Iovino. He previously owned The Cigar House, on Sandy Creek Road in Penn Hills, from 2010 to 2016. He’s also worked in auto sales for 25 years, and works at Bowser Chevrolet in Monroeville, where he’s known as the “Big Guy.”
There, Iovino is involved with the Greater Pittsburgh Business Connection and Toys for Pittsburgh Tykes, which collects toys and money for children in need. He said he plans to continue similar philanthropy in New Kensington with his new business.
When people asked him why he chose New Kensington, his answer is: “Why not New Kensington?”
“They make it easy for someone to open up a business,” Iovino said. “With New Ken, it’s like open arms.”
Iovino said he wants to continue Downtown New Kensington’s recent upward trajectory.
“It’s one more step in our downtown revitalization,” said Mayor Tom Guzzo. “I have to say, with event venues, restaurants, breweries and now a winery, this is great for our citizens of New Kensington and all the other people coming down to New Kensington.
“We are thrilled for Sam. I think it will be a very successful endeavor.”
Operating hours for Vinci are from 4 to 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 4 p.m. to midnight Friday, noon to midnight Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
“I’m trying to bring that family atmosphere of people coming, being comfortable and enjoying themselves,” Iovino said.
“I like to make people happy, and that’s what Vinci is all about.”