Master Chef & Restaurateur Extraordinaire 🍝👨‍🍳✨
Vito Marinelli is currently the Head Chef, Owner of Marinelli’s Italian Restaurant & Catering, & Ginny’s American Restaurant & Co-Owner of Tavern 519. Throughout his career, Vito has founded seven total restaurants in NJ & PA over the past thirty years.
In each of Vito’s endeavors, the common thread has always been his passion for customer service, community, small business, and helping people!
Vito was born in NY of immigrant parents Giovanni & Caterina who owned several restaurants, raising their family along the way. Vito not only developed his passion at an early age, but learned the life lessons of tremendous work ethic, & sense of community from the family business. Vito’s training began early, he says “his career in the restaurant began the day he was tall enough to reach the dishes to wash in the sink without falling in, and the rest is history!"
Honoring Traditions, Cherishing Memories
Over the years Vito, has honed his skills, enjoys carrying on family traditions and now 30 years later, he fondly remembers… In 1969, his parents opened Mr. Assante on Route 22 in Greenbrook New Jersey which later was taken over by their Uncle Joe. In 1983, the couple moved to Hunterdon County New Jersey. They opened 3 locations including Marinelli’s on Route 12, Flemington in 1988.
In his role as Head Chef, Vito enjoys preparing delicious dishes using superior quality ingredients which are always inspired by seasonal flavors & local fresh ingredients! The foundation of Vito’s menu at Marinelli’s began with family recipes of course! These family heirlooms find themselves throughout his delicious menu including all your favorites! Marinelli’s also offers many Gluten Free & Vegan options!
Crafting Daily Specials and Dessert Dreams!
Vito thoroughly enjoys creating mouth watering daily Lunch & Dinner Specials featuring something for everyone! Owning multiple locations also enables Vito the resources for Catering a variety of different menu options! Don’t forget to leave room for Marinelli’s incredible Desserts!
The following are 2022 Awards named by Hunterdon Happening:
- Vito Marinelli named Best Entrepreneur
- Marinelli’s Restaurant & Catering, Finalist for Best Italian, Finalist for Best Private Party Venue, The Atrium & The Barn!
- Ginny’s for Winning Best Smoothie & also a Finalist for Best Fast Casual Dining!
Vito is forever grateful for the truly remarkable community in which his businesses reside. He always finds joy in giving back to the local community, schools, organizations, veterans, hospitals, emergency services, etc.
From our Table to Yours, Bon Appetito!
LET’S EAT!
