HIGHLANDS – Francesco’s at 279 Bay Ave. will be celebrating 30 years in business on Sunday, March 30, under the ownership of Giorgio and Anna Migliaccio.
The Migliaccios will be serving will be serving complimentary food and drinks from 2 to 5 p.m. and will have live accordion music to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their business.
Giorgio Migliaccio, originally from Princeton, was looking to open a restaurant in 1984. He found an ad in the classified section of an Italian newspaper, the American Oggi, for a restaurant that was for sale in Highlands. He came to Highlands and found Francesco’s, an existing business. At first he did not like the restaurant, but loved the area. It reminded him of where he and Anna originally came from, Ischia, a small island north of Capri, on the bay in Naples, Italy.
After speaking to many residents, he found that Francesco’s was a much loved and established fixture in the community. He was sold on its reputation and has never looked back.
The Migliaccios opened Francesco’s on March 30,1984. That day he experienced his first flood, 3 inches of water in the restaurant. It was the first of four floods that they would endure. They have been through the flood of 1992, and storms Irene and Sandy as well.
No matter what challenge Giorgio Migliaccio has faced, he has made Highlands his home away from home.
“On any given day, you are sure to find Giorgio in the kitchen”, said Carla Cefalo-Braswell, Highlands Business Partnership president. “The food is delicious and prepared with many fresh vegetables straight from their garden.”
The restaurant is open year round and is a BYOB. There is a heated garden terrace that is a great for private parties.
The Migliaccios are looking forward to this celebration and thank the community for 30 years of support. They hope everyone will stop by for good food, good music and a good time.
