FORT SMITH, Ark. — Vinnie's Pies, a local food truck, has officially opened its new restaurant to the public on March 19.
In the building that once was Emmy's German Restaurant and Taliano's Hall at 200 N 13th Street, the Fort Smith business has finally expanded in partnership with Bike Rack Brewing Company and Taliano's Italian Restaurant.
"We're not just transforming it into a restaurant, but a cornerstone of our city - introducing, Vinnie’s Pies!" the business said on its Facebook. "Reimagined as not just a place to grab a meal, but a cornerstone of our community. A local hangout, and nostalgic atmosphere of a mom-and-pop pizza joint, where the essence of Vinnie's is served up with every slice. Where everyone who enters the building is not just a customer, but a valued part of the community."
This win for Vinnie's Pies comes after two minor setbacks a few months back when thieves targeted the business.
On Jan. 6, Vinnie's Pies discovered their food truck's electrical cord was stolen a second time, impacting their business. The cord was stolen overnight from outside the former Civil Axe building located at 1121 Garrison Ave. The first theft happened last year.
"We just want to create awareness and also make sure to reiterate we are appreciative of the community that supported us and came forward with the help in those times because that's what keeps us going," Vinnie Pie's co-founder Ursula Hansen Hansen said in January. "We started making pizzas in Vinnie's backyard for just friends and family and within a year started selling them. We never imagined it would happen so quickly."
With a positive attitude and the community's support, Vinnie's Pies will continue to make its New York-style pizza for Fort Smith— just in a new space this time.
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