Vincenzo Gabriele, a native of Palermo, Italy, began an appreciation for fine dining, along with brothers Giovanni, Agostino and Rosario, from their father, a Captain in the Italian Merchant Marine.

  Their father literally sailed the Seven Seas and his duties frequently included luxury cruises in the Mediterranean Sea, making fine dining a part of the family's life.

  The Senior Gabriele was fond of saying, "La cosa piu importante dell òspitalita é la sincerita", which means, "The most important thing about hospitality is sincerity". The Gabriele brothers have applied this lesson to their restaurants in this country and back home in Palermo.

  Vincenzo began working part-time for his brother, Rosario, in a local restaurant, while studying full-time for the Merchant Marines. In April 1969 Gabriele came to the United States to work with brother, Giovanni, at Tony's Restaurant in St. Louis, Missouri.

  Here, Vincenzo polished his restaurant skills, learned to speak English, and developed his friendship with Don Grisanti.

  Vincenzo moved to Louisville in 1975 to fill the position of Maitre `d at Casa Grisanti, eventually becoming co-owner of Grisanti, Incorporated, which also included Mama Grisanti's and Sixth Avenue Restaurants. Working hard for the community and gaining its trust, the city issued a municipal bond, the first granted to a restaurant in the state of Kentucky, for the construction of Sixth Avenue Restaurants. Vincenzo was a recipient of the 1981 Ivy Award, a restaurant industry award given by its peers.

  He proudly recounts the honor of participating in President Ronald Reagan's Inaugurations in 1981 and 1985. Casa Grisanti was invited to prepare the food for the festivities. Vincenzo's partnership with Mike Grisanti ended in September 1985, about 11 months after the Grisanti restaurants were acquired for 9.8 million dollars by IMASCO U.S.A.; owners of Hardee’s and Burger King food chains.

   In May of 1986 Humana, Incorporated, approached Vincenzo about taking over the dining facilities in the Conference and Fitness Center at Fifth and Market Streets. Vincenzo formed Vincenzo's Incorporated in June 1986 and opened the restaurant on September 12, 1986. The Grand Opening celebration for the restaurant was proclaimed "Vincenzo Gabriele Day" by Mayor Jerry Abramson. Vincenzo was given a Key to the City of Louisville and honored with the "Distinguished Citizens Award."

150 S. Fifth Street Louisville, Kentucky
Call (502) 580-1350 for information.
Email : Vincenzo@vincenzositalianrestaurant.com