Francesca's Pizzeria and Restaurant in Great Neck closes

With a long history behind it, Francesca’s Pizzeria and Restaurant, which was established in 1991 in Great Neck Plaza, has three-plus decades of service to be proud of. As of last weekend, however, Francesca’s has officially closed.

A For Rent sign was seen in the window during a Wednesday visit to the pizzeria. Posted on Sunday on their website, Rosario and Sal Merendino, the father-son team behind the Nassau shop, cited "business circumstances" as the reason behind the closure. "We regret to inform you we are closing our doors and are out of business." The statement goes on to thank "customers and friends for their patronage over the years."

Like most neighborhood pizza joints across Long Island, Francesca’s was known for its slices. It boasted more than 30 pie varieties with elaborate toppings including chicken Marsala, chicken cacciatore  and sausage and peppers. Additionally, they offered baked pasta dishes, chicken, veal and seafood entrees like Parmigiana and Francese — and a seafood paella — as well as a vast collection of heroes, wraps and calzones. All bread was made on premises.

Sicilian-born Rosario began his pizza career in 1980, opening on 78th Street and York Avenue in New York City. When rent increases made city ownership untenable, he moved his business to Queens Boulevard in Queens, ultimately coming out to Long Island in ’91. Named for his mother, Francesca, who died when Rosario was 14, his pizzeria carried her legacy to the Great Neck community. Located directly across from the Long Island Rail Road station, Francesca’s convenient address for both locals and commuters alike, is sure to be missed. The owners did not immediately respond to a request for comment.