Frankie’s Pizza on Bird Road in Miami, a beloved family-owned institution, has reached a major milestone — 70 years of serving crispy, square slices of pizza that have become a staple in the Miami community. Owned by Roxanne and Renee Pasquarella, the pizzeria was founded by their late father, Frank Pasquarella, and his wife Doreen in 1955.
The Pasquarella sisters fondly remember their father, who was always present in the restaurant, even in the smallest details. Roxanne recalls her dad putting her in a garbage can as a toddler to keep her safe from the hot kitchen, giving her a pad and pencil to “take orders” — a makeshift playpen at the time. Renee fondly remembers being paid five dollars to cut up a 50-pound bag of onions, a chore she thought was a great deal. These personal memories are part of the enduring legacy of Frankie’s, which remains a beloved part of Miami’s history.
Though Miami has grown and changed dramatically over the years — with cow pastures now replaced by busy streets — Frankie’s has stayed remarkably consistent. The restaurant’s menu, focusing mainly on pizza, garlic knots, and a few desserts, has remained largely unchanged, much to the delight of long-time customers. Despite some modern twists like Mike’s Hot Honey added to their pies, the Pasquarellas maintain a sense of tradition that their father instilled in them.
The family has weathered numerous challenges over the years, including Hurricane Andrew and the rapid development of their neighborhood. Frank Pasquarella’s unwavering work ethic has been a guiding force for his daughters, who took over operations when their father fell ill in 1980. Even after his recovery, Frank continued to contribute to the restaurant in unique ways, including packing pizza boxes with one hand faster than most could with two.
Frankie’s Pizza’s history was immortalized in a book, A Love Affair with Frankie’s Pizza by local historian Cesar Becerra, who describes the pizzeria as “the last of old Miami.” The book captures the spirit of a bygone era in Miami, where the community and small businesses were at the heart of life.
Roxanne and Renee, now in their 60s, are beginning to consider the future of the restaurant. Roxanne’s son Christopher Patterson has expressed interest in taking over the family business, allowing the sisters to gradually step back and enjoy more personal time. While neither is ready to fully retire, they are looking forward to more time off, including the occasional trip to the Keys.
Reflecting on their journey, Renee recalls the humorous moments of working at Frankie’s — including being embarrassed by the smell of pizza while out in her 20s, yet appreciating the time spent with family at the restaurant. For the Pasquarellas, Frankie’s Pizza is more than just a business — it’s a family legacy that has stood the test of time, providing comfort and familiarity to generations of Miamians.
In 2010, Bird Road was even renamed “Pasquarella Way” in honor of Frank Pasquarella’s contribution to the local community, ensuring his legacy continues to be celebrated long after his passing in 2005.
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