Frankie’s Pizza is Miami’s OG Pizza Joint

You wanna talk landmarks, Frankie’s Pizza (9118 Bird Road) is the poster boy for that in Miami.

Frankie’s Pizza History

Frank Pasquarella and his wife Doreen vacationed in Miami during their honeymoon. Shortly after that, the Pasquarella’s would move from Steubenville, Ohio, to the magic city permanently.

They were able to secure 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 not only their square pies but also for 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.

The business officially became theirs after Doreen’s passing on February 10, 2002, and Frank on December 10, 2005.

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 a must for any true Miami food fan. Both are for sale at the restaurant, along with their cool retro red ringer tees.

Frankie’s Pizza Commercial Video

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 us (my sister and I) 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. 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 can not be replicated.

The People at Frankie’s

Frankie’s Pizza Food Pictures