Behind every great man...

Today's a very special day for everyone at Patsy's, because it's Concetta's birthday! If you aren't sure who Concetta is, then this blog was meant for you, because I'm about to tell you all about the story of Patsy's partner in business - his wife!

If you've read my blog about Patsy, you'll know that he came over to America first, and sent over for his family when he'd made enough money. That meant that Concetta was waiting in Italy with their oldest daughter, Anna - when it was finally time, she eagerly came over to America and joined Patsy.

That's Concetta with a baby Anna!

However, her experience in America was very different from Patsy's. Patsy had to learn English so that he could maintain a job and function in America, but it also meant he could translate for Concetta. As a result, she never fully learned English, and spoke Italian all her life.

In the early years, she was instrumental to the success of Patsy's. Since money was tight, they couldn't hire as many employees as they'd like, which meant that Concetta answered the phones, took reservations, greeted people, and even made drinks when another bartender wasn't available! Funny enough, when Sinatra was much younger and was still trying to hit it big, he'd come into Patsy's and help Concetta out whenever she was really swamped.

Concetta was actually phenomenal at making drinks, a trait that stemmed from her desire to save the restaurant as much money as possible. She perfected the measurements because even a drop of wasted alcohol was something that, in her eyes, the restaurant couldn't afford.

This extended to the family's personal finances, as well. Patsy was incredible when it came to bringing people into the restaurant and keeping them coming back, but Concetta managed the income of the restaurant and was constantly making sure that the family would have enough to keep the restaurant going while also keeping themselves in good shape.

All that saving paid off - look at that car!

Even when Patsy's was established, running well, and had a full payroll of employees, Concetta continued to work in the restaurant. She didn't make drinks anymore, opting instead to sit at the front desk, still greeting people and answering phones. She did, however, teach my father how to make drinks! Like many of our family members who've worked at Patsy's over the years, Concetta never wanted to stop working there, even when she realistically could have. The restaurant had become home, and the customers were all old friends.

As Patsy's wife, she raised a beautiful family and maintained a great home. But as Patsy's business partner, she helped his restaurant persevere in its early years, when every penny mattered. 

Concetta and Patsy on their 25th Anniversary!

September 10th, 1903 - December 2nd, 1976