Frank Kabatas, a popular pizza chef at East Village Pizza, shares his delicious slices with customers while also posting engaging videos for his 1.7 million Instagram followers.
Frank Kabatas, a Turkish immigrant, found his love for pizza when he moved to New York in 1997. His journey in the pizza industry began at East Village Pizza, where he worked various jobs before acquiring the pizzeria with his brother in 2003. Over the years, they have turned East Village Pizza into one of the most popular pizza spots in Manhattan, gaining a massive following on Instagram.
Frank’s passion for pizza started when he tried his first plain cheese slice at East Village Pizza. Despite not being immediately blown away, he realized he should have tried pizza sooner. This sparked his interest in the art of pizza making, leading him to work at different pizzerias to learn the secrets of baking great pies and selling them.
In 2003, Frank and his brother took a leap of faith by borrowing $25,000 from an aunt in Turkey to purchase East Village Pizza from its retiring owner. Since then, they have worked tirelessly to make their pizzeria a success. Their dedication and commitment to quality have paid off, with East Village Pizza becoming a go-to spot for locals and tourists alike.
Today, Frank Kabatas, now 49 years old, resides in Queens with his wife, Melike, and their three daughters. Their oldest daughter, Eva, is pursuing her education at Columbia University, while their younger daughters, Alisa and Sarah, enjoy growing up in the bustling city of New York.
East Village Pizza’s success story is a testament to Frank’s hard work, determination, and love for pizza. With a strong presence on social media, they have managed to attract a large following and establish themselves as a must-visit pizza place in Manhattan. Whether you’re a local looking for a delicious slice or a tourist exploring the city, East Village Pizza is a place where you can experience authentic New York-style pizza at its finest.
Source: The NY Times
