Residents bid farewell to century-old restaurant Ferdinando's Focacceria
Carroll Gardens residents are saying goodbye to a century-old family style Sicilian restaurant.
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A neighborhood staple for more than a century is closing its doors for good, and longtime customers say the loss hits hard.
Inside Ferdinando’s Focacceria, chairs are stacked, the cash register is off, and the hum of an empty restaurant replaces the usual bustle. Owner Francesco Buffa is saying goodbye much too soon, according to loyal patrons.
“My plan was that before I died and was put in the ground, I’d have my last meal here,” one customer said.
The family-style Sicilian restaurant first opened in 1904, spanning three generations of ownership. Buffa married into the family business after a journey that included playing sports in Europe, studying physical therapy, and planning to open a practice in Italy.
“But then I met my wife, and everything changed overnight,” Buffa said. “You think one thing, and it never happens.”
For the past 50 years, Buffa has been at the heart of Ferdinando’s, welcoming countless guests.
“That’s Martin Scorsese,” he said, pointing to a photo.
Until now, he worked nearly every day, from open to close.
“What happened?” he asked himself. “My back hurts a little. I sit over there and go over here. I see myself. I’m 75 years old. How far can I go?”
His children won’t be taking over the business. Buffa says he never wanted it for them.
“Let me tell you something. If I had to start again, I wouldn’t do it. Not because I don’t love it, but you sacrifice your life. It’s not easy.”
Now, he plans to spend time in Sicily, enjoying the beach. As for the future of the building, which he owns, he has just one wish.
“I don’t want someone coming in with a Rolex and a suit. I want family-style.”
