Broadway Stages Film Productions You Can Watch From Home

As a premier studio production company in New York City, Broadway Stages provides facilities for myriad television programs and film projects. Several feature films released in the last year or two are now streaming, and a new one is coming very soon. Read on to find out how you can watch these critically acclaimed films.

"No Hard Feelings" (Netflix)

Jennifer Lawrence's raunchy comedy "No Hard Feelings" opened in theaters in June and went on to gross more than $87 million worldwide. The R-rated film received positive reviews from critics and filmgoers alike and is currently the most popular film streaming on Netflix in the United States. We are so proud to play a small part in its success!

The film centers on Maddie (Lawrence), an Uber driver desperate for a paycheck so she can keep her home. She responds to a Craigslist ad posted by a worried mother (Laura Benanti) who wants her shy teenage son (Andrew Barth Feldman) to have a romantic relationship before he goes to college. Matthew Broderick, Hasan Minhaj, Natalie Morales, Scott MacArthur, Kyle Mooney, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach round out the cast.

"Spoiler Alert" (Prime)

In the dramedy "Spoiler Alert," released last December, Jim Parsons ("Big Bang Theory") shows his acting range in his starring role as Michael Ausiello, author of the bestselling memoir "Spoiler Alert: The Hero Dies." The memoir chronicles Ausiello's 14-year romance with photographer Kit Cowan, who (spoiler alert!) died of terminal cancer in 2015. The film currently holds a very impressive 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Director Michael Showalter ("The Eyes of Tammy Faye" and "The Big Sick") brings equal parts laughter and tears to the film. The cast also includes Ben Aldridge ("Pennyworth") as Cowan, the legendary Sally Field as his mother, and Bill Irwin ("Legion") as his father.

"Fire Island" (Hulu)

Joel Kim Booster and Bowen Yang star in the Hulu original romantic comedy "Fire Island," a modern retelling of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice." The film centers on a group of gay friends who take a trip to New York's Fire Island, a popular vacation destination for members of the LGBTQ community. According to the streaming aggregator Reelgood, "Fire Island" was the sixth most streamed movie across all platforms during the week of June 11, 2022.

"Fire Island" earned two Emmy nominations earlier this year – Outstanding Television Movie and Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. The recent entertainment industry labor strikes have significantly postponed the awards ceremony, so we won't find out how the film fares until January. However, "Fire Island" has already scored significant honors and praise, including a big win at last year's Gotham Awards.

"Genie" (Coming Soon to Peacock)

When most people think of Richard Curtis films set during Christmas, 2003's "Love Actually" typically comes to mind. But more than a decade earlier, the British filmmaker wrote the screenplay for the 1991 made-for-TV film "Bernard and the Genie," about a workaholic art dealer who befriends a genie.

The remake, just called "Genie," will move the story from London to New York City and star Melissa McCarthy as the titular granter of wishes. British actor Paapa Essiedu ("I May Destroy You") co-stars as Bernard, a role originated by Alan Cumming. The holiday film will stream exclusively on Peacock beginning November 22.

We are so excited to see new productions coming to movie theaters, television networks, and streaming platforms, and we are particularly looking forward to seeing the hard work of the cast and crew pay off when "Genie" debuts later this month.

Celebrate the Holidays at PaleyLand 2023!

Get ready for holiday fun at PaleyLand 2023! This annual holiday fest will take place at The Paley Museum, located at 25 W 52 Street, NYC from November 25, 2023 to January 7, 2024. There will be fun for all ages, including photos with Santa, meet-and-greets with beloved costumed characters, classic holiday programs, exclusive previews, arts and crafts, and a magical holiday train display.

This is a great time to become a Paley Member to receive VIP Member early entry on December 2 and enjoy free admission to PaleyLand every time you visit. Individual members receive free admission to The Paley Museum, including all special exhibitions like PaleyLand, for you and a guest for a whole year; free photos with Santa during PaleyLand ($10 for general public); invitation for early VIP access at noon on December 3 for a photo with Santa! (One hour before the general public.). Family memberships are also available. See the full list of membership categories and join today!

More information

The Paley Center was founded in 1975 as The Museum of Broadcasting, subsequently known as The Museum of Television & Radio. In 2007, they became The Paley Center for Media, named after broadcasting innovator and CBS founder William S. Paley. We encourage you to explore all that the Paley Center has to offer, in-person or online through their website or on social media (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram).

