Under New Management, Bella Napoli Becomes Frank’s Bella Napoli

A little more than a year after it opened, Bella Napoli, Neapolitan-style brick-oven pizzeria on Bay Parkway, has changed hands, and its new owner is adding a Sicilian flair to the menu.

Palermo-born Frank Giambanco — who runs the joint with his wife Lucy, kids Jack and Jennifer, and Jennifer’s boyfriend Anthony — purchased the store from his friend Vincenzio Auriuso this summer, and reopened the business as Frank’s Bella Napoli two days ago, following a spruce up and fresh coat of paint.

Frank says he plans to retain the restaurant’s delicious brick-oven pizza by-the-inch, but intends to expand the menu from the standard pizza fare. His specialty? “Linguine with clam sauce,” Frank says without missing a beat.

He also plans to sell other Italian and Sicilian specialties like rice balls with meat, peas, and mozzarella and trippa, a tripe dish he which says “all the Italians, they order this.”

Next Thursday, July 14, neighbors are invited to sample Frank’s specialties at a grand opening feast that will include a free buffet, starting at 6pm.

Frank, who lives with his family on Avenue U in Gravesend, has been in the pizza business for 40 years. His first restaurant was opened on Grand Street on the Lower East Side in 1974. He spent time running pizzerias in Bethlahem, Pennsylvania and lived in Florida for a few years.

“I’m happy to get back into the business,” he told us.

We will be dropping by try Frank’s linguine with clam sauce and will keep y’all posted on the verdict.

Call Frank’s Bella Napoli at (718) 483-9920 to place an order or visit them at 7116 Bay Parkway.