Italian eatery Francesco’s, located in White Plains since the 70s, will shut down next week due to the expiration of its lease and rising rent costs. The owners have decided to retire after running the restaurant for decades. Known for its legendary chicken parm and thin-crust pizza made in a stone-bottom gas oven, Francesco’s is a nostalgic throwback to a bygone era with two candy machines at the bar, vintage signs, black and white photos, and old-school sports memorabilia featuring signed posters from former New York Rangers players and ice hockey stars.
One of the restaurant’s regular customers, Rob Pastore of Pleasantville, has been dining at Francesco’s for close to a decade and appreciates its classic Italian menu and old-school vibe. Similarly, White Plains resident Dawn Priore has fond memories of dining at Francesco’s for the past 27 years, from getting engaged there to bringing her kids as babies and gathering with family. She particularly loves the pizza with fried eggplant, a taste that reminds her of home in Brooklyn and that she wishes she could freeze to enjoy even after the restaurant closes.
The community mourns the loss of a beloved local establishment that has been a part of their lives for years. As Francesco’s prepares to say goodbye to its loyal customers, it leaves behind memories of great food, friendly service, and warm ambiance. If you have any restaurant news or want to share an opening or closing, you can email JRMuchnick@gannett.com. Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining for the publication. To keep up with her latest dining adventures, you can follow her on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or subscribe to the lohudfood newsletter.
