Williston Park pizzeria owner retiring after nearly 50 years of business
Frank and Josephine Speciale opened the shop on Willis Avenue in 1979. It’s been run by the family ever since.
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Frank Speciale, the owner of Gino's of Williston Park, is pounding out the dough for one of the last times as his business prepares to close.
"I love it," he said.
The 75-year-old, who has been making pizza since he was a child in Sicily, opened the pizzeria on Willis Avenue in 1979.
Speciale works seven days a week making pizza, and says it's time to hang up the apron and retire.
His two sons, who have other jobs, have helped their father run the pizzeria since they were young.
"He is the true definition of a man who loves his job. He's up at 5 a.m., will come in and have his coffee," said Giovanni Speciale, Frank's son.
Loyal customers say they'll miss Frank and his pizza.
"I'm happy he's retiring but I'm going to miss seeing my friend every day," said Kat Schumacher, of Williston Park.
Sicilian pizza is Frank's specialty and he says he has a secret recipe that he's not going to tell News 12, however he is going to share it with the new owners so that they can continue making his pizza for customers.
"Somebody bought it. I hope they do better than me. I wish good luck for everybody not just for me, sunshine for everybody," Frank said.
The Speciale family will be saying their final goodbye on Feb. 22.
"I'm going to miss the shop and everybody," Frank said.
