OUR STORY

For years, owner Steve DeRaffele was dreaming up what would become Pinky’s restaurant. Location ideas would change, timing shifted, menu ideas evolved - but the one constant: it would be a space to gather over a good meal and celebrate with loved ones, and it would be a way to honor his late mother.

Karen “Pinky” DeRaffele had a few special dishes Steve remembers well from growing up, among them, her meatballs were a stand out. You’ll find those along with a nod to the coastal mediterranean across the menu. New York born and raised, Steve’s DeRaffele family roots come from Southern Italy (the Calabria region), bringing inspiration and ingredients to some of his favorite plates. Without feeling tied to one style or locale of cuisine, you’ll find influences that span the region with flavors and spices that compliment dish to dish.

With a background in restaurants and construction, Steve got his start working for the family company, DeRaffele Manufacturing. Building classic diners across the New York area, Steve got a hands on approach to what it takes to build a restaurant and brought the family in for the entire buildout of Pinky’s. DeRaffele Manufacturing even built the centerpiece of the Pinky’s bar in their NY shop and delivered it to Richmond for installation. The pink accents, black galaxy marble and glass detail are a nod to their classic NY diner nostalgia.

After landing in Richmond over 10 years ago, Steve ended up on the other side of the kitchen, cooking on the line at Tarrant’s Cafe downtown where he shortly went on to become kitchen manager and eventually general manager. From there he continued his experience in cooking, kitchen management, and operations at Lunch and Supper here in Scott’s Addition and helped open Brunch with his first cover to cover menu that quickly won best new restaurant. 

The global pandemic took Steve from the day to day operations of running a busy restaurant, to taking the time to put the dream of Pinky’s back on paper and plotting out the next steps. Early 2021 the construction began and the dream started to become a reality. The Scott’s Addition location began to come to life and take shape as Pinky’s.

His grandfather and pillar of DeRaffele Manufacturing, Phil DeRaffele, worked alongside Steve from sketches, blue prints and the structural renovations of Pinky’s from the beginning. After 94 wonderful years of life and a legacy of hard work behind him, Phil “The Boss” DeRaffele passed away in 2021 just after the opening of Pinky’s. His spirit and expertise can be felt throughout the space and their original plans for the space are proudly on display in the restaurant.

Pinky’s opened in July 2021 with lunch and dinner service Wednesday - Friday, with brunch available Saturday and Sunday. We’re also proud to offer a nearly 100% gluten free menu. As someone who knows all too well the struggles of having a severe gluten allergy, Steve knew making an intentional and true gluten free menu needed to be a main focus. Our fryer is always 100% gluten free with GF bread options for our sandwiches and brunch as well. Enjoy a spread of tapas with friends knowing all can enjoy despite a gluten allergy limitation.

We’re continually grateful for the love and support of this dream come to life. Seeing Pinky’s filled with friends, neighbors, familiar and new faces is everything we imagined and more.

And a huge THANK YOU to everyone who voted us Best New Restaurant for 2022 in Richmond Magazine!!