From Pharmacy to Italian Landmark: The Story of Spirito’s at 228 W Main, Collinsville

Spirito’s Italian Grocery- Historic Italian Pride in Collinsville, IL

Some buildings simply sit on Main Street.
Others stand at the center of it.

Spirito’s Italian Grocery, located at 228 W Main Street in Collinsville, IL, occupies a corner that has served this city continuously since 1880. For generations it operated as a neighborhood pharmacy—most recently remembered as Ostle Drug—where locals filled prescriptions and exchanged daily conversation.

Today, that same corner feeds the community in a different way.

And it couldn’t be placed more symbolically.

The building sits at the edge of Main Street where festivals begin, where streets close for celebration, and where a giant stage rises for epic block parties throughout the year. It’s a literal and cultural starting point.

Built for a Boomtown

Collinsville’s growth in the late 1800s and early 1900s was driven by coal and clay mining. The mines demanded labor, and immigrants answered—especially Italian families arriving from Calabria, Sicily, and Northern Italy.

They worked the shafts. They shaped the clay. They built neighborhoods. And they brought with them recipes, traditions, and a fierce sense of community centered around food.

Italian groceries weren’t indulgences. They were anchors—necessary places where immigrant families could access familiar ingredients and preserve identity in a new land.

Spirito’s exists in that lineage.

The Modern Beginning (2004–2010)

Spirito’s Italian Grocery was founded in 2004 by Debbie Petty and her mother, Mary Ann Dudley. The original location on Vandalia Street quickly became known for authentic imports and specialty Italian products that couldn’t be found elsewhere on the East Side.

In 2010, after Route 159 was widened, the store relocated to 228 W Main Street—stepping into one of the most historic commercial buildings in Collinsville.

The name Spirito’s honors Spirito Gio Domino Chiarottino (1881–1956), an Italian immigrant coal miner who arrived in 1904. His story mirrors that of countless families who shaped this town.

The Michael Hines Era (2022–2025): Building the Backbone

In 2022, Michael Hines purchased Spirito’s and the historic building.

Michael brought more than ownership. He brought infrastructure.

With Calabrian and Sicilian roots, grandparents who were first-generation immigrants, and over 20 years in Italian food distribution from Chicago to St. Louis, he understood quality control, vendor discipline, and operational structure.

His mother was a professional pizza maker. Italian food wasn’t theoretical—it was generational.

Michael didn’t change the classic recipes or the timeless flavor combinations customers loved. Instead, he strengthened the foundation:

• Clear systems

• Stronger vendor relationships

• Improved inventory standards

• Operational discipline

The soul remained intact.
The stability increased.

Raised in It

Long before he owned Spirito’s, Vinnie was immersed in it.

Michael opened a pizzeria in Pawnee, Illinois called Little Vinnie’s, where young Vinnie delivered pizzas and drinks table-side with chubby fingers and a smile. On garage sale weekends in Central Illinois, Italian Beef sandwiches were sold from the driveway. Teachers were gifted frozen pizzas.

Food was hospitality.
Food was pride.
Food was connection.

That upbringing—Italian roots blended with Midwestern work ethic—became the blueprint.

The Transition (2025): Ownership with Skin in the Game

In 2025, Michael retired gratefully and passed both the business and the building to his son, Vinnie Hines.

Today, Vinnie owns 228 W Main Street outright. He lives just blocks away—close enough to walk to work.

That proximity matters.

This isn’t absentee ownership. This is daily stewardship of a building that sits on the very corner where Collinsville celebrates itself year after year.

In 2025, Vinnie also performed at the Collinsville Horseradish Festival—on the very stretch of Main Street that begins outside his storefront. The overlap of food, entertainment, and community isn’t accidental. It’s lived.

One Sandwich. One Way.

Spirito’s makes one sandwich, one way.

Built on a fresh-baked Italian sub roll from trusted bakers on The Hill in St. Louis, it features:

• Roast Beef

• Ham

• Hard Salami

• Provolone Cheese

Topped with:

• Sliced onion

• Dill pickles

• A single pepperoncini (optional heat)

• A hearty spread of house-made mayo-based “Forgetaboutit Sauce”

No variations. No substitutions. Just consistency.

It’s become part of the rhythm of Uptown Collinsville—especially during festivals, when the corner fills with music, laughter, and the smell of Main Street in motion.

A Living Landmark

Since 1880, 228 W Main Street has served this community.

It has dispensed medicine.
It has witnessed mining booms and block parties.
It has watched immigrants build families and families build businesses.

