Gino's Of Farmingdale Launches Pasta Project: 'Business Within A Business'

FARMINGDALE, NY — Gino's of Farmingdale is not just a pizzeria anymore.

The restaurant added several new food and drink items, reminiscent of Italy, from gelato and other Italian desserts to different coffees.

The most prominent change is what Gino's ownership is calling its "Pasta Project."

"It's a business within a business," co-owner Joe Licata told Patch. "This is one of many that we're looking to open up on Long Island."

Licata said the new concept is "basically fresh pasta on demand." The pasta gets formed in a machine and gets dumped right into a pot of hot water. It then gets swirled into a parmigiano reggiano cheese wheel from Italy. Customers can then top it with different sauces and other toppings.

People can build their own pasta dishes. The choices start with mezzi rigatoni or tagliatelle pasta. Patrons then pick a sauce and toppings, and, if they would like, their favorite olive oil.

Licata said he is "very excited" about the Pasta Project.

"I think this is one of our coolest concepts we've put together in a long time," he said. "It's different, but it's still in the same realm of what we do."

The owners spent time in Italy last summer and saw a similar concept being done there.

"We thought it would be a great idea to bring it to the states," Licata said.

Gino's of Farmingdale has also imported gelato from Italy. Other new menu items include bomboloni — Italian donuts — and tiramisu.

The restaurant also introduced a coffee machine capable of making cappuccinos, lattes and macchiatos. Beer and cold brew coffee on tap has also been added.

The partners behind the Gino's of Farmingdale are Alex Tulley, Michael Licata, Joe Licata, Michael Grimaudo, Nicholas Bruno and Juan Nova. The partners also own Gino's pizzerias in Northport, Kings Park, Commack and Nesconset.

The revamped concept was only introduced in Farmingdale so far, according to Joe Licata.

"We'll see how we can incorporate this into the other restaurants," he said.

Gino's is at 331 Main St., Farmingdale.