Borrelli's celebrates 60 years

Chamber, local elected officials congratulate East Meadow staple

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It’s a milestone year for one of East Meadow’s most popular eateries, Borrelli’s Italian Restaurant, which opened its doors in 1955.

Owner Frank Borrelli Jr., who took over the restaurant from his father, Frank Sr., in 1985, said the anniversary is especially meaningful because the business has stayed family-owned since it opened 60 years ago. “My family works there. I met my wife there 34 years ago,” he said. "It's still a family place. It’s like home to me.”

While many businesses have had trouble staying afloat amid turbulent economic times in recent years, Frank Jr. credited his restaurant’s longevity to consistent upgrades, both architecturally and commercially, that ownership has made.

He said his staff aims to diversify the menu each year, adding delicacies while keeping its traditional items affordable. A party room was constructed four years ago, which he said is a popular location for birthdays and other celebrations. "We kept our basic format with original recipes," Frank Jr. said. "It’s that family restaurant where if you want to have a romantic dinner for two, it's available, or if you just want to have a meatball hero, you can do that too.”

Borrelli's, located at 1580 Hempstead Turnpike, across from the Nassau Coliseum, recently opened its doors seven days a week, and started making home deliveries, two things it had never done before. It also offers off-premise catering.

The restaurant's party room was host to another celebration recently, when The East Meadow Chamber of Commerce congratulated the Borrelli’s staff last month.

And Frank Jr. said he has no intention to slow down anytime soon. "It's still a family place,” he said. “Sixty years goes really fast. When you look back, you see so many other places have come and gone.

"It's home for a lot of people,” he added. “It’s a good feeling."