With a Ferrari in the eating area, the Ferrari Pizza Bar in Chili lives up to its name. (March 2017)
In East Rochester’s Piano Works Mall, the Rubino’s Italian Submarines franchise has closed, and Ferrari Pizza Bar will take its place. The popular west side restaurant’s second site is now under construction in the former sub shop and four adjacent stores. The restaurant’s owner, Joe Ferrari (yep, that’s his real name), intends to mimic the idea and design of the original Chili establishment, which debuted in October.
Owner Ferrari claimed, “We’re carving out a lovely little niche for ourselves.” “People are incredibly accepting of us.”
Similar to Chili, the inside will include an upbeat, upscale combination of rustic wood, exposed ductwork, industrial lighting, splashes of bright red, and yellow, as well as an eye-catching sports automobile that is placed on a lift.
The Ferrari that is currently on the lift at the Chili location was originally drove into the restaurant through a garage-style door. It is shiny, bright red, and in working order. It has a hot rod on display right now. The cars change frequently so that the owners can drive them. The question of whether the cars are real or not is frequently questioned in the bar.
Ferrari responded, “I wish I could find a phony one; I could save a lot of money.” He receives so many inquiries regarding the vehicles that he has a placard with the words “These automobiles are real” ordered.
The East Rochester restaurant will include a sizable bar and serve a variety of pizzas and casual food that is suitable for families. The building’s front walkway will be changed into an outdoor seating area. Ferrari anticipates it will debut somewhere in the autumn.
On West Commercial Street, close to Interstate 490, there is a shopping center and office complex called The Piano Works Mall. It used to be one of the biggest piano factories in the nation, and it made its final piano in the 1980s.