Owner Frank Borrelli, Jr. has been working at this since he was a kid serving up fantastic Italian fare to the East Meadow and surrounding communities. Borrelli tells Patch how his establishment is “famous for being a Nassau Coliseum crowd favorite” and so much more.
Tell us how Borrelli’s started.
“In the fall of 1955, three brothers – Al, Frank and Phil - opened a small pizzeria in East Meadow before the Meadowbrook Parkway and Coliseum were up. One was a pizza man, one a cook and one a waiter. By 1963, they expanded it to the size it is today – its seats 200 people now, with a full bar and private room.”
How did you get into this business?
“Working with my family. When I was 10 years old I used to come here and help out - make garlic bread and a few odds and end. As I got older I loved the business and decided to make it my full-time career. I actually met my wife here 30 years ago – she was the 19 year old waitress who was working at the time.”
What is your favorite part of owning a business in East Meadow?
“There are a lot of reasons we are very involved with the community. We are very involved with baseball – we have been a sponsor for over 50 years. We have a good relationship with the town and also host East Meadow Kiwanis meetings on Tuesday nights. We are also involved with [Kiwanis’] annual golf outing. We open our doors on Christmas day to families – we serve between 150 to 200 people – which is also with East Meadow Kiwanis."
Why do patrons keep coming back to Borrelli’s?
“It is like coming back home. We find people come here back to visit even if they move out the area. They come right from JFK to stop at Borrelli's to satisfy their cravings.”
What is your favorite dish that you serve?
“I would say if I had to have something right now it would be the homemade manicotti with melted cheese, the homemade bread with butter or baked clams for an appetizer.”
Are there any special services that Borrelli’s offers?
“We have a private room. We do a lot of christenings, showers, birthdays, communions and confirmations. It is a place where if you have a party you can keep coming back - we just had a 101st birthday party. We do on-premise and off-premise catering, too."
