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For the first time in their 76-year history, Failoni's Restaurant is offering pizza. It's a family recipe with roots from the old country. It's going so well, the Failoni family is expanding. FOX 2's John Auble spent the afternoon with the man who's behind this rebirth. Alex Failoni, Jr. sings to the customers, "Chicago, Chicago, that toddlin' town." This is the way we came to know Alex Failoni, Junior, tending bar and singing Sinatra songs. But, for the past six weeks, this man they call "junior" has donned an apron and now stars in the kitchen, "It was the thing that was missing and it was a passion for me for 15 years or so."
For several months Alex huddled with his uncle Leo in Kansas City, learning the secrets of a true Italian crust and sauce. Customers can't believe it, saying things like "It's a totally different taste" and "It's the best pizza I've ever had."
He'll still sing on Thursday nights, but the rest of the time he's making the dough he should patent, "It kind've, like, melts in your mouth although it stays very firm when you pick the pizza up."
Nephew Joseph Meiners is Alex's only helper, topping the handmade crust that's got people talking – including dad and mom. Alex Failoni, Sr. explains, "Making everything from scratch and he's doing a terrific job."
Why did he wait so long to have pizza at an Italian restaurant? Rosemary Failoni answers, "I don't know."
Now, about that expansion. All through the years, Failoni's has been on Manchester, just east of McCausland. The plan is to open another Failoni's somewhere in south St. Louis County with carry-out pizza only. Alex says he will keep hand making the crust for both locations.
For several months Alex huddled with his uncle Leo in Kansas City, learning the secrets of a true Italian crust and sauce. Customers can't believe it, saying things like "It's a totally different taste" and "It's the best pizza I've ever had."
He'll still sing on Thursday nights, but the rest of the time he's making the dough he should patent, "It kind've, like, melts in your mouth although it stays very firm when you pick the pizza up."
Nephew Joseph Meiners is Alex's only helper, topping the handmade crust that's got people talking – including dad and mom. Alex Failoni, Sr. explains, "Making everything from scratch and he's doing a terrific job."
Why did he wait so long to have pizza at an Italian restaurant? Rosemary Failoni answers, "I don't know."
Now, about that expansion. All through the years, Failoni's has been on Manchester, just east of McCausland. The plan is to open another Failoni's somewhere in south St. Louis County with carry-out pizza only. Alex says he will keep hand making the crust for both locations.
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