News Summary
Lexington County’s Nicky’s Pizzeria is expanding with the upcoming opening of a new location called ‘Vinny’s.’ The Kershner family, who revitalized the brand, aims to create an engaging dining experience focused on quality and inclusivity. Vinny’s will feature a garden for fresh ingredients and is expected to attract more patrons to the flourishing culinary scene in the area.
Lexington County is witnessing the expansion of a beloved family-owned business as Nicky’s Pizzeria prepares to open a new location called “Vinny’s.” This development comes on the heels of significant growth at the current Nicky’s Pizzeria, prompting the Kershner family to explore further opportunities within the thriving culinary landscape of the region.
Nicky’s Pizzeria originally began operating over a decade ago in Five Points, Columbia, but was closed by its original owner seeking a new career path. Subsequently, a few years later, the Kershner family revitalized the brand after purchasing the business three years ago, aiming to create a safe work environment for their children while instilling valuable life skills. Since taking over, business has flourished, leading the Kershners to outgrow their initial facility.
The Pizzeria has maintained its authenticity by adhering to original recipes that date back decades, which were handwritten on scrap paper. Nicky’s Pizzeria has established its identity with a New York vibe, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere where pizza is often tossed in the air. This culinary environment not only delights customers but also emphasizes their commitment to quality through fresh, made-from-scratch dishes. This approach stands in stark contrast to the offerings of major fast-food chains.
As part of their commitment to inclusivity, the Kershner family is ensuring that Vinny’s will cater to a variety of dietary restrictions, parallel to what patrons have come to expect at Nicky’s. The new pizzeria will be strategically located next to the Kershners’ other restaurant, the Farmhouse Grill, in the developing Pelion and Red Bank area.
Vinny’s location will occupy a historic structure from the 1930s, which requires significant renovations prior to opening. The anticipated completion date for the renovations is set for the end of the year. In addition to the dining experience, Vinny’s is set to feature an open garden. This garden will enable customers to pick fresh herbs and vegetables that will be incorporated into their meals, enhancing the authenticity and freshness of the offerings.
Currently, ingredients like fresh basil are being sourced directly from Nicky’s existing garden, which adds to the quality and distinctiveness of the food served at the restaurant. The Kershner family’s dedication to maintaining high standards of freshness aligns with their vision of providing exceptional dining experiences to their patrons.
Nicky’s Pizzeria has garnered a strong following due to its dedication to quality, family values, and exceptional customer service. With the upcoming opening of Vinny’s, the Kershners aim to create additional pathways to deliver their authentic pizza experience to an even broader audience in Lexington County. This expansion signifies not only the ongoing success of Nicky’s Pizzeria but also the family’s commitment to fostering community connections and enriching the local dining scene.
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Additional Resources
- WIS News: Family-Owned Business Opening New Restaurant
- Wikipedia: Lexington County, South Carolina
- WLTX: Layoffs in Lexington County
- Google Search: Lexington County news
- Cola Daily: Alltape’s Investment in Lexington County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
- The State: Local News Article
- Google News: Nicky’s Pizzeria

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.