Today, under local ownership rooted in Calabrian and Sicilian heritage, Spirito’s Italian Grocery continues that tradition.

Grounded in history.
Strengthened by systems.
Positioned at the very corner where the city gathers.

The mission remains simple:

Feed more people. More often.

And at the corner where Collinsville celebrates, that mission is just getting started.

Collinsville Karaoke Guide 2025 - Top Bars, Food And Nightlife Spots to Sing Your Heart Out

Sponsored by Spirito’s Italian Grocery & Deli — your local hub for fine Italian groceries, imported espresso beans & syrups, and the perfect pre- or post-karaoke grab.

If you’re in or around Collinsville, IL and craving an epic night of karaoke and crave-worthy eats, you’re in luck. Whether you’re belting out power ballads, sampling craft cocktails, or hunting for the best late-night snack — this guide lays out every stage and menu worth your voice. Here’s what we found in town for your options scraping Facebook conversations and local websites!

🗓 Weekly Karaoke + Eatery Rotation

Wednesday

• The RED Bar & Grill — 416 Belt Line Rd, Collinsville. Karaoke 7 PM – 10 PM. Grab a burger or nachos before your set.

• Old Time Pub — 12258 Highland Rd, Highland. “Class Act Karaoke” 7 PM – 10 PM. Low-key crowd, good bar snacks.

Thursday

• VFW Post 5691 — 1234 Vandalia St, Collinsville. Karaoke 8 PM – Midnight. Classic vibe, cold beer.

• The Clubhouse Sports Lounge & Kitchen — 1001 Enclave Blvd Ste G, Edwardsville. DJ + karaoke 8 PM – 11 PM. Good wings, better crowd.

• Lucky Liberty — 2709-2719 N Center St, Maryville. Occasional karaoke 8 PM start; confirm day-of.

Friday

• American Legion Post 365 — 1022 Vandalia St, Collinsville. Karaoke 8 PM – 12 AM. High energy, great pizza slices nearby.

• VFW Post 5691 — Same spot, backup plan, same 8 PM start.

• Kokomo Joe’s — 109 E Main St, Collinsville. Class Act Entertainment karaoke 9 PM – 1 AM. Late-night fries a must.

• Zapata’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina — 8 Eastport Plaza Dr, Collinsville. DJ Roman starts 6 PM Fridays — order the nachos.

• Bridge Inn — 519 N Main St, Caseyville. Friday karaoke 8 PM onward. Ten-minute drive from downtown Collinsville.

Saturday

• VFW Post 5691 — Back at it 8 PM – Midnight.

• Trackside Bar & Grill — 100 Joe St, Collinsville. Karaoke nights rotate; check events. Solid burgers to refuel between songs.

Sunday

• Lottie’s Cafe — 1099 Beltline Rd Ste D, Collinsville. Karaoke 7 PM – 11 PM. Mellow crowd, comfort-food menu, end-of-week serotonin.

🍝 Why Food + Karaoke Belong Together

• Collinsville’s food scene is a hidden gem — Italian delis, BBQ joints, and back-to-back bars serving next-level bites.

• Pairing your mic time with good food = longer nights and happier crowds.

• Local pro tip: Grab a World Famous Sammie or imported snack from Spirito’s Italian Grocery & Deli before you head out — the perfect pre-show fuel or post-show reward.

🎯 Pro Tips for Singers and Snackers

• Arrive 15–30 minutes early to get on the rotation and grab a table.

• Tip your host! They make you feel like a star, so show them some appreciation. You might even get bumped up in line. 😜

• Follow venue Facebook pages each afternoon — karaoke schedules shift fast.

• Match your menu to your mood:

  • Big crowds + hearty food: American Legion or The RED Bar.

  • Relaxed vibes + comfort food: Lottie’s or Kokomo Joe’s.

  • High-energy DJ scene: Zapata’s or Trackside.

• You can’t go wrong with Sinatra Covers... 😉

• Keep an eye on ‘The Collinsville Connection’ Facebook Group for more events!

🇮🇹 About Our Sponsor

This guide is brought to you by Spirito’s Italian Grocery & Deli — your Collinsville destination for authentic Italian groceries, cheeses, sauces, and espresso essentials. Stock up before your night out or bring a taste of Italy home after the show.

📧 Want Your Karaoke Night Listed?

If your venue hosts karaoke or your details have changed, we’d love to keep this guide fresh.
Email updates or corrections to contact@spiritositaliangrocery.com — we’ll verify and update our next blog edition.

