Frank’s Pizza opens new dining area

Frank’s Pizza opens new dining area

Frank’s Pizza has served Throggs Neck for over 40 years. Its loyal customers will now notice something new the next time they stop by for a pizza.

As of Wednesday, November 16, Frank’s Pizza has a full dining room with waiter service. The new eating area comfortably seats about 40 customers. It will serve the restaurant’s ubiquitous pizza, as well as the other Italian fare, such as pasta dishes, salads, heroes and much more.

Frank’s does not have a liquor license, so dine-in customers are encouraged to bring their own bottles.

“It’s been going well,” owner Tom Caruso said. “Most customers have been sitting down and having dinners. And they’ve been raving about the food. Everyone’s pleased. They like the décor. They say it’s a nice, cozy place. You feel like you’re at home, with a nice atmosphere and nice food.”

Caruso bought Frank’s 17 years ago, and has been waiting for the moment to expand.

“Our regular customers boasted about how good our food was, but since we only had the 17 seats, it was hard for them to eat in,” Caruso said. “They kept insisting that we expand. It took us 17 years to do that, but we finally have.”

When Caruso, who grew up in the Pelham Parkway area, took over Frank’s he initially expanded the menu as opposed to the physical restaurant.

“It was a simple pizzeria, serving regular pizza and Sicilian pizza,” he said. “We added calzones, pizza rolls and various types of gourmet pizzas that were not available in the area.”

His specialty pies include prima vera, bruschetta, Hawaiian and white pies. Caruso also introduced a wider range of Italian dishes.

Caruso set the expansion in motion two years ago by leasing the space next to Frank’s, and the transformation was completed in mid November.

And for everyone who enjoys eating Frank’s Pizza at home, it will still feature both delivery and takeout options.

“We still have the pizza take out section,” Caruso said.

Bill Weisbrod can be reached via e-mail at wweisbrod@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 742-3394.