New Italian Restaurant Coming to Grand Forks in 2026

Joey's Italian Restaurant set to open next year, offering classic Italian favorites like spaghetti, pizza, and more.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Grand Forks, North Dakota is getting a new Italian restaurant in 2026. Joey's Italian Restaurant is slated to open at 1970 Columbia Rd, potentially taking over the former Famous Dave's or Vinyl Taco space. The restaurant's owners are working behind the scenes to prepare the space and finalize details before opening. While not many specifics are known yet, the restaurant's Facebook post teased menu items like angel hair pasta, spaghetti and meatballs, fettucine, and pizza - classic Italian fare that locals are excited to have in the area.

Why it matters

The opening of Joey's Italian Restaurant in Grand Forks is significant as it will provide a new full-service Italian dining option in the city. With the closure of Johnny Carino's in Bismarck a few years ago, there has been a noticeable gap in Italian restaurant choices in North Dakota, making this new addition in Grand Forks an exciting development for Italian food lovers in the region.

The details

According to the restaurant's Facebook post, Joey's Italian Restaurant is set to open in 2026 at 1970 Columbia Rd in Grand Forks. The owners say they are working hard behind the scenes to prepare the space and finalize the details before opening. While specifics on the menu are limited, the post teased classic Italian dishes like angel hair pasta, spaghetti and meatballs, fettucine, and pizza that customers can expect to find.

  • Joey's Italian Restaurant is slated to open in 2026.

The players

Joey's Italian Restaurant

A new Italian restaurant opening in Grand Forks, North Dakota in 2026.

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The takeaway

The opening of Joey's Italian Restaurant in Grand Forks will provide a much-needed new Italian dining option in the region, helping to fill the void left by the closure of Johnny Carino's in Bismarck a few years ago. Locals are excited to have a new spot to enjoy classic Italian favorites like spaghetti, pizza, and more.