It’s Time to Donate Coats for Those in Need

As winter draws near, the cold becomes a stark reality for many in need. The plummeting temperatures often pose a significant challenge, especially for those without adequate protection against the weather. In the spirit of giving and community support, local organizations stand ready to collect and distribute coats and jackets to those who can use a helping hand during the cold season.

There are local coat drives that we will let you know about as the information is made available. In the meantime, here are three organizations that are accepting donations now to assist individuals in facing the harsh weather conditions that winter brings.

Community Center Services Organization (CCSO)

CCSO volunteers distribute coats TO THE NEEDY

CCSO began in the streets of NYC in 2020 with a mission to feed and clothe those in need. In early 2023, Broadway Stages donated a 4,200 square foot facility on Corona Avenue in Elmhurst, Queens for a full year to serve as a food and clothing collection and distribution facility for CCSO. Since March 2023, CCSO has distributed more than 100,000 thousand pounds of clothing. CCSO accepts new or gently used winter clothing and coats for all ages every Monday between 7:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. at 34th Avenue and 77th Streets in Jackson Heights, and every Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at 93-15 Corona Avenue in Queens. 

New York Cares

New York Cares has been at the forefront of numerous charitable initiatives, including their coat drive. They provide a platform for individuals to donate gently used coats, helping to ensure that the less fortunate can find warmth during the coldest months.

One Warm Coat

One Warm Coat, a national non-profit organization, focuses on providing free, warm coats to those in need. They partner with local agencies and businesses to make the process of donating coats more accessible and efficient.

This winter, it’s important to remember that a simple act of kindness can make a significant difference in someone's life. Donating coats and jackets — whether gently used or new — can warm not only bodies, but also hearts. Each contribution brings the gift of comfort and protection to individuals who may be struggling to stay warm during the cold season.  Please join us in the lending a hand to our neighbors in need.

Spotlight | Jucy Lucy in Greenpoint

Welcome to Broadway Stages’ Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. We encourage our readers to join us in supporting these establishments and advancing local economic growth.

At the corner of Nassau Avenue at McGuinness Boulevard in Greenpoint is Jucy Lucy, a  down-to-earth gastropub with friendly service, and a cool atmosphere that offers delicious, affordable food, drink, and fun. Jason S., from Brooklyn, says, “I love this place! Great food, cheap drinks, good music, nice staff, and a really cool ambiance. Highly recommend!”

Groups can convene inside at the long bar or at tables and enjoy a variety of events broadcast on the bar’s seven big screens. Customers can also take advantage of the free Air Hockey table during a break in the action! Or, if you want to focus on socializing, your group can hold court on the spacious patio where there is ample seating for groups and umbrellas to provide shade.

To keep the mood festive, Jucy Lucy offers 16 beers on draft, including New York State brews, Blue Point Brewing, and Catskill. They sell a few hard seltzers from Bud Light and Founders and have a full bar. Patrycja from Queens highly recommends the Hibiscus Ginger Mules! In keeping with their theme of affordability, the bar offers Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m.

We would be remiss if we didn’t expound on the menu. Jucy Lucy has bar appetizers like nachos, chicken tenders, onion rings, and soft pretzels. They also have fried ravioli, a popular dish from St. Louis, hot dogs, sandwiches, and flatbreads. But the featured items are the 4 oz burgers, which come in singles, doubles, and triples. For vegetarians, a veggie burger comes with tzatziki sauce and pita. And, of course, there is the Jucy Lucy, two patties stuffed and oozing with cheese, for $12. For the complete menu, click HERE.

Currently, Jucy Lucy opens at 4 pm Wednesday through Friday and at 3 pm on the weekends. Closing time comes at 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays, until midnight on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 11 pm on Sundays. For news about upcoming specials and featured sporting events, be sure to follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

Katherine H. said it best, “As a beer snob, I was thrilled with the list and variety of beer (and spirits), and everything we ordered tasted great. I’m broke, so I was also happy that I could afford beer and a snack.”

Broadway Stages loves being part of a neighborhood with many dining and socializing options. And with so many choices, we are thrilled that Jucy Lucy is affordable and accommodating. We hope you stop by soon for a burger and a brew, and when you do, be sure to tell them Broadway Stages sent you!

The History of Thanksgiving

The month of November is known chiefly for the celebration of Thanksgiving. Throughout the month, Broadway Stages will reflect on reasons to be thankful: the people, businesses, and organizations in the neighborhoods where we live and work.

