In a world of fleeting trends and ever-changing tastes, Frank Guido’s Little Italy stands as a comforting constant, a culinary cornerstone in Kingston, NY. While subtle updates grace the menu, like a novel pizza featuring goat cheese, pear, and arugula, the resounding philosophy remains: why tamper with perfection? This steadfast approach is precisely what has cemented Frank Guido’s Little Italy as a beloved institution for generations.
Stepping inside Frank Guido’s Little Italy is akin to entering a warm embrace of Italian-American heritage. The walls tell a silent story, adorned with framed photographs of iconic Italian figures. From Tony Bennett’s melodic charm to Yogi Berra’s baseball prowess, George Pataki’s political presence, Luciano Pavarotti’s operatic voice, and Frank Sinatra’s legendary crooning, these images create a nostalgic backdrop to your dining experience. Frank Guido himself recounts a humorous anecdote about a photo featuring Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci. “I sent it to Robert De Niro,” Frank chuckles, “asking him to get Joe Pesci’s autograph!” De Niro’s good-natured reply, “Frank, nice seeing you again, but you are on your own with Pesci,” only adds to the restaurant’s trove of engaging stories.
Beyond celebrity snapshots, the walls of Frank Guido’s Little Italy are a deeply personal gallery, showcasing Frank’s family history. Pictures of his grandparents, who journeyed from Calabria and Naples to America, his parents, and his sprawling extended family – boasting nearly 100 first cousins – offer a glimpse into the Guido lineage. Adding to this tapestry of community are photos of Frank’s “paesanos,” his childhood friends from East Kingston’s vibrant Italian community of the 1940s and 50s. “I’ve been friends with these guys for 65, 70 years,” Frank shares, highlighting the enduring bonds forged in this close-knit enclave. These “paesanos” aren’t just friends; they are also loyal patrons, further weaving the restaurant into the fabric of local life.
Frank Guido’s passion for the restaurant industry ignited in his childhood, sparked by time spent at his Uncle Chucky’s bar. At just eight years old, he witnessed the simple pleasures of hospitality, where drinks were a dime and hamburgers a mere 35 cents. Despite earning a Master’s in accounting from Marist College and briefly working for the IRS after graduation, the allure of the restaurant business proved irresistible. “It was in my blood,” Frank explains, describing his decision to leave the IRS after only three months and open his own bar.
Mark Guido, Frank’s son, seamlessly integrates into our conversation, embodying the same innate restaurant energy. His attention is divided, engaging in the discussion while subtly ensuring the restaurant’s smooth operation. He updates his father on a funeral gathering currently being served, a testament to the restaurant’s role as a community gathering place for all occasions. When asked if he knows all of Frank’s stories, Mark readily admits, “Most of them,” adding, “I know enough to carry it on to my daughter,” ensuring the family legacy extends to the next generation.
Opposite the family wall, a collection of larger, more stylized, and professionally shot images catches the eye. “Are those family too?” I inquire. “Those are stock images,” Frank clarifies with a smile. “They are just very Italian looking.” These newer additions, spearheaded by Mark, reflect a desire for a slightly updated aesthetic. “I just wanted a little different look,” Mark explains, demonstrating a thoughtful balance between honoring tradition and embracing subtle modernization.
Mark’s path to the family business wasn’t initially direct. After exploring various colleges, he found his calling at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, renowned for its restaurant and hospitality programs. This experience provided clarity and direction. When Frank faced prostate cancer, Mark’s priorities shifted, and he returned home after graduation. Frank’s recovery solidified Mark’s decision to stay in Kingston and dedicate himself to Frank Guido’s Little Italy. “I can’t imagine working for anybody else, really,” Mark reflects, “This is where my heart is.”
Frank Guido’s Little Italy is more than just a restaurant; it’s a place deeply rooted in community and history. It’s where lifelong friendships flourish, often mirroring connections between parents and grandparents who immigrated from Italy in 1911. “That’s how the families in East Kingston were intertwined,” Frank elaborates. “A hundred and eight years later, there is still a relationship.” This enduring spirit of family, community, and authentic Italian-American hospitality is the heart and soul of Frank Guido’s Little Italy, a Kingston treasure that continues to charm and nourish all who walk through its doors.
