A new restaurant near Eastern Michigan University is looking to become a new staple for students, sports fans, and community members.
After more than a year of renovations and preparation, Vinny’s Bar & Grill, owned and operated by Vince Ankawi, opened Friday, Oct. 2. The restaurant is located at the former Wurst Bar location on West Cross Street. Wurst Bar, which was known for its bratwurst menu offerings and karaoke nights, closed in August 2025.
Ankawi managed Wurst Bar for four months before deciding the community needed something different. When he bought the space, he set forth with a new concept.
“We needed something a little bit more elevated,” Ankawi said. “The food concept needed to kind of change to make it more elevated; fresh food from the start.”
The Vinny’s menu will feature burgers, salads, soups, seafood and vegetarian options, with both lunch and dinner available.
The restaurant also plans to maintain a strong connection to the EMU community, with sports viewing and a relaxed atmosphere where students can eat, socialize or study.
Vinny's Bar & Grill is at 705 W. Cross St., Ypsilanti.
