Vivio's | Our Story

Vivio's History

The main dining room was erected in 1938 and at that time the business was run by Fred Bradley. It was the Gypsy Tavern and advertised in the local paper as the House of Sandwiches. Fred Bradley died in 1939, and Minnie ran the business until it was acquired by Docker. Then Quick's bought it from Docker's, and Vivio's purchased it from Quick's. John and Theresa Vivio started the Italian cuisine and upon their sale of the restaurant to Middleton's in 1973, it has remained the same cuisine and atmosphere henceforth. We are still in the same building and proud of it!

The Gypsy Tavern, 1938

Fred Bradley built the log cabin at 4531 S. Straits Highway in 1938 and ran it as the Gypsy Tavern. After his death in 1939, the property passed through several hands before finding its lasting identity.

The Vivio Family's Kitchen

John and Theresa Vivio bought the building from Quick's and introduced the Italian cuisine that still defines every plate served here today. When they sold to Middleton's in 1973, the new owners made the right call: keep the name, keep the food, keep everything.

Same Building, Same Recipes

The log cabin walls, the red sauce, and the spirit the Vivios established have never wavered across more than fifty years of ownership. What they built was worth preserving.

The Room Itself

Three dining rooms fill the original log cabin, with rough-hewn walls, a stone fireplace, taxidermied wildlife, and checkered tablecloths. Northern Michigan hunting-lodge character, honestly come by.

Indian River's Gathering Place

The beer garden out back fills on warm evenings with guests in no hurry to leave. Vivio's has always been the anchor of this part of Indian River.