Yellow and green tiles were replaced with white brick and wood paneling at Dino’s Pizza in Astoria.
The staple late-night eatery, located at at 30-01 Broadway, reopened last month after having what owner Bruno Carusone called “a much-needed face-lift.”
Astoria is changing, according to Carusone, who recognizes an increase in young professionals moving into the neighborhood.
“We wanted give them another option to sit down and have a quick bite,” he said.” Its still the same taste just a new look.”
Dino’s Pizza has been in been in Astoria since Carusone’s grandparents, two Italian immigrants from Bellona, Italy, opened the restaurant in 1957. Originally called Angelo’s Pizza, the family business was first located across the street from the current location. Dino’s moved to 30-01 Broadway in 1983.
“A lot of memories,” said Carusone. Although a bit saddened by the change, Carusone felt compelled to change the restaurant’s appearance for the sake of survival. A younger, trendier crowd needed to be become regulars and a sit-down clientele would increase profit.
But Carusone couldn’t be happier with the turnout since the reopening and hopes that more Queens residents will stop by Dino’s and sit down split a pizza and a bottle of wine and continue to make memories.
For more information on menu items and hours, visit www.dinos-pizzeria.com.
