Some families pass down heirlooms - ours passed down recipes, a love for food, and a deep-rooted tradition of sharing meals together. The story of Scornovacca’s is one of heritage, hard work, and the unforgettable flavors of Italy brought to life right here in Des Moines.

It all began in 1973, when Anne Marie Vacco, a mother of 11 with an extraordinary gift for cooking, teamed up with her son Michael to turn their family’s passion into something more. Armed with Anne Marie’s cherished recipes and Michael’s entrepreneurial spirit, they were ready to open their first restaurant - except they didn’t have a name.

That’s when fate stepped in. Michael’s older brother, Marty, came across an old Italian military tag belonging to their grandfather that read, "Martino Giuseppe Scornovacca". Martino had emigrated from Barile, Italy, in 1914 aboard the ship Moltke, landing at Ellis Island in pursuit of a better life. Like many immigrants, he went on to serve proudly in World War I. But when a sergeant couldn’t pronounce “Scornovacca,” the name was shortened to “Vacca” - and over time, further shortened and misspelled until it became “Vacco,” the name the family carries today.

To honor their grandfather’s original name and the legacy he left behind, Michael and Marty decided to call the restaurant Scornovacca’s -a tribute to their roots and the strength of family.

From the beginning, Scornovacca’s was more than a restaurant. It was a warm, welcoming place where guests were treated like family and served homemade Italian dishes made with love. By 1976, Marty opened a second location, and soon, other siblings followed suit, expanding Scornovacca’s across the Des Moines metro. At its peak, the family ran 12 locations - each owned and operated by a member of the Vacco family.

Today, the legacy lives on through the next generation. Lisa Vacco’s son, Gary “Bubba,” proudly carries the torch, overseeing four restaurant locations - as well as our bakery. The Scornovacca’s name now reaches beyond the dining table, with their signature sauces, dressings, and Italian baked goods available in grocery stores throughout the region.

What started as a mother’s recipes and a grandfather’s name has grown into a beloved tradition, passed down through generations. Decades later, Scornovacca’s remains a place where food, family, and history come together -one delicious meal at a time.