It is perhaps a natural inclination, when taking over a business to make changes, to attempt to imprint the operation with one’s own name or style.
That won’t be happening at Frank the Pizza King.
“I’m gonna keep everything the same,” said Matthew Krascek, 25. “It’s been working for 50 years — I probably won’t change a thing.”
That’s a comforting thought for fans of the little corner shop in Englewood, which last month indeed celebrated a half-century in business.
Opened by Hungarian immigrant Frank Krascek just six years after he arrived in the U.S., the restaurant has been an area staple for decades. It’s also been a family operation — Frank’s son Walt now runs the place with his sister, Maria, and his wife, Ellen.
Matthew, who said he was teethed on the crust, is the heir apparent — if and when his parents and aunt decide to slow down.
“It depends on my legs, how long they hold out,” said Maria, who started working in the restaurant some 45 years ago, at age 10. “My mom’s legs kind of went out on her, but she used to just sit here and watch everything — maybe that’s what I’ll do.”
One would be hard-pressed to find a local who hasn’t eaten at Frank’s; drawn by the combination of the continuity and the consistency of the food — the recipes are the same as when Frank bought the shop in 1951 — diners soon find themselves as interwoven in the operation as the Krasceks and their employees.
“There are customers who babysat me when I was little,” Matthew said.
“Our cook has been here 30-some years. We’ve got four employees who have been here 20 to 30 years,” Maria continued. “And the customers are all family — all the employees are family and all the customers are family.”
When they lived in the area, it wasn’t unusual for John Elway and Champ Bailey to drop in.
When he owned an auto dealership up the street, Denver Broncos Hall of Fame running back Floyd Little was a regular, often getting into deep, philosophical discussions while sharing a slice with Maria’s mother.
“He and Grandma were best buds,” Matthew said.
In a nod to the here and now and social media, the restaurant set up a Facebook page about three months ago and has already drawn more than 500 “likes” — and when Broncos rookie offensive tackle Orlando Franklin asked his Twitter followers for suggestions on a place to eat, the overwhelming response was to go to Frank’s.
“He had some pizzas and some wings,” Matthew said. “I think he liked it — he said he’ll be back.”
Just like everyone else has for more than 50 years.
Anthony Cotton: 303-954-1292 or acotton@denverpost.com
LOCATION:
4701 South Broadway, Englewood, Colorado
303-789-2279 or