{Written by Vinnie Hines, Owner of Spirito’s Italian Grocery}

Helping Neighbors After The Storm

Madison County Storm Relief: How to Help & Get Help

On May 16, severe storms and a tornado tore through the St. Louis Metro East, impacting families in Glen Carbon, Edwardsville, and right here in Collinsville. As neighbors work to recover, there are immediate ways we can show up—through donations, volunteering, and sharing trusted local resources.

🛠️ Civic & Government Support

📞 Need Immediate Help?

• Call Madison County Community Hotline at (618) 296-5300

• Dial 211 (United Way helpline) for 24/7 local service referrals

❄️ Local Cooling/Warming Centers:

• Collinsville Township Senior Center – 420 E Main St, Mon–Fri 8a–4p

• Collinsville Public Library – 408 W Main St, Mon–Sat

• Edwardsville Public Library – 112 S Kansas St

• Main Street Community Center (Edwardsville) – 1003 N Main St

• YMCA centers in Edwardsville are open for relief access

🍞 Nonprofits & Food Assistance

🔹 Collinsville Food Pantry (CFP)

• 📍 2009 Mall St, Collinsville

• Drop off non-expired food or toiletries weekday mornings (9a–12p)

• Serves clients Tue 9–11a & 4–6p; Fri 9–11a

• Volunteers needed! Call (618) 346-1861 or email manager@collinsvillefp.org

🔹 Glen-Ed Pantry (Edwardsville/Glen Carbon)

• 📍 125 5th Ave, Edwardsville

• Accepts food, baby supplies, toiletries & clothes

• Donation bin open 24/7; Client hours Mon/Wed 3–5:30p, Tue/Thu/Fri 9–11:30a

• To help, call (618) 656-7506

🔹 Blessing Boxes (24/7 Little Free Pantries)

• Available across Collinsville, Glen Carbon & Edwardsville

• Take what you need, leave what you can

• Most needed: canned proteins, water, hygiene items

• View updated locations here:
  Blessing Box Map

🔹 United Way STL & Red Cross

• Accepting donations to support long-term tornado relief

• Also recruiting volunteers for cleanup and aid distribution

• Visit their websites or dial 211 to get started

🔹 St. Louis Area Foodbank

• Organizing food/water distribution and storm recovery teams

• Volunteers can sign up to help sort, distribute, or assist with debris removal

⛪ Faith-Based Relief Efforts

LifePoint Church (Collinsville)

• Hosts a stocked Blessing Box with food, diapers, and hygiene products

• Open to the public 24/7—east parking lot

• Donations welcome at any time

First Baptist Church (Edwardsville)

• Offers emergency shelter and maintains a Blessing Box onsite

• Also involved in coordinated local cleanup and meal programs

Catholic Charities & St. Vincent de Paul

• Providing meals, housing assistance, furniture, and mental health support

• Donations can be made directly through their websites, marked for tornado relief

• Catholic churches are also accepting physical donations at Mass and parish halls

Salvation Army, Samaritan’s Purse, and Baptist Disaster Relief Teams

• Active in Madison County with cleanup, supply distribution, and emotional care

• Volunteer opportunities available through their websites and local church partners

❤️ What You Can Do Today

1. Donate Non-Perishables – Drop off at Spirito’s, Glen-Ed Pantry, or any Blessing Box

2. Volunteer – Food pantry help, supply sorting, or community cleanup

3. Contribute to Verified Funds – United Way STL, ECF Relief Fund, Red Cross

4. Check on Your Neighbors – Especially elderly or those with mobility issues

5. Share – Post this info, invite others to help, or coordinate a mini drive in your circle

Collinsville Stands Together

Recovery isn’t a one-day fix. But together, our region can keep moving forward with compassion and action. Whether you're offering food, time, or a kind word—every bit counts.

If you’re visiting Spirito’s Italian Store this weekend, we’re accepting Blessing Box donations during business hours (9a–5p Saturday & Sunday). We’ll make sure they get where they’re most needed.

—The Spirito’s Team
#SupportLocal #StormRelief #CollinsvilleStrong #KahokCountry #MutualAid #SammieFamily

🏈Upgrade Your Super Bowl Party with Spirito’s!

The Super Bowl is more than just a game—it’s a food-filled American Tradition where every bite counts. Whether you’re watching for the big plays, halftime show, or commercials, one thing is for sure: your guests will be cheering for the food at your party!

At Spirito’s Italian Grocery & Deli, we’ve stocked up on game day essentials to make your Super Bowl party easy, delicious, and stress-free. Check out our must-have party picks below!

