A beloved figure in Little Italy has been honored in a special way. The corner of Mulberry and Grand Streets, where Vincent "Vinny Peanuts" Sabatino once sold his famous treats, has been officially co-named “Vincent ‘Vinny Peanuts’ Sabatino Corner.”

The street naming was unveiled to the tune of one of Vinny’s favorite songs, marking a fitting tribute to the man who owned and operated Vinny’s Nut House.

“He would sell nougat candy, Italian cookies, and a lot of different varieties of nuts—that’s why they call him Vinny Peanuts. He met so many people from around the world,” said Beatrice Fratta, Vinny's sister.

Vinny’s Nut House was a staple in the neighborhood for over 50 years, and his death in 2020 due to COVID-19 was a significant loss for the community. Family and friends worked tirelessly to petition for this street naming honor, ensuring that his legacy would be remembered.

Council Member Christopher Marte, who was instrumental in the co-naming effort, highlighted Vinny's impact on the neighborhood. “He not only advocated to preserve the Little Italy district, but he also fought to preserve affordable housing at 21 Spring St.,” said Marte.

“Always in Italian, he would say 'love it.’ He loved people, and people loved him,” said Vinny’s friend, Vittorio Buonocore.

Vinny was also a key defender of the annual San Gennaro festival, a cherished tradition in Little Italy.

“He worked in the festival since he was a little boy and carried it on since my grandma passed away,” Beatrice Fratta shared.

For Vinny’s loved ones, seeing the community come together to honor him has been deeply moving. His nephew, Danny Fratta, imagined Vinny’s reaction to the tribute. “He’s up there sitting on a throne, laughing, saying ‘I can’t believe it—look at all these people still here for me.’ I could hear him. He’s loving this right now.”

The family says that this honor helps keep Vinny’s legacy alive. His presence will continue to be felt during the annual San Gennaro festival, where his business still operates on the newly named Vincent "Vinny Peanuts" Sabatino Corner.