Most of us learned in grade school that the first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1623 by the pilgrims and the local Native Americans who helped them survive a perilous first year. But there is much more to the story.

Today, we celebrate Thanksgiving every year on the fourth Thursday of Thanksgiving.  But, long before Europeans came to North America, the Creek, Cherokee, Seminole, Yuchi, and Iroquois Indians, as well as other Native American tribes, celebrated a fall harvest festival known as the Green Corn Festival. The festivities would vary by tribe and location. But they would all generally have dancing and games topped off with a feast and giving thanks for the bounty they had received.

It is believed that European colonists from the Caribbean to Newfoundland celebrated fall harvest festivals from the beginning of colonization. However, what we have come to recognize as the first Thanksgiving took place in 1623. That year, drought destroyed the crops at Plymouth Plantation, Massachusetts. The Pilgrims prayed and fasted for relief, and rain came a few days later. Not long after, Captain Miles Standish arrived with supplies and news that more help was coming. In gratitude, the colonists held a day of Thanksgiving and prayer on June 30. Over the next 150 years, festivals of Thanksgiving were observed sporadically on a local level. However, these tended to be autumn harvest celebrations.

It wasn’t until 1789 that Congress proposed that a day of Thanksgiving be held to give thanks for the opportunity to create a Constitution to preserve their hard-won freedoms. On October 3, 1789, President George Washington proclaimed that the people of the United States observe “a day of public thanksgiving and prayer” on Thursday, the 26th of November.

The three other early Presidents proclaimed some sort of thanksgiving celebration sometime during their terms of office. The trend ended with President James Madison’s proclamation that a day of Thanksgiving would be held on April 13, 1815. The holiday wasn’t officially recognized again until 1863 under President Abraham Lincoln.

Sarah Josepha Hale, Editor of Ladies Magazine and Godey’s Lady’s Book, was a fan of the holiday and determined to return it. For 36 years, from 1827 on, she lobbied for the holiday to return nationwide. On October 3, 1863, buoyed by the Union victory at Gettysburg, President Lincoln proclaimed that November 26 would be a national Thanksgiving Day, to be observed every year on the fourth Thursday of November.

This year, we celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 23.  As we gather with friends and family to celebrate, remember that we have Native Americans and immigrants to thank for the opportunity to observe a day of thanksgiving. But more than that, remember the spirit of the day and be grateful!

Spotlight | Polka Dot

Welcome to Broadway Stages’ Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues that provide goods and services to our community. October is Polish-American Heritage Month. Join Broadway Stages in honoring Polish-Americans’ values, culture, and contributions during this observance! This week, we order a huge helping of pierogi at Polka Dot in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

To stand out as a Polish eatery in New York City’s “Little Poland” is quite a feat, but Polka Dot does just this. Originally opened as the Polski Meat Market in 1996, Polish immigrant Marzena Parys worked at and ran the business with her husband. Later, when he passed away, Parys pivoted the business toward the café that it is today.

With the café being located on Manhattan Avenue in Greenpoint, Parys took inspiration from the neighborhood around her, both the Polish immigrants long-established in the community and the new residents moving into the neighborhood. Parys changed the name, the look, and the feel. What has not changed is the care and personal dedication to the products they offer. While the café doesn’t open until 10:30 a.m., the kitchen is hard at work by 7 a.m. A staff of nine multi-generational Polish women prepare 30 dishes daily, ranging from traditional fare to modernized recipes.

“I have always loved Polish food, and I couldn’t live without it,” said Parys. They also sell a wide variety of kielbasa, the owner’s favorite being the spicy dry Kabanos, an ideal snacking sausage, and the Kielbasa Wiejska, a breakfast sausage. But far from being just a meat market anymore, they also do a brisk business in pierogi, cheese blintzes, golabki (stuffed cabbage), red borscht, and apple pancakes.

One customer said, “I haven’t had food like this since the last time I was in Poland!” Another noted that Polka Dot had the best perogi besides his Nana’s.

Best of all, the Paczek z Marmolada Rozana (doughnut with rose jelly) can even make you forgo the neighborhood classic Peter Pan doughnuts on occasion! “The customer decides what we do, truly,” Parys said. “I listen to what people want, and if they like it, we stay with it. If they don’t like something, no more.”  With this approach, checking in regularly with the online menu to see what is new is wise!

