Novelist Anthony Sciarratta Taking Pizza Lovers Back to 1969

Tony’s Pizzeria occupied the storefront at 100-05 Metropolitan Avenue from 1969 to 2001. Anthony Sciarratta, the grandson of Anthony “Tony” Sciarratta, hopes to reopen the pizzeria in the coming years.

Tony's grandson is a novelist who recently released his first book, "Finding Forever: A 1970s Love Story", with Post Hill Press. Ironically, the book takes place in 1970s Queens during the time that the pizzeria was actually in business.

"Finding Forever: A 1970s Love Story," is the story of a neurotic Italian American man who is inspired to write a novel about his love affair with a quirky broadway actress.

"Everyone thought that I wrote the book," Tony laughed. "My grandson is named after me."

Currently, the storefront is occupied by a middle-eastern restaurant, but Sciarratta says he will reopen the pizzeria even if it isn't in the same location.

"My goal is to make it as original as possible," Sciarratta said. "If I'm not able to, I'll settle for choosing another location in Forest Hills."

Sciarratta also plans to pay homage to Giuliano Francini, who worked with Tony for almost three decades, in the newly established pizzeria. Francini passed away last year.

In April, Sciarratta will be releasing his second novel, "The Letter," which partly takes place in Middle Village.