Francesco's Pizza Of Farmingdale Owner: 'This Is My Passion'

FARMINGDALE, NY — Francesco's of Farmingdale has opened at 107 Northwest Drive, replacing La Slice.

The pizzeria and Italian kitchen offers dozens of types of pizza, with pies including lasagna, Philly cheese steak, and Meat Lovers. Pies come in Neapolitan, Sicilian, cauliflower, and gluten free.

The Francesco's menu is rounded out with appetizers, soups, salads, pasta, entrees, rolls, paninis, burgers, hero sandwiches, and desserts.

Owner Anthony Genova said the storefront is one he wanted five years ago, but it didn't work out then, so he opened in Long Beach instead. When La Slice closed, Genova capitalized.

"I opened with no grand opening," Genova, 51, told Patch. "I just opened the doors. I've gotta tell you, the community has been great. They're extremely nice, they love my food, it's all word of mouth. I just want to thank everybody in Farmingdale and Massapequa for supporting us and spreading the word out."

Genova said he has been in the pizza business for more than 30 years.

"I love the business, I stand behind my product," he said. "I enjoy it. This is my passion."

What led Genova to the pizza path was him not doing well in school.

"My dad goes, 'If that's the case, you go to work,'" he recalled. "I started working at pizzerias. I loved the business. I ended up leaving school, and I've been doing this my whole life."

The eatery can be called at 516-216-5868. It is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, according to Google.