Polka Dot is closed on Monday but open from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Patrons can dine in or enjoy the free Wi-Fi while having a glass of house-made kombucha. You may want to get something from the cold section of ready-made soups and to-go beverages on their way out. You can order online for those looking to dine in the comfort of their own home.

To savor the food with your eyes, we recommend you follow Polka Dot on Instagram and keep up with their offers on Facebook.

Parys said, “I think if something is really, truly good, it will always last.” Broadway Stages wholeheartedly agrees. With great food, friendly service, and a comfortable atmosphere, we are sure Polka Dot will be here for a long time to come. So, stop by today and be sure to tell them Broadway Stages sent you!

Greenpoint YMCA | Fall Programming and Holiday Camps

Do you want to live an active lifestyle? Are you looking for fun and interesting activities for you and your family members to enjoy? Then join the Greenpoint YMCA today to get your blood pumping and your mind engaged! Activities include group exercise classes, lap swimming, personal training, adult sports like basketball, soccer, volleyball, pickleball, and kids’ programs. Individual and family memberships are available. Read more on the Y’s website here.

The Fall II session runs October 30 - December 24, 2023. Check out the schedules and get more information here.

Parents, are you looking for holiday camps that will offer your child enriching activities during school breaks? The Greenpoint Y’s Holiday Camps are designed to “help kids grow stronger in spirit, mind, and body with fun activities that help them build independence while making new friends.” At the camps, your child will experience engaging activities including walking trips to local venues, arts and crafts, sports, music and movement, science workshops, and games.

The camps run from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. with the option of extended day from 4 - 6 p.m. Here is the schedule for the remainder of the 2023/2024 school year:

Cost for 5 days holiday camp per person:
Family Y Member: $300
Community: $350
Extended Day (4-6 p.m.): $66

Cost for 1 day holiday camp per person:
Family Y Member: $90
Community: $115
Extended Day (4-6 p.m.): $25

Financial Assistance is available. To register:
- Please visit the Greenpoint YMCA front desk to get an application.
- Please return the completed application along with payment to the front desk staff.
- Photo ID and a child's health form must be submitted before your first camp day.
- The YMCA accepts all major credit cards.
 
See the Holiday Camp Flyer 2023-2024 here. Find more information about Holiday Camps online here.

The Greenpoint YMCA is located at 99 Meserole Avenue in Brooklyn. Find more information about the Greenpoint Y on their website.

Spotlight | Columbus Citizens Foundation

Welcome to Broadway Stages’ Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues that provide goods and services to our community. October is Italian-American Heritage Month. Join Broadway Stages in honoring Italian-Americans’ values, culture, and contributions during this observance! This week, we bring you the Columbus Citizens Foundation.

In 1944, New York Supreme Court Justice Judge S. Samuel Di Falco and a NYC businessman, Generoso Pope (both Italian immigrants), agreed to memorialize and foster the contributions of millions of their Italian forefathers. Together, they founded the Columbus Citizens Foundation (CCF), a non-profit organization in New York City. Their mission was to memorialize and foster their Italian forefathers’ contributions to the United States.

Today, the Foundation’s membership includes over 600 men and women of Italian heritage representing the fields of law, medicine, government, business, education, and the arts. The Foundation’s Members are prominent and successful Italian-Americans in their communities and beyond, proud of their heritage and American citizenship.

The Foundation’s most public activity each year is organizing New York City’s Columbus Celebration. This celebration is the largest celebration of Italian-American heritage and achievement globally. The festivities are organized by the Foundation’s Members on a strictly volunteer basis, donating their time and expertise to help create the Foundation’s Annual Gala Dinner, the wreath laying at Columbus Circle, the Columbus Day Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and New York City’s annual Columbus Day Parade on Fifth Avenue.

Predating the founding of the CCF’s founding, the Columbus Day Parade was born on October 12, 1929, when Generoso Pope led a parade from East Harlem down to Columbus Circle. The parade was followed by a fundraising dinner to benefit immigrants creating a new life for themselves in NYC. Political leaders, Broadway performers, high school bands, virtuosi professional groups from the United States and Italy, folkloric dancers, and Italian delegations from various regions contribute to the parade with colorful costumes, music, and floats marching along Fifth Avenue.

