Original Italian Pizza and Restaurant, located at 25 Lake St. in Owego, N.Y. is celebrating their 30th anniversary in January. <\/p>\n
Well-known in the community as simply \u201cOriginal\u2019s,\u201d the beloved restaurant has been a favorite for generations. Offering a wide array of foods and specializing in Italian cuisine, Original\u2019s renowned pizza and chicken wings, traditional Italian fare and famous homemade sauces and out-of-this-world bread have been a consistent hit in the area for decades and a go-to for visitors. <\/p>\n
Co-owners Mike and Rob Yammine remarked that it never gets old when they hear \u201cI had to get Original\u2019s\u201d from people who have moved away and then come back home to visit. The brothers said it is a great feeling to hear those sentiments.<\/p>\n
The addition of Owego Original\u2019s Bar and Lounge at 23 Lake St. complements the \u201coriginal Original\u2019s,\u201d and created an appealing atmosphere that draws in many for events, live music, and classic and new menu items. From steak and seafood to a full service bar that serves up hand-crafted cocktails and other signature drinks, the bar and lounge has evolved into one of Owego\u2019s popular destinations.<\/p>\n
Looking back, Bradley Crews, Owego Original\u2019s Bar and Lounge booking and bar manager, explained, \u201cIt was a slow evolution,\u201d and shared that the very first \u201cFirst Friday\u201d event was a stepping stone. Today, the focus is to bring in the area\u2019s most talented performers, and enthusiastic audiences have shown they look forward to the entertainment each Friday.<\/p>\n
Crews added that the bar and lounge emanates a distinct charm and atmosphere that customers enjoy, too, and today those who frequent the establishment are often traveling from afar, which is a win-win for both Original\u2019s and Owego.<\/p>\n
The entire Yammine family has been in food service for decades, so running a restaurant comes second nature. <\/p>\n
When original owners Mike Yammine and Ed Kazan, a cousin, first assumed ownership of the restaurant, it was located at 13 Lake St., now home to the Owego Kitchen. They then moved years later to 25 Lake St. At the time Sincerely Yours, a card and gift shop, was their neighbor, and the future home to the bar and lounge. <\/p>\n
Those early days, Mike said, featured Ed and himself cooking, taking orders, prepping and, \u201cDoing it all.\u201d<\/p>\n
Back in those early days, Mike explained, a handful of employees were on board, including some family. Today, upwards of 40 people at any given time keep Original\u2019s hopping. After Ed left the business, younger brother Rob Yammine, a U.S. Marine veteran and 1995 Owego Free Academy graduate, joined as co-owner in 2011. <\/p>\n
Mike explained that the original Original\u2019s space was not restaurant ready, so it required a full kitchen install. The property provided much needed space, though, and from the previous businesses, a realtor, and a travel agency, they were able to repurpose some items; but overall a majority of the work was brand new.<\/p>\n
Later, a walkway was created to the building next door that featured a banquet room, and eventually a section of wall was cut through to where the bar and lounge is located today. <\/p>\n
In 2014 the bar received a major facelift with fresh paint, a refurbished ceiling and extra bar seating, high-top tables and booths, as well as other general improvements. The original restaurant also saw fresh paint and updates.<\/p>\n
As the brothers experienced an increase in business, in 2019 they added a new pizza kitchen to boost pizza and wings output.<\/p>\n
From take-out, dine in, daily specials, catering and booking private events, what\u2019s next for Original\u2019s? Coming soon will be the launch of on-line ordering, where customers can pull up the Original\u2019s menu from their website and order ahead! Stay tuned for the live date.<\/p>\n
In celebration of their anniversary, plan a visit on or before Jan. 31 and enter to win one of 30 prize giveaways such as free pizza, dinners, desserts, and gift certificates. Guests that are age 18 and older can fill out a form at Original\u2019s; winners will be notified on Feb. 1.<\/p>\n
Also, when you grab a table and order from Jan. 24-31, enjoy a piece of anniversary cake!<\/p>\n
Near and dear to Rob\u2019s heart, Original\u2019s is proud to offer a ten percent discount to past and present members of the Armed Forces, police, and fire departments.<\/p>\n