Vince’s Restaurant and Pizzeria, a 70‑year‑old family‑run eatery at 6217 W. 63rd St. on Chicago’s Southwest Side, was forced to shut its doors after a fire broke out in the upstairs storage room on Oct. 8. No one was injured, but the blaze left the kitchen and dining area with heavy smoke and water damage, and the owners say the restaurant will remain closed for the foreseeable future.
Owner’s Response and Community Support
Owner Michael “Micky” Parmigiani told reporters that he and his staff attempted several times to reach the storage area but were stopped by thick smoke. He suspects an electrical fault may have sparked the fire, though the exact cause is still under investigation.
“We were all there. We tried three or four times to get up to the room, but we couldn’t get past the smoke,” Parmigiani said. “We don’t know what happened, but it might have been electrical.”
Beyond the physical damage, Parmigiani expressed deep concern for his employees, many of whom have worked at Vince’s for decades. “There are so many hidden costs with these things, and I want to do what I can for my employees,” he said. “Some people have worked here for decades.”
GoFundMe Campaign Launched
To help cover “essential expenses” and provide income support for staff who are suddenly without pay, the restaurant launched a GoFundMe campaign. As of Tuesday evening, the fundraiser had collected more than $18,000 toward a $24,000 goal, and Parmigiani praised the outpouring of local generosity.
“The community really stood by us,” he said, noting that many longtime patrons and new followers from the restaurant’s popular Instagram videos have contributed.
Social Media Success and Family Roots
Vince’s gained a national following after Parmigiani began posting low‑budget, behind‑the‑scenes videos of his made‑from‑scratch Italian‑American dishes on Instagram. The simple, authentic style resonated with viewers, drawing thousands of likes per post and attracting diners from across Chicago and beyond.
The idea to start posting came from his daughter, Maria Parmigiani, who spent years working at TV stations in the Midwest. She believes the authenticity of the videos—shot on a phone by head server Lynn Marie Young—helps people feel a genuine connection.
“He’s just himself. People can sense that,” Maria said.
Looking Ahead
While the exact timeline for reopening remains uncertain, Parmigiani remains hopeful. “I’m hoping for three months,” he said. “It was bad luck. I was really sad for three days, but I’m snapping out of it.”
In the meantime, the restaurant’s staff continue to rely on community donations and the pending insurance claim to keep the business afloat. The GoFundMe page remains active, inviting Chicago residents to support a beloved neighborhood institution during its recovery.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
