If you want to talk landmarks, Frankie’s Pizza in Westchester is the poster boy for that in Miami.
Frankie’s Pizza in Westchester
Frankie’s Pizza History
Frank Pasquarella and his wife Doreen vacationed in Miami during their honeymoon. Shortly after that, the Pasquarella’s would permanently move from Steubenville, Ohio, to the Magic City.
They secured a veteran’s administration loan to open their original Frankie’s Pizza location near the University of Miami.
On Valentine’s Day in 1955, they opened their doors. A slice of their Chicago-style pizza would set you back ten cents back then.
A few years later, they would open their now-iconic restaurant in a developing part of town. The community of Westchester would grow up around Frankie’s Pizza while enjoying their pies.
Frankie’s became known for their square pies and the free slice on top of every box of pizza to-go. Frank and Doreen’s daughters Roxanne and Renee would gradually assume a leadership role after Frank suffered a stroke in 1980.
After Doreen’s (February 10, 2002) and Frank’s (December 10, 2005) passing, the business officially became theirs.
Still Chugging Along
Luckily there is nothing to worry about; it’s as if Frank and Doreen were still there. Everything that made Frankie’s Pizza special, from their grandmother’s secret Italian recipe to the scratch-made tomato sauce, is still done.
The three-step rising and cooking process for the dough is another thing that makes that crust so unique. Hell, even the cheese is still shredded daily. In 2010, the part of Bird Road where Frankie’s Pizza sits is known as Frank Pasquarella Way.
Local historian Cesar Becerra’s documentary and 60-page booklet about Frankie’s Pizza is a must for any true Miami food fan. Both are for sale at the restaurant, along with their cool retro red ringer tees.
My Frankie’s Pizza Experience
I grew up in Westchester, so I’ve known Frankie’s Pizza my whole life. My late godmother would buy my sister and me pizza from Frankie’s as a special weekend treat.
Now many years later, I’m still a fan of not only the business but also of its owners Renee, and Roxanne, super cool folks. I still get excited whenever I see their iconic old-school sign lit up at night.
Plus, I’m going steady with their pepperoni slices, real love, not that love at first sight nonsense. Of course, since they’ve been around so long, they do have their naysayers, but it doesn’t matter to me.
Frankie’s Pizza tastes like my childhood, and that’s something that won’t be replicated.
Frankie’s Pizza
9118 Bird Road
Miami, FL
305-221-0221
Website – http://www.frankiespizzaonline.com
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/frankiespizza
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/FrankiesPizzaMiamiFlorida
Monday CLOSED
Tuesday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Wednesday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Thursday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Friday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Saturday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Sunday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Frankie’s Pizza Food Pictures
I grew up down the street from Roxanne and Renne, so our family has been eating this pizza since, before I could walk. There is no other pizza in the world like Franks’s original recipe. Frank was such a great guy to talk to when I was a kid and always bought our football team a pie when we won a game! I’ve traveled a lot and there is no place like home, Bird Road food and the crown of that realm is Frankies Pizza
Been going to Frankie’s since the 1960’s!! I remember when I was little like seven or eight years old my parents used to sneak out at night and go buy a pizza from there after we were all sleep in bed and that would be their treat for the night that they would share together. It’s been our favourite pizza place ever since!! BEST pizza ever
Great story BB. Keep it up. I love Frankies pizza!
I have been going to Frankie’s since 1960 when I was 10 years old. I am now 71 and drive once every 2 weeks from Kendall to pick up Frankie’s. Roxanne and I believe I am in the top 3 of customers who have been going to Frankie’s. 61 years!! A true treasure!!