Elected leaders welcomed a well-known businessman to the Soundview section.
Dominic Broccoli cut the ribbon with elected leaders for the new IHOP restaurant located at 1001 White Plains Road, near the service entrance to the Bruckner Expressway. The restaurant has been opened since February, but elected leaders had the time on Monday, April 2, to visit the restaurant and taste some of the franchise’s famous buttermilk pancakes.
“He’s a business leader that has very simple creedo–you have to give back to the community,” said Senator Jeff Klein, who admires Broccoli’s effort in creating hundreds of jobs for the borough.
“To see an established restaurant like IHOP come here is a testament to the redevelopment happening here in the Bronx,” said Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, who congratulated Broccoli for bringing in a well-known business like IHOP to Soundview.
Broccoli has been living and breathing the restaurant business since he was 14 years old. He learned the trade after arriving with his parents from Italy. He grew up atop his father’s renowned Italian restaurant, Gino’s Cafe, once located at 1817 Allerton Avenue. It’s now the site of his first IHOP.
“I enjoy the whole IHOP experience,” said Broccoli, who was attracted to the family feel IHOP exudes.
“I do like it because there’s no alcohol at IHOP,” said Broccoli. “This is a lot less stressful, let’s put it that way.”
Less stressful but still the type of business that requires Broccoli to devote odd hours.
“With the restaurant business you either love it or hate it,” said Broccoli, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. “If you’re not used to giving up weekends or holidays then you gotta pick a different career.”
For now, maintaining the chain is on his mind. The new restaurant is 4500 square feet that can fit 200 people. It also features a parking lot comprised of 30 spots and a to-go window.
The IHOP is opened seven days a week, from 6am to midnight.
To reach reporter David Cruz, call (718) 742-3383 or email at dcruz@cnglocal.com.
