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Longtime Westchester Italian restaurant, in business since the ’70’s, is closing

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2 weeks ago

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A longtime Westchester red sauce restaurant is closing and, according to comments on Reddit, it’s all due to the expiration of a lease, rising rent costs and the fact that the owners (and kitchen staff) are ready to retire.

While the owner of Francesco’s didn’t give a reason, he did say the restaurant, which has been in White Plains since the ’70s, will close sometime next week.

The unassuming Italian eatery known for its legendary chicken parm, is like a throw-back in time— complete with two candy machines at the bar, vintage signs, black and white photos, and old-school sports memorabilia with signed posters from former New York Rangers players and other ice hockey stars.

More: Two more Westchester restaurants closing doors in June. What will replace the eateries?

Also popular: It’s thin-crust pizza, made in a stone-bottom gas oven, as well as other traditional recipes.

Rob Pastore of Pleasantville is one customer who always appreciated the old school vibe and classic Italian menu. “It’s a throwback and a place you knew you’d get a good meal,” said Pastore, who’s been coming to the restaurant for close to a decade. “The pizza is excellent, so is their chicken parm and the baked clams.”

White Plains resident Dawn Priore is another fan who laments their closing. “When I moved to White Plains 27 years ago, my husband and I ate there when we got engaged, brought our kids there as babies, had family get togethers, and ordered take-out pizza once our lives got too hectic.”

Originally from Brooklyn, she said Brooklyn pizza didn’t compare once she tasted Francisco’s pie with fried eggplant. “It’s like nothing I ever had growing up in the city,” she said.

Even now, so close to Francesco’s end, she’s wondering how to cram in her pizza fix.

“My 18-year-old daughter and I tried to figure out if there’s a way to learn from the owners how to make the pizza or what it would take to buy as many pizza pies as I can to freeze them,” she said.

“It’s like mourning the loss of a relative once you frequent a place like this.”

Know of an opening or closing?

Email JRMuchnick@gannett.com with restaurant news.

Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter.

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