Most of all, the Foundation provides opportunities for deserving Italian-American students through scholarships and grants through philanthropic and cultural activities. They are committed to improving the lives of Italian-American students and their families by providing scholarship funding to help the students develop the skills and tools needed to succeed. The CCF has awarded more than $36 million in scholarships since its inception. The scholarships they provide include:

●        Dr. Anthony S. Fauci Scholarship for graduate studies in medical and public health fields of studies

●        Morgagni Medical Scholarship, a four-year scholarship for medical school students

●        Columbus Guarini Scholarship for students to attend John Cabot University in Rome

●        Franco Zeffirelli Scholarship Fund for the Arts awarded scholarships to Italian students
from the Istituto Statale d’Arte of Florence, Mr. Zeffirelli’s alma mater, to allow them to study in New York

For those interested in applying for a scholarship, you can click HERE. For those interested in financially supporting the Foundation’s philanthropic pursuits, you can donate HERE. Events sponsored by the CCF are not limited to the Columbus Celebration. To stay informed about all that they offer, you can click HERE and follow them on Facebook.

Broadway Stages, an Italian-American family-owned business itself, is grateful for all that Italian immigrants and their descendants have done for the city. More than that, we are proud to know that the Columbus Citizens Foundation continues to foster and honor the achievements of the Italian-Americans in the city of New York.

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Films to Watch During Polish-American Heritage Month

Last year in honor of Polish-American Heritage Month, we celebrated Polish filmmakers. This year, we are highlighting specific films worth watching. Read on to learn about them, and check out our blog to find more information on Polish-American Heritage Month.

In 2022, donkeys had bit parts in two Best Picture nominees ("The Banshees of Inisherin" and "Triangle of Sadness"), but only one Oscar-nominated film starred a donkey (six actually, all playing the same part). The Polish-Italian film "EO," about a donkey who works in a Polish circus, was nominated for Best International Feature Film. While it did not win the Oscar, it did earn Polish director Jerzy Skolimowski the Jury Prize at Cannes, among other major industry awards.

Paweł Pawlikowski is one of the most successful Polish filmmakers in the industry today. He began his career as a documentarian before writing and directing feature films. His 2013 film "Ida" earned him his first Academy Award nomination and win for Best Foreign Language Film (now called Best International Feature Film). This marks the only win ever for Poland out of 13 nominations. The drama tells the story of a young woman about to take her vows as a Catholic nun when she finds out from a relative that her parents were Jewish and died in the German occupation of Poland during World War II.

Pawlikowski had another hit with 2018's "Cold War." The film covers several decades of the relationship between a musical director and a young singer who he discovered. He won Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Director. The film earned Poland a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film, and Polish cinematographer Łukasz Żal earned a nomination for Best Cinematography.

The most renowned Polish filmmaker of all time is Andrzej Wajda, who received an Honorary Oscar at the 72nd ceremony held in 2000, among other major recognitions. In the 1950s, he directed three films that became known as his war trilogy: "A Generation" (1955), "Kanał" (1957), and "Ashes and Diamonds" (1958). He later directed four films nominated for Best International Feature: "The Promised Land" (1975), "The Maids of Wilko" (1979), "Man of Iron" (1981), and "Katyń" (2007).

Be sure to check out these films as you celebrate Polish-American Heritage Month.

Every Thing Goes Book Café and Neighborhood Stage on Staten Island

October is National Arts and Humanities Month. Join Broadway Stages in celebrating a local business that specializes in raising the quality of life for those on Staten Island and the NYC metro area, by featuring literature and the performing arts! Everything Goes Thrift and Vintage has books, music, films, and performances. There is something for everyone!

At 208 Bay St. on Staten Island lies a hidden gem, Every Thing Goes Book Café and Neighborhood Stage (ETG). As the name says, it is a bookstore, a café, and a performance space. As one customer said, “They have every type of book by day and amazing local performances by night. Love this place.”

ETG was opened in 2005 by Steve Jones and Katie McCarthy with the vision of a local gathering spot where neighbors could come together to relax. They foresaw a place where people could meet, share their talents, and inform themselves about happenings in the local community and the wider world. ETG has become that and more.

The Café specializes in selling delicious organic and fair-trade coffee and teas. But it would be incomplete without something to nosh on. They have bagels, soups, snacks, and even vegan-friendly options in a comfortable, relaxed setting.

The cuisine is notable, but the customer service and atmosphere get just as much respect. John K. of Staten Island said, “The thing I remember most about my experience with Everything Goes Café is the people that work there. The ambiance of the place was very relaxing, and the service by the employees was highly above average in my opinion, and I left there with a great feeling.”

