Frank & Joe's Deli Owners Named Business Persons of the Year

Malachy (Mal) Costello and Robert Spitalieri, co-owners of Pleasantville's , have been named the 2010 Business Persons of the Year by the Pleasantville Chamber of Commerce.

"We're very humbly honored by this award," said Spitalieri.

According to Toni Emerson, one of the Chamber's directors, every business in the village is invited to submit a nomination for the annual award. The approximately 150 businesses that make up the Chamber of Commerce have the final say on the winner.

"We then send an eblast and U.S. mail form to members only to select from the candidates," Emerson explained in an email. "Pleasantville businesses select Business Persons of the Year for demonstrating business excellence, vision, innovation, leadership and community spirit."

Though Frank & Joe's embodiment of these qualities is very apparent these days, Spitalieri revealed he and Costello didn't know each other at all just a few years ago. Then, they sat down, discussed their personal and professional philosophies and shook hands.

The rest is history.

"We've been partners together for a little over two-and-a-half years now," said Spitalieri. "It's a very good marriage."

Though the Chamber revealed the winner earlier this month, Costello and Spitalieri, "will be recognized as 2010 Business Persons of the Year at an event sponsored by TD Bank and the Pleasantville Chamber of Commerce on April 6," said Emerson.

"I think it's very important to patronize all of the local businesses, and then it's a win-win for everyone said Spitalieri. "We like to think this is Arthur Avenue in Pleasantville."

Note: Spitalieri was previously misspelled in this article. It has been corrected.

Download the movie