🥖 Fresh Bread Selection

No game day feast is complete without artisan breads—perfect for sandwiches, dipping, and snacking!

✔ Marble Rye Loaf – A fan-favorite for bold flavors.

✔ Muffuletta Loaves – Ideal for New Orleans-style Muffuletta sandwiches.

✔ Italian Bread Varieties – Classic, fresh-baked loaves ready to complete any meal.

🌭 Game Day Must-Haves

Turn your Super Bowl party into a food lover’s dream with these crowd-pleasers:

✔ Vienna Chicago-Style Hot Dog Packs – Includes 5 juicy Vienna Beef hot dogs + 5 classic poppy seed buns.

✔ Italian Beef Sandwiches – Slow-roasted Italian beef, served with sub rolls & Provel cheese. Don’t forget the Giardiniera for the perfect spicy kick!

✔ St. Louis Style Pizzas – Authentic thin-crust pizzas, available in Cheese, Pepperoni, and Meat Lovers.

🍖 Famous Sammie Trays – Perfect for Any Super Bowl Crowd!

Looking for easy grab-and-go bites? Our Famous Sammie Trays make party planning effortless:

✔ Small Sammies Tray – Serves 25-30 guests.

✔ Large Sammies Tray – Serves 45-50 guests.

📞 Order Now – Don’t Miss Out!

Super Bowl Sunday is one of our busiest days, so be sure to place your order early!

📍 Located in Collinsville, IL

📞 Call or order online today using the link below!

Online Order for Spirito's Italian Grocery — Spirito's Italian Grocery

👉 Don’t forget to tag us on social media with your game day spreads! #CollinsvilleIL #LoveWhereYouLive #ItalianFood #SuperBowlSnacks

Make this Super Bowl one to remember with Spirito’s Italian Grocery & Deli! 🍕🔥

Cooking Instructions

Spirito's Takeaways: Cooking Instructions

Welcome to Spirito's Italian Grocery, your go-to spot in Collinsville, IL, for authentic Italian flavors! Whether you're grabbing our famous lasagna for a cozy dinner or indulging in cheesy Bosco sticks, we've got you covered with simple cooking instructions for all your favorites. Let’s get cooking!

Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Gianna, Lasagna for Two, Cheesy Alfredo

The Classics, Perfectly Baked

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

2. Remove the plastic lid and cover the dish with foil.

3. Bake covered:

   • 45 minutes if thawed.

   • 60 minutes if frozen.

Bosco Sticks

Soft, Cheesy, and Irresistible

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Place on an oiled baking sheet or line with foil.

3. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

4. Brush with garlic butter and dust with Parmesan.

Pizzas – All Varieties

A Slice of Spirito’s Heaven

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

2. Remove the cardboard circle and place pizza directly on the upper oven rack.

3. Bake for 12-14 minutes.

4. Sprinkle with Parmesan and Spirito’s Pizza Topper for that final touch.

Garlic Bread & Cheesy Garlic Bread

Simple, Yet Perfect

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Bake for 5-9 minutes, depending on your crispiness preference.

3. Serve with Borrelli’s Marinara for dipping.

Family-Size Lasagna & Mostaccioli

Big Portions, Bigger Smiles

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

2. Cover the dish with a metallic lid or foil.

3. Bake until the cheese is golden brown:

   • 70 minutes if thawed.

   • 90 minutes if frozen.

Mozzarella Sticks

Melty, Cheesy Perfection

• Oven: Bake at 450°F for 4-6 minutes.

• Air Fryer: 350°F for 3-4 minutes for a crispy alternative.

Frozen Pasta Entrées

Quick Comfort Food

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Cover the dish with sauce and bake for 45 minutes.

Breaded Toasted Ravioli

A St. Louis Classic, Spirito’s Style

1. Lay ravioli flat on an oiled baking pan.

2. Bake at 425°F for 8-10 minutes.

3. Air Fryer Alternative: 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

World-Famous Sammies

No Cooking Required!
Just unwrap and eat. Don’t forget to share the love by telling your friends about the best sammies in Collinsville!

Spirito's takeaway meals are perfect for family dinners, parties, or simply when you’re craving authentic Italian comfort food. Stop by our store in Collinsville, IL, to pick up your favorites, and let us make mealtime easier and more delicious!

Mangia bene, live well, and don’t forget to share your photos with us on Facebook!

Have questions about cooking instructions or need recommendations? Drop by Spirito’s or give us a call!