Today we’d like to introduce you to Don Galacci.
Hi Don, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Established by Don Galacci in 1982, Alfredo’s Café has become a staple of the Scranton dining scene for more than four decades. Best known for its “Award-Winning” Pan Pizza, Alfredo’s signature pizza is based on a cherished family recipe that Don refined into the beloved version served today.
What began as a small neighborhood restaurant serving pizza and subs has grown into a full-service dining destination. Today, Alfredo’s Café seats approximately 160 guests indoors, with an additional 40 seats on its outdoor patio. The restaurant also features a full-service bar that accommodates approximately 35 guests and offers an extensive food and beverage menu.
Whether you’re stopping in for a quick business lunch, a casual family meal, or a full-course dinner, Alfredo’s Café offers something for everyone. Our diverse menu features everything from appetizers, soups, salads, and sandwiches to pasta, seafood, steaks, and our famous “Award-Winning” Pan Pizza, along with other specialty pizzas; made fresh to order.
In addition to our renowned food, Alfredo’s Café has earned recognition for serving some of the area’s Best Martinis, offering more than 80 varieties alongside an extensive selection of wines, beers, and specialty cocktails. From classic favorites to creative signature drinks, there is something to satisfy every palate.
Our commitment to using only the freshest and finest ingredients has been a cornerstone of our success and continues to set us apart.
Alfredo’s Café is also proud to provide both on-premises and off-premises catering services. We specialize in hosting and catering a variety of events, including weddings, rehearsal dinners, bridal and baby showers, communions, confirmations, funeral luncheons, holiday parties, corporate gatherings, birthdays, and other special occasions.
Conveniently located at 1040 South Washington Avenue in Scranton, Alfredo’s Café is just minutes from downtown Scranton, Courthouse Square, The Marketplace at Steamtown, major hotels, and many of the city’s most popular attractions.
For 44 years, Alfredo’s Café has remained committed to serving great food, exceptional cocktails, and warm hospitality to generations of guests throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.
We also received a memorable shoutout on the NBC hit television show The Office as the Home of the “Good Pizza.” Since then, we’ve welcomed countless fans from across the country, and even around the world, who make it a point to visit Alfredo’s and try the pizza for themselves. It’s been a fun and unexpected part of our story, and we’re always grateful to meet the loyal fans who stop in while visiting Scranton.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like any small business, there have been challenges along the way. One of the biggest is finding and retaining good employees. We have been very fortunate to have an incredible team, with some of our chefs and pizza makers having been with us for more than 20 years. Their dedication and loyalty have played a major role in our success.
Alfredo’s has become a family business. I am at the restaurant every day, and my wife, Leslie, helps by handling many of the behind-the-scenes responsibilities, including advertising, payroll, scheduling, special events, and marketing. My stepson, Zach, serves as our manager and works alongside our staff in every aspect of the business.
Like many restaurants, the COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges. There was a great deal of uncertainty, but thanks to our dedicated employees and the unwavering support of our loyal customers, we were able to weather the storm. We are grateful that we not only survived that difficult period, but continue to operate seven days a week and serve the community that has supported us for more than 44 years.
We never take that support for granted, and we are thankful every day for the customers, employees, family, and friends who have helped make Alfredo’s what it is today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Alfredo’s Cafe?
Best known for our “Award-Winning” Pan Pizza, Alfredo’s signature pizza is based on a cherished family recipe that Don refined into the beloved version served today.
We also received a memorable shoutout on the NBC hit television show The Office as the home of the “Good Pizza.” Since then, we’ve welcomed countless fans from across the country, and even around the world, who make it a point to visit Alfredo’s and try the pizza for themselves. It’s been a fun and unexpected part of our story, and we’re always grateful to meet the loyal fans who stop in while visiting Scranton.
What began as a small neighborhood restaurant serving pizza and subs has grown into a full-service dining destination. Today, Alfredo’s Café seats approximately 160 guests indoors, with an additional 40 seats on its outdoor patio. The restaurant also features a full-service bar that accommodates approximately 35 guests and offers an extensive food and beverage menu.
Whether you’re stopping in for a quick business lunch, a casual family meal, or a full-course dinner, Alfredo’s Café offers something for everyone. Our diverse menu features everything from appetizers, soups, salads, and sandwiches to pasta, seafood, steaks, and our famous “Award-Winning” Pan Pizza, along with other specialty pizzas; made fresh to order. While our pizza put us on the map, we take pride in offering a diverse menu that appeals to families, business professionals, and visitors alike. Our Chicken Parmesan has also become a longtime customer favorite and remains one of our signature dishes.
In addition to our renowned food, Alfredo’s Café has earned recognition for serving some of the area’s Best Martinis, offering more than 80 varieties alongside an extensive selection of wines, beers, and specialty cocktails. From classic favorites to creative signature drinks, there is something to satisfy every palate.
Our commitment to using only the freshest and finest ingredients has been a cornerstone of our success and continues to set us apart. Quality, consistency, and hospitality are at the heart of everything we do and are values we strive to maintain every day. From the food we serve to the experience we provide, our goal is to make every guest feel welcome while delivering the same great meal and service our customers have come to expect for over 40 years.
Alfredo’s Café is also proud to provide both on-premises and off-premises catering services. We specialize in hosting and catering a variety of events, including wedding rehearsal dinners, bridal and baby showers, communions, confirmations, funeral luncheons, holiday parties, corporate gatherings, birthdays, and other special occasions.What we are most proud of is the loyalty of our customers. For more than 40 years, families have celebrated milestones, gathered with friends, and created memories at Alfredo’s. We are grateful to be a part of those moments and to continue serving the community that has supported us for generations.
How do you think about luck?
Luck certainly plays a role in any business, but I believe hard work, perseverance, family and the people around you are what truly determine success.
We have been fortunate in many ways. One of our greatest advantages has been having loyal customers who have supported Alfredo’s for over four decades and dedicated employees who have become like family. Family has also become part of the heart of our business. My wife, Leslie, helps behind the scenes while my step-son, Zach, manages and works alongside our staff in every aspect of the restaurant.
We’ve also experienced our share of challenges. Like many small businesses, finding and retaining good help is an ongoing struggle. The COVID-19 pandemic was another difficult chapter, but thanks to our hardworking staff and loyal customers, we were able to keep our doors open and continue serving our community.
If there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s that sometimes luck opens a door, but it’s commitment, consistency, and treating people right that keep that door open. We feel incredibly fortunate to have built relationships that have sustained Alfredo’s since 1982, and we are grateful every day for the family, employees, and customers who have been part of that journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alfredoscafe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alfredoscafescranton
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alfredoscafe.scranton
