Is Frankie V’s on 28th Street in Wyoming Going to Reopen?

In West Michigan, there are certain restaurants that just stick around in people’s heads long after the doors close. Maybe you had your first date there, or it was the gathering place for birthdays and anniversaries, or your favorite spot to grab beers for happy hour.

Frankie V’s Sicilian Pizza and Grill is one of those spots.

The Closure and What Came Next

Even after shutting down in 2024, the Grand Rapids-area staple never really faded from conversation. At the time it closed, owners Frank and Wanda Vitale sold the 28th Street restaurant to developer Magnus Capital Partners as part of the larger Wyoming City Center redevelopment plan.

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After more than 20 years in business, they said they were ready to step back and semi-retire, shifting toward a smaller catering-focused operation with possible takeout in the future.

But still, people talked.

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Social Media Sparks Comeback Rumors

Earlier this year, a vague Facebook post from Frankie V’s reignited curiosity. The message simply said they were “thinking about my future,” paired with a loading bar graphic. No explanation, no context, just enough to stir things back up. And it worked.

Not only did people share memories and favorite dishes, the comments quickly turned into a time capsule of what Frankie V’s meant to them. They brought up everything from chicken bruschetta pizza to game-day nights and those legendary beer towers, along with plenty of “we miss you” posts.

Almost immediately, speculation started building in the comments. Was something coming back? Was it a rebrand, a relocation, or just nostalgia?

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Then the rumor mill found a very specific target: the former Applebee’s building just across 28th Street at 1375 28th St. SW.

That idea gained traction this week after a Reddit post claimed a “grand reopening” was set for August 1 at that address...

Now there’s confirmation that something is in fact happening!

Frankie V's Will Return to Wyoming

Crain's Grand Rapids reports Frankie V’s is officially planning a comeback in Wyoming. The Vitales are renovating the former Applebee’s building just across 28th Street from the original location.

The new space is expected to feel familiar. Renovations are underway with the goal of recreating the original restaurant’s atmosphere in a smaller space. Seating will be around 125 customers, with a simplified focus on Frankie V's classics like pizza and pasta, according to Crain's.

A catering operation will also run alongside the restaurant, continuing the direction the owners hinted at when they first closed.

The target for the grand reopening is fall of 2026.

Now it’s just a matter of watching it take shape. I, for one, will be keeping my eyes on Frankie V's Facebook page!