For 50 years, Nino’s Pizzeria has been more than just a place to grab a slice. It has been a gathering place, a landmark and a family tradition for generations of Mastic Beach residents.
That legacy was celebrated during a special anniversary event honoring founder Vince Antonacci, who started with the restaurant at just 18 years old.
Born in Italy, Antonacci came to the United States with his family at age 11 and settled in Brooklyn. Before heading east to Mastic Beach, he delivered pizzas in Manhattan while dreaming of one day owning a pizzeria of his own.
Half a century later, that dream is still thriving.
“My secret recipe is my customers,” Antonacci said. “They are the reason I’ve been here for 50 years. I have the best customers any business owner could want.”
The restaurant remains a family affair. Antonacci’s daughter, Trisha, son, Vincent, and brother, Lenny, all help keep the business running.
The anniversary celebration drew a large crowd of elected officials, local business owners, friends and longtime customers eager to congratulate the family.
State Sen. Dean Murray presented Antonacci with the prestigious New York State Empire Award, an honor bestowed on only about 20 recipients each year.
“Nino’s is such a successful business,” Murray said. “I couldn’t have chosen a better place to honor.”
Growing up in Mastic Beach, Suffolk County Legislator Jim Mazzarella said Nino’s was a centerpiece of community life for countless local families.
“This is where we would be on Friday nights,” Mazzarella said. “I would eat here at least three times a week. It holds so many memories for so many families.”
Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico, who also grew up in the area, praised both the food and the Antonacci family’s perseverance.
“They have the best Sicilian pizza,” Panico said. “We had a big family and there was always plenty of food. Celebrating 50 years is a testament to the success of this family.”
Panico noted that Nino’s has remained a steady presence through decades of change in Mastic Beach and pointed to ongoing revitalization efforts in the community.
“They’ve been an anchor through the area’s peaks and valleys,” Panico said. “They toughed it out and will be here for a new peak.”
Among those celebrating the milestone was Frank Visco, proprietor of Frank & Son Bakery in Mastic, who said he has been a loyal customer since the day Nino’s opened its doors.
“This is my pizza place,” Visco said. “I’ve been coming here since Vinny started for lunch, dinners and the company.”
Regular customer Frank Fugarino, President of the Pattersquash Creek Civic Association, said Nino’s success comes down to more than great food.
“Vinny treats everybody like family,” he said. “That’s why people keep coming back. Fifty years in business is an incredible accomplishment, and nobody deserves it more.”
Assemblyman Joe DeStefano joined officials in cutting a ceremonial red ribbon marking the milestone.
“Congratulations to Vinny Antonacci and his family for 50 years behind Nino’s Pizzeria, a Mastic Beach institution where generations of residents called home for great Italian food,” DeStefano said. “You know you are loved in the community by the impressive list of people who turn out to celebrate your success.”
Also joining the celebration were Brookhaven Councilwoman Karen Dunne-Kesnig, MMS Library Board Member Chris Ricciardi, Mastic Beach Fire Commissioner Wally Green, Board President Mike Montella, Bill Doyle, and numerous local business owners, friends and family members, including Antonacci’s children, Trisha and Vincent.
Fifty years after opening his doors, Antonacci said his greatest source of pride remains the community that helped turn a young immigrant’s dream into one of Mastic Beach’s most enduring institutions.