Since earlier this summer, pedestrians on Ponquogue Avenue have been diverting around a blocked section of the sidewalk, boarded up with scaffolding. Patrons of Francesca’s Pizza have been using the rear entrance for their daily fix of chicken parmigiana, garlic knots and margherita slices.

But so far nobody has complained. At least according to Mark Caltabiano, owner and operator of Francesca’s Pizza. The family-owned restaurant is undergoing a major renovation project that will reach into early spring of 2014.

Leaving only the southern wall and the building’s slab original, contractors dug out beneath the dining area to expand the basement for extra storage. Now workers are literally raising the roof, to create a 12-foot ceiling height with an entirely new facade facing out on Ponquogue Avenue.

On the interior, Francesca’s is pushing into the abandoned barber shop adjacent to the store and will be expanding its kitchen and dining areas. Electrical wiring for the eatery will be buried underground and a high-voltage generator will be installed on the roof of the building. The restaurant is upgrading its heat and air-conditioning systems as well... Read More...