Business Notebook: 30 years and more to go

Warwick - It’s always been a family run business. Just a few years after Frank Rinaldi Sr., then a builder, moved from Staten Island to Warwick with his wife, Aggie, and their children, he opened Frank’s Pizzeria. That was July 6, 1976, and Felix Valle was his very first customer. “I remember that we paid 25 cents for a slice and the whole pie was only three dollars,” recalled Valle. The pizzeria at 64 Main St., now celebrating its 30th anniversary, has been owned and operated by the Rinaldi family ever since. The current co-owner, Frank P. Rinaldi, a graduate of Warwick Valley High School, was only 19 when it first opened. Before joining his father at the pizzeria, his part-time job had been with Akins Drug Store. Frank Rinaldi Sr. and his wife, Aggie, are now retired and living in the state of Florida. And since 1993, their sons Frank P. and Matthew Rinaldi have been continuing the family tradition of offering the quality pizza and dinners that make Frank’s Pizzeria one of the oldest and most successful businesses in the Village of Warwick. Their brothers Gerard, Robert and Douglas all worked at the restaurant but have moved on to other careers. Frank R. Rinaldi IV, grandson of the founder, is a key employee. His brothers Jamie, 11, and David 14, are in line for staff positions. And so is Matthew Rinaldi’s son Matthew “Rush” R., 14 and his sister, Lia, 11. Their sister Karli already paid her dues and is now away at college. “Besides the members of our family,” said Frank P. Rinaldi, “we’ve always employed local youngsters. It’s an opportunity for them to work near by in their own community. And it’s good experience. We enjoy watching the kids grow to become responsible citizens.” Besides family involvement, Frank’s Pizzeria has enjoyed success because it offers a wide selection of traditional, specialty and Sicilian pizzas served in the restaurant or delivered free throughout the local area. The menu also includes Buffalo Wings, salads, heroes and entrees ranging from Fettuccini Alfredo to sautéed calamari. Frank Pizzeria has become so popular throughout the years that the patrons and the children who grow to adulthood often become friends of the owners and staff. And many, who have moved from the area, return to say, “Hello,” as they purchase a slice of their favorite pizza. “We want to thank all our loyal customers who were responsible for our success throughout these 30 years,” said co-owner Frank P. Rinaldi. “We never want to leave this wonderful Village of Warwick and, hopefully, we’ll be here to serve you for many more years.” Frank’s Pizzeria is open seven days: weekdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 10 p.m. The restaurant offers free delivery for pizza or dinners in the local area. The Rinaldi brothers also cater for all special occasions. Call 986-1065. Pocket Aces With many of the new homes in Warwick featuring large family and game rooms, longtime Warwick resident Michael Fodor and his wife, Nicole, may have obeyed the business principal that states, “Find a need and fill it.” Michael Fodor, who has lots of experience in this particular industry, recently moved his business “Pocket Aces,” a game room supply store, from Monroe to the courtyard at 24 Railroad Ave., Warwick. The store features professional grade pool tables and billiard accessories as well as bars and bar accessories, poker tables, dart boards, game tables, chess sets, slot machines and everything else to pass the time during the long winters in this area. Pocket Aces also offers professional installation, pool table felting and other repair services. It’s an interesting shop and well worth a visit. The store is open Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 986- 6188. Calling all artists The Bertoni Gallery in Sugar Loaf is holding its sixth annual “Juried Small Works Exhibition” from Nov. 2 through Jan. 7. The gallery at 1392 Kings Highway is currently looking for artists interested in exhibiting artwork, 12 by 12 inches or less. All media is considered. Call 469-0993 or visit www.bertonigallery.com.