When it comes to his family business, Chris Pescione emphasizes the former over the latter.
Nov. 24 marked the 30th anniversary of Capone’s Restaurant and Lounge on Summit Street. The eatery was founded by Pat and Judy Pescione in 1993. Chris Pescione’s father and stepmother each had their own restaurant experience prior to launching Capone’s, including operating both Portofino’s and Pescione’s Kitchen in Malden. They quickly made Capone’s their priority by creating what they felt was a concept rare to the area: Italian food and live music.
“We’re one of the few places — and the only place that has been doing it this long — where you can come out on a weekend night, see a band, eat some good food. We’ve got all these generations of restaurant experience behind us. To combine those two things is unique,” Chris Pescione said.
He added that the building itself also adds to the venue’s unique features, as it already had a history of live music and entertainment before Capone’s was established.
“It’s been a few different things,” Chris Pescione explained. “It was the Summit Club, Lady Bug, and the OK Corral.”
The restaurant’s name originates from Pat Pescione’s sister, who married someone with the last name Capone.
“Obviously it was more to go with the theme,” Chris Pescione said.
Chris Pescione is grateful that his restaurant survived the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and credits his loyal staff and customer base for keeping the business afloat during a time when hundreds of thousands of restaurants closed their doors for good.
“We have had the same crew for so many years,” Chris Pescione said. “The cooks have all been here… It’s like a family here, it really is. From ownership right to the staff.”
He added that ownership and employee tenure are not the only things that extend across generations.
“People who came here with their kids, those kids are now coming here with their kids,” Chris Pescione said.
Andrea Caggiano and Lisa Levy are two of the “family” members who have worked at Capone’s since the beginning, and echoed that the close relationships are what have kept them from wanting to work anywhere else.
“This place is very special, we’re like a work family,” Levy said. “It’s just good people that work here. The owner, Chris, is so great to work for and that’s why I’ve been here for so long.”
Mary Ann Berube has been a regular at Capone’s since day one, and loves coming to the restaurant whether she is with her family or on her own.
“I don’t know why she keeps coming back, we treat her terrible,” Chris Pescione joked.
Berube responded by saying she would be insulted if Chris Pescione did not “bust her chops.”
Chris Pescione plans on having an official anniversary celebration after the holiday season, as well as various giveaways, specials, and promotions throughout 2024 in honor of the occasion.
