Our History
In 1966, the Totta's acquired and remodeled a building that seemed massive at the time. It could accommodate 85 guests; nearly two and one-half times the original seating. However, that building was soon outgrown. "V" and her husband Jay, an architect, dreamed of someday being able to design and build their own building that would create an atmosphere of elegant, old world charm.
The dream became reality in 1972 when the present building was completed. The dining room comfortably accommodates 150 patrons in a relaxed atmosphere. The building also has a beautiful lounge and three private dining rooms available for groups of up to 135 guests. On the exterior of the building is a beautiful wood arbor with grape vines planted by V's father, Tony Barber. These vines are now carefully tended by the fourth generation, and can be viewed from the interior of the "Vista Vite" room. You may also enjoy a cocktail under the vines, while listening to the cascading waters of our beautiful stone waterfall in the intimate setting of our "Garden Patio".
"V", the entire Totta family, and staff are thankful to you, our many friends and loyal customers, who have provided over five decades of friendship and support. We trust our sincere efforts to provide you with a pleasant dining experience will merit your continued patronage.
Timeline of Events at V's Italiano
1963
Opened V's Café
7 Stools 3 Tables 4 Booths
35 Total Seats
1966
Moved West on Highway 40
Across from Nativity of Mary Catholic Church at 9809 E. US Highway 40
New Restaurant Seated 85
1972
Momma V's Husband, Jay Totta, designs and builds our current building
Seating for 118 in Main Dining Room
135 in Private Dining Rooms
24 in Cocktail Lounge
1973
Added Lower Level Kitchen for Private Dining Rooms
Offered Dinner & Dancing on Friday and Saturday evenings
1976
First Main Kitchen expansion to accommodate growth
1977
Added Vineyard Garden Piano Lounge and Outdoor Patio
1984
Removed Candy Counter and added 2 New Booths, increasing Main Dining Room Seating to 126
1986
Added the Tuscany Room as our Non Smoking Section, increasing our Main Dining Room Seating to 150
1988
Completely Remodeled Main Dining Room and Lounge
Added Front Patio and Water Fall
Converted Vineyard Garden Piano Lounge to a Private Dining Room
1990
Second Main Kitchen expansion to accommodate growth
1993
Momma V's son-in-law, Greg Hunsucker (Sr.), is elected President of the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association
1993
Completely Remodeled Lower Level Banquet Rooms
1995
Greg Sr. is nominated as the Missouri Restaurant Association's Restaurateur of the Year
1996
Third Main Kitchen expansion to accommodate growth
2002
Converted Cocktail Lounge Restrooms for Handicap Accessibility
2007
Converted Entire Building to Non Smoking
2013
Celebrated our 50th Anniversary by giving away a Trip for Two to Italy
2013
Momma V and Greg Sr. are inducted into the Missouri Restaurant Association's "Hall of Fame"
2015
Voted a "Top 100 Brunch Restaurant in America" by Open Table
2017
Voted a "Top 100 Brunch Restaurant in America" by Open Table, for the second time
2017
Momma V's Grandson, Greg Hunsucker (Jr.), is elected president of the Kansas City Originals. A position he would hold for 6 years
2019
Redecoration of the Main Dining Room and Lounge begins
2019
Greg Sr. is awarded the Missouri Restaurant Association's "Distinguished Service Award"
2020
Greg Jr. becomes President of the Missouri Restaurant Association. Greg Jr. and Sr. become one of only three Father and Son teams to lead the association in its' 100+ year history.
2021
Redecorating of the Main Dining Room and Lounge are completed with new booths, tables, chairs and flooring
2021
Greg Jr. becomes the third generation owner
2022
2025
Our Lunch Buffet Italiano is named One of the "Nine Best Italian Buffets in the US" by TastingTable
