old world family italain recipes

• It all started when.....

Francesco Mazzella (Frank) came to the Bronx in New York from Italy in 1948 where he worked until 1951. While visiting a friend in Detroit, Michigan, he met  "Mama" who was working at Amatoe's Restaurant in Dearborn. It was loive at first sight! Frank got a job at Amatoe's and  said to "mama"- "I'm gonna marry you!" Her response was You're crazy!" But sure enough, on October 3, 1953 Frank and Mama were married. Following a short honeymoon, the newlyweds opened Ponza Pizzeria on October 23, 1953 on 8 Mile in Detroit, Michigan. Their new establishment was the namesake for the island in Italy where Frank had been raised. In 1956 , one year after the birth of their first child, Silverio, they opened Frank's Pizzeria in Walled Lake, Michigan. In 1960 Frank and Mama sold Ponza Pizzeria and Frank's Pizzeria. The following year they opened Francesco's on Joy Road in Westland, Michigan. In 1967 the family expanded once again with the birth of their second son, FrancescoII. In 1970 Frank took ill and the family business, Francesco's, was sold. A year later the doctor advised Frank to get back  into business and so while vacationing in northern Michigan, they discovered the old Pastie House that had been closed for years. After extensive remodeling (building new probably would have been easier and cheaper!) Mama Leone"s Reataurant was founded, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Silverio met Tina, who worked as a waitress at the restaurant, and in April of 1975 they were married! Mama's was a huge success! Patronized by both local residents and tourists, it was necessary to expand the business. Frank and Mama built the present Mama Leone's Restaurant just to the north of its previous location. They were open for business on May 10, 1976 serving only lunch and dinner. This paved the way for Uncle Frank's Pancake House which was established in the firmer location and served breakfast and lunch. In 1986 the family expanded another generation with the birth of Silverio III to Tina and Silverio. What a joy! In 1988, to save on the costs of rising overhead, UncleFrank's and Mama Leone's were combined under one roof. While visiting his native homeland of Italy in 1991 Frank passed away. In 1994 the family expanded once again with the marriage of Francesco II to Elizabeth. In 1996 they had a son, Anthony. In 1999 they had daughter Alexandra. Then came Madeline in 2002. And Grace in 2006! In September of 2008 Silverio lll married Jessica. Sadly, in the spring of 2014 Mama passed away. In July of 2016 Silverio lll and Jessica welcomed a daughter, Rylee Rose! And so goes the story of how Mama Leone's and Uncle Frank became one!

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