In 1973 Stefano Magro, left San Guiseppe Jato (Palermo) Sicily for the United States with his family in hopes of a better opportunity. His parents, himself, along with three brothers settled in Frankfort, New York where the two younger boys attended school and the rest of the family started working. Speaking no English at all, and determined for a better life Stefano started working within weeks of his arrival. Working three jobs and long hours kept him very busy.

On a Saturday evening on a rare night out of work, he asked a girl to dance. He still couldn’t speak English, but it didn’t stop him from asking his future wife to dance. Stefano and Toni (Yozzo) were married 4 years later on July 22, 1978. Their son, Salvatore was born on February 8, 1980 followed by their daughter Stefania, on September 6, 1983.

Ambition and drive has always been a part of Stefano's personality which brought him to Carthage, New York in 1985. After helping his younger brother in a small pizzeria on weekends, he found his passion. The first Stefano's was opened in the summer of 1985 on State Street, in Carthage. At first it was located in a small building he renovated and eventually they moved and expanded next door to accommodate his expanding business. Stefano and Toni could be found there everyday from open to close with their children running around as well. This was a family business and they were all in it together.

On March 2, 2002 a fire devastated a whole block of downtown Carthage consuming the original Stefano's along with 8 other buildings. As the fire burned, Stefano already was in works of obtaining a temporary location to keep his business going. Weeks later Stefano's re-opened in a small building down the road. By now his two children were in college but also worked in the restaurant.

After graduating from The University of Buffalo, their son Salvatore started working full time in the restaurant and the second Stefano's location was opened in Pulaski, New York in 2003. The family continued working together at both locations, making Stefano's a family friendly environment. Anytime you visited either location you would find one of the family there. Stefano's re-opened from the temporary location in 2005 at 258 State Street. Here you found a cozy, hometown atmosphere with the same homemade sauces and dinners along with an expanded menu to enjoy.

Salvatore and Stefania both married in 2006 and welcomed 2 kids each to the Stefano’s family. Not only did their families expand, but so did their love for the business. The newest location opened in Mexico, New York in 2011 . Stefano is proud of where his life brought him since 1973 and of his family and business. No matter what location you visit, Stefano and his family will be there to greet and welcome you. You will find Salvatore in the Pulaski and Mexico locations and Stefania in the Carthage location. Stefano is still all over the place and you never know which one he will be at, but rest assure whichever location you visit you will receive the same hometown greeting and the best pizza and pasta around. And remember, if you’re lucky enough to live near a Stefano’s, then you always have "A little bit of Italy in your own backyard!”

 

Call to book your next party in our new banquet room