FRANKLIN SQUARE, Long Island (WABC) — Piping hot out of the oven and hand tossed with melted mozzarella, the staff at Carmela’s in Franklin Square can barely make enough mouthwatering pies to keep up with the demand.
It doesn’t hurt that a pie costs $2.40 — the same price that it was in 1971 when Bart Calia opened the restaurant. The recipe has not changed since.
“Family recipe, my grandma – it all started with this recipe,” Bart said.
The restaurant was named after Caria’s wife, Carmela Calia – fitting for a true family business. In fact, the place was built for their son Anthony, who was set to take it over until he passed in 2004.
“Remind my son that I built this place with us, and we all miss him and we’re proud of that,” Carmela said.
Two years ago, the Calias sold the business. They did not want to, but it was time to retire. However, it was not working out for the new owners, so they decided to bring the business back into the family.
Rick Calia is now the new owner.
“Years ago, I was trying to buy this place, but I was too busy when I had this second opportunity, I couldn’t let it pass by. So after the last people left, I came to talk to my cousin Bart, I tried to convince him to let me buy it. He fimally gave in and said ‘alright, no problem,’ so I’m here. I seen what he had here – I couldn’t let it pass by,” he said.
Rick is a retired sanitation worker. Like his cousin, retirement was not for him.
The Calia family is a family that loves each other – and loves to work.
As for the prices, it was for Friday night only.
The grand opening is on Sunday.
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