The Pizzeria Owner Who Captured the Tastebuds 

of Over a Million Instagram Followers

Krush Staff • November 2, 2024

New York City, New York —  a culinary legend has been brewing, and his name is Frank Kabatas. As the owner of East Village Pizza, Frank has transformed a small pizzeria into a beloved landmark, attracting pizza enthusiasts from around the globe. His story is one of determination and hard work, a journey that began when he arrived in New York City in 1997 at the age of 23, barely speaking English but armed with a passion for pizza and an unyielding drive to succeed.

Frank started his journey as a delivery driver at East Village Pizza, a role that lasted only six months due to a verbal altercation with another employee. However, this setback did not deter him. He continued to work in the pizza industry, juggling 12-hour shifts at various pizzerias, including a stint at Domino's on Long Island, while attending school to improve his English. His dedication paid off when he was promoted to store manager after just eight months, a position that taught him invaluable lessons about business and marketing.

In 2003, Frank and his brother Mel borrowed $25,000 from their aunt in Turkey to purchase East Village Pizza from its retiring proprietor. This marked the beginning of a new era for the pizzeria. With over 23 years of experience in the industry, Frank brought a unique blend of traditional and innovative pizza-making techniques to the table. East Village Pizza quickly became a cornerstone of NYC's pizza culture, known for its high-quality, innovative pizzas. Frank's commitment to excellence is evident in every pie he creates, from the classic Margherita to more experimental flavors. His Margherita Pizza, for instance, took over three years to perfect, involving numerous cheese and sauce combinations.

Frank's success extends beyond the kitchen. He has leveraged social media to turn East Village Pizza into an Instagram sensation. With 1.7 million followers, Frank regularly posts videos of his pizza-making process, which have gone viral and been featured on major Instagram accounts. His use of Instagram has not only attracted new followers but also helped in creating a loyal customer base.

On a typical Sunday, Frank's day is filled with activity. He arrives at the pizzeria around 11:15 AM to ensure the first pie of the day meets his high standards. If it does, he quickly films a video for Instagram, knowing that good lighting and a great cheese pull are essential for captivating his audience. Before the lunch rush, Frank often takes a short break to indulge in a sweet treat from Gelatoville, enjoying a scoop of hazelnut or pistachio ice cream to cool down and relax. As the pizzeria bustles with activity, Frank circulates through the kitchen, assisting wherever needed and occasionally making pizzas himself. One of his specialties is the double-stack pizza, a creation he perfected during the pandemic while live-streaming his pizza-making process.

As East Village Pizza continues to thrive, Frank remains enthusiastic and motivated. His dream of making the pizzeria a landmark NYC destination has been realized, and he is proud to share this achievement with his family and community. With plans for future projects and expansions on the horizon, Frank Kabatas is ensuring that East Village Pizza remains a cherished destination for pizza lovers for years to come (See More)...