Frank is the longtime owner of Frank and Sal’s Prime Meats, an Italian Market located on 18th avenue, four blocks away from the Bay Parkway train station. His store specializes in fine Italian foods, and imports most of its shelf products from Italy and makes all of it’s own over the counter food.

In our interview, Frank discussed his disdain for the new Chinese population. In his specific zoning, the population is 81% Asian following decades of it being 100% Italian. This change in the population is a negative aspect of immigration to Frank, who noted that  real estate prices are skyrocketing while the quality of life is deteriorating in the neighborhood. Compared to two decades ago he said, the neighborhood has become dirtier. “I don’t want to offend, but they are dirty people. Coming into backyards looking for cans, it’s disgusting! My customers often complain about it. The Community Board is trying to clean up the mess they have made by planting trees, sweeping streets, trying to bring back business to 18^th avenue, but they can’t afford these projects. It’s too late.”

The future of Frank and Sal’s Prime Meats is bleak. The majority of his customers, almost 75%, are long time customers who return for his authentic products after moving out of the neighborhood. He pointed out how everyone walking past with shopping carts was of an old age, and once those people pass, the business will no longer be able to last. Frank wants to remain in Bensonhurst because it is where he has spent the majority of his life, but recognizes that he might not have a choice in the matter as he believes that not too far into the future, “Bensonhurst will disappear.”

For more about Frank’s business, and if you wish to visit to enjoy some of his absolutely delicious and authentic Italian food, visit this site.