By Phil Corso
There’s a new flavor of service coming to Bayside to better reflect its bustling business district’s benefactors.
The owners of the Auburndale D’Alessandro’s Food Market have set up shop on Bell Boulevard and said they should be ready to launch D’Alessandro’s Corner Grill by the end of the month.
The new American-style grill, at 39-35 Bell Blvd., will be serving up its owners’ signature, high-quality brand of steaks, burgers, chops, ribs, salads, wraps, chicken and more with what owner Joe D’Alessandro Jr. said would be a fast-pace flavor.
“We’re going for quick service similar to that classic New York City style,” D’Alessandro said.
The new Bayside grill will also feature various high-end beers and wines.
D’Alessandro said the grill would present a unique dining experience, which mimics the traditional restaurant atmosphere without the waiters to tip. Patrons will place their orders with a cashier and then take a number back to a seat of their choice and wait for the meals to arrive.
The corner grill will open its doors by the end of June, D’Alessandro said, in the middle of a busy Bell Boulevard full of restaurants and bars and directly across the street from Bayside staples Uncle Jack’s Steakhouse and Papazzio restaurant.
But with a completely redesigned interior, top-quality cuts of meat and fresh food that is never frozen, the owner said he was ready to open a beautiful restaurant he and his whole family could be proud of.
“What makes us different is our style,” D’Alessandro said. “We present an upscale and fast-pace experience without the high-end prices. Our price point is the icing on the cake.”
Fresh meat will be delivered to the grill daily, courtesy of the famous Auburndale meat market run by D’Alessandro’s father, Joe D’Alessandro Sr. The father-son team will take their experiences in running an upscale meat market and use them in their first restaurant-style endeavor under the D’Alessandro name.
“We’re not just trying to reopen an old business,” D’Alessandro said. “We’re doing something special here. I refuse to open until we are sure we can crank from Day 1 because my family’s image and reputation are on the line.”
D’Alessandro said he and his father chose the corner Bayside location because of their familiarity with the region and to be closer to their local following.
And as for anticipating success in a location that has seen its fair share of turnover, the owner said all it takes is experience in the business and the right foot forward. The grill’s corner location was once home to Urbn Burgr, formerly known as Bell Burger, and several other businesses in recent years.
“We are putting our family’s name out there,” D’Alessandro said. “So we are paying very close attention to every detail. Everything gets a little bit more love.”
With burgers around $5, D’Alessandro said the grill will proivde Bell Boulevard patrons with an affordable outlet for food unlike any other in the area. Lunch specials will clock out around $10 per person and dinner between $20 and $30 per person, he said.
Reach reporter Phil Corso by e-mail at pcorso@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4573.
