Tar Heel Traveler: Vic's Italian

Mario Longo has led two lives: professional soccer player and restaurant owner.

He grew up in Raleigh but is of Italian ancestry and began playing soccer at five years old. At 15, he signed his first contract, joining the pro team in Naples, Italy, and at that young age began competing worldwide. He did miss home, however, and after two years returned to the U.S. And yet, his playing days were just beginning.

Major League Soccer signed him to Project 40, a team comprised of America’s top 40 players. Young Mario became the team’s leading scorer. He eventually played for several other teams until an injury forced him to give up the sport at age 26.

He wasn’t sure what path his life would take next but then looked to his father who had played soccer himself at the semi-pro level before launching a restaurant career in the Triangle. Like father, like son. Mario opened his own place in 2014: Vic’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria on Lake Boone Trail in Raleigh.

Today, he has legions of loyal customers who exclaim over the food, authentic Italian served piping hot and always with a smile, and the live piano music lends a nice touch to the relaxed atmosphere.

Mario Longo looks around and takes it all, grateful for those magical days playing professional soccer. And hungry for the delicious chicken parm!