The bookstore is one of the largest used bookstores on Staten Island. It offers an unusually diverse collection of good quality, reasonably priced second-hand books and a smaller selection of vintage, collectible, and some new books, mostly by local authors. As an extra bonus for collectors, they also carry vinyl records and CDs.

Beyond books and recordings, ETG fosters the arts in a live capacity. On Friday and Saturday nights, they host events on their performance stage. Since 2005, the events have included concerts, poetry readings, open mics, book release (author) events, drum circles, seed swaps, educational talks, film screenings, pop-up craft markets, and more! Most of the events are free, but sometimes there is a small admission fee.

Just around the corner at 17 Brook St is the sister store, Every Thing Goes Thrift and Vintage. This store features a large selection of affordable used furniture, clothing, and collectibles. Both stores are just a 10-minute walk from the free Staten Island Ferry.

You can contact ETG Book Café and Neighborhood Stage by email at etg.bookcafe@yahoo.com or by calling 718-447-8256. But to stay informed about the upcoming performances and general happenings, you can also follow them on Facebook.

Broadway Stages loves being a part of the Staten Island community, and we promoting hidden gems like ETG. If you are looking for a friendly place and a friendly face, you can do no better than stopping in at Every Thing Goes Book Café and Neighborhood Stage. And when you do, tell them Broadway Stages sent you!

Spotlight | Denino’s Pizzeria and Tavern on Staten Island

Welcome to Broadway Stages’ Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues that provide goods and services to our community. October is Italian Heritage Month. Join Broadway Stages in honoring Italian Americans’ values, culture, and contributions during this observance! This week, we take you to Denino’s Pizzeria and Tavern on Staten Island.

Denino’s Pizzeria and Tavern on Port Richmond Ave., Staten Island, is no secret. Zagat, Time Out, The Staten Island Advance, The New York Times, and The Daily News have all sung their praises. They even won AOL’s “City’s Best” (all Boroughs) for the best pizza in New York City for two consecutive years (2007-08). Denino’s even counts Staten Island’s favorite son, Pete Davidson, as a customer. “He’s become a big fan. His family’s great ... he really tries to support Staten Island,” said co-owner Mike Burke.

This is enough to get Broadway Stages’ (and your) attention. But what really won our hearts was over eight decades of family and tradition that are behind their success.

In 1887, at the age of two, John (Giovanni) Denino arrived in New York City from Sicily, Italy. In 1937, after working in various businesses with his father, John decided to open a tavern at 524 Richmond Avenue. His parents and sisters all helped out at the tavern.

Then, in 1951, when John passed away, his son Carlo took the reins of the business. One of Carlo’s first decisions was to introduce pizza to the menu. Later, in the 60s, Carlo expanded the menu to include other family favorites. He used the family recipes for Chicken Parmigiana and Meatballs. They also use a sausage recipe concocted by Staten Island-based Belfiore Meats. Everything was and remains to be made from scratch, never frozen, and cooked to order.

In the years that have passed, Denino’s has added their own version of tavern favorites like Wings, Scungilli, Hero Sandwiches, and Fried Calamari — voted by Staten Islanders in 2022 as the best calamari in the borough. But the landmark award-winning, thin-crust pizza remains a customer favorite.

Sadly, Carlo passed away in 2000. But the family tradition is carried on by his son-in-law, Michael Burke. In fact, Denino’s has continued to grow.

Today, their menu features a variety of pizza pies and Italian dinner platters, always prepared fresh daily. Just don’t ask for the most controversial topping. “No pineapple on the pizza,” laughed Burke. “No pineapple. If you want it, bring your own pineapple.”

Today, you can get the same quality thin-crust pie from Denino’s in Greenwich Village, Brick, NJ, and even Thousand Oaks, CA. Rest assured that the taste and quality remain constant at each location. They ensure that the recipes and ingredients, down to the water, meet the same exacting standards as the flagship location on Staten Island.

If you are in the mood for a pie from Denino’s on Staten Island, you can call 718-442-9401 or go online and order. Their hours are Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. – 12 a.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. You can also follow their Facebook and Instagram pages for more information and offers.

Broadway Stages is proud to see another Italian family-owned and operated business thriving! Denino’s deserves all their success because they work hard, have unflinching standards of excellence, and respect their customers. You can confirm this for yourself after you place your order! And when you do, be sure to tell them Broadway Stages sent you!