Carrying on the Tradition
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While frank Cina wasn’t born in the same Italian village as his grandfather, Corrado “Joe” Manfredi, both share a passion for community and service. Manfredi, who landed in Brooklyn at the age of 14 in 1952, forged a successful career as an auto mechanic before establishing the renowned Manfredi Auto Mall on staten Island by 1962. Generations later, Cina carries on his grandfather’s legacy, but instead of cars, he’s focusing on creating flavorful memories through food.
In November 2023, Cina opened Corrado’s Cucina, a tribute to his culinary heritage and grandfather’s name.Situated in Greenridge, near the former Al Deppe’s restaurant, Corrado’s is a party of Southern Italian cuisine, bringing the warmth and flavors of Manfredi’s homeland to life. “I learned the importance of customer service from my grandfather,” Cina says, a value clearly evident in Corrado’s inviting atmosphere.
Cina skillfully curated a menu that offers an authentic taste of Italy, enlisting chef Giovanni Amato to lead the kitchen. A native of Palermo, Sicily, Amato brings a wealth of culinary expertise to the table, crafting dishes like parmigiana di melanzane, arancine cacio e pepe, linguine vongole, rigatoni burrata, polpo and rigatoni norma. A traditional brick oven proudly produces a variety of red and white pizzas, including unique Sicilian creations. The warm and inviting ambiance accommodates over 150 guests, with a separate event space catering to up to 90 guests.
For locals like Reda Mikhail, Corrado’s Cucina is more than just a restaurant; it’s a heartwarming experience. Mikhail, a longtime customer of Manfredi Auto Mall, discovered Cina’s connection to his grandfather upon visiting the restaurant. “When the restaurant first opened, the owner introduced himself, and that’s when I found out he was Manfredi’s grandson,” he shared.
Mikhail, who calls the neighborhood home, is a frequent visitor, drawn back by the excellent food, reasonable prices, and warm hospitality. “We come here frequently because this is my neighborhood. The rib-eye steak is excellent.The price is perfect, the service is great, and everything here is lovely,” Mikhail adds, praising the restaurant’s ambiance and overall quality.
A Lasting legacy
Corrado’s Cucina is a testament to the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship and family tradition. Cina’s dedication to honoring his grandfather’s legacy shines through in every aspect of the restaurant, creating a special place where customers can savor delicious food, experience genuine hospitality, and connect with the heart of family and tradition.
A Legacy of Service: The Manfredi Family’s Automotive Empire
Joe Manfredi’s name is synonymous with Staten Island’s automotive landscape.From a young mechanic to a leader of a sprawling auto empire, his story is one of hard work, family, and a dedication to his customers that transcended the typical business transaction.
Manfredi’s journey began humbly. Arriving in America as a young man, he heeded his father’s advice to learn a trade. While options like electrician or plumber were available, Manfredi chose auto mechanics, graduating from Brooklyn Automotive High School and honing his skills at local garages.
His talent and dedication did not go unnoticed. Safe Rambler in Brooklyn recognized his potential, hiring him and propelling him through the ranks from mechanic to service manager and eventually into sales. With a deep understanding of the industry and a knack for connecting with people, Manfredi was ready for the next chapter.
In 1985, he made his mark on Staten Island with a Subaru dealership, followed by Staten Island Toyota in 1987. This marked the beginning of his remarkable expansion. Over the years,Manfredi built a network of dealerships that stretched along Hylan Boulevard,encompassing brands like Chevrolet,Chrysler Jeep Dodge,Fiat,Hyundai,Kia,Mazda,Mitsubishi,Scion,and of course,Toyota.
But Manfredi’s legacy extends beyond the impressive collection of dealerships. He was known for going above and beyond for his customers, a sentiment echoed by those who frequented his establishments.
“People come to the restaurant and tell me that your grandfather came down from his office to handle my sale personally, your grandfather delivered the car to my house, your grandfather was never too busy to help me. Did you know that your grandfather owned a soccer team?” shared Cina, Manfredi’s grandson, highlighting this personal touch.
Christian Errico, a manager at one of Manfredi’s restaurants, shared an anecdote that perfectly encapsulates this legendary service: ”A customer who was having dinner told me that years ago, he was driving on the Richmond Parkway when he got pulled over by a police officer. Suddenly, a car pulled over behind him.It was Joe Manfredi who got out of his car, went up to the police officer, pointed to the Manfredi bracket around the license plate, and saeid, ‘Officer, he bought the car from me; please let him go,’ and he got off with a warning.”
A Legacy of Cars and Community: The manfredi family Story
The name Manfredi has been synonymous with quality and customer service in staten Island’s automotive industry for generations. This legacy, built on a foundation of family values and a deep commitment to the community, continues to resonate even as the last Manfredi dealership transitions to new ownership.
Born in a small Italian village, the patriarch of the manfredi family, affectionately known as “Papa,” carried with him the enduring spirit of hard work and dedication instilled by his roots. This unwavering work ethic became the cornerstone of his success, extending beyond the successful car dealerships he established to encompass his philanthropic endeavors. Family members recall his unwavering generosity, especially towards Italy, where he not onyl assisted the underprivileged but also arranged for the delivery of an ambulance to his hometown.
Miguel Rodriguez, a former general manager at Manfredi Toyota, spoke volumes about the family’s unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, saying, “He valued customers’ loyalty and satisfaction.” This dedication fostered a unique bond with customers, resulting in multiple generations returning to the Manfredi dealerships for their automotive needs.
Tragedy struck in 2015 when “Papa” Manfredi passed away at his winter home in boca Raton, Florida, after suffering a heart attack.
The loss of their patriarch prompted the family to make important changes in the business landscape. While retaining the Chevrolet dealership,they sold eight Staten Island-based dealerships to Island Auto Group in 2015. the final Manfredi dealership was sold in 2021, marking the end of an era.
Growing up surrounded by the bustling activity of the family-owned dealerships, it was inevitable that Joseph Cina, the grandson of the patriarch, would find himself drawn into the world of automobiles. He joined his father, Sebastian, and his twin brothers, Corrado and Sebastian Jr.,at the family-run Auto Pro Collision shop,which boasts a flagship location in Grasmere.
inspired by his grandfather’s entrepreneurial spirit, Cina ventured out on his own, establishing an automotive detailing business followed by a window tinting shop. The legacy of the Manfredi family continues to thrive,not just in their renowned dealerships but also in the entrepreneurial spirit they have instilled in their descendants
From Passion to Production: Cina’s Journey in Live Music
Cina’s journey in the music industry wasn’t a straight path. Driven by a lifelong passion for music, Cina ultimately chose to channel that energy into producing live concerts. His dedication and talent propelled him to stages across the country, from iconic arenas like the Meadowlands and American Airlines Center in Dallas, to the vibrant energy of Las Vegas nightclubs.
“All of these different ventures stem from my admiration for my grandfather,” Cina shared, revealing the roots of his unwavering commitment to music.
What plans does Frank Cina have to expand CorradoS Cucina?
Archyde News: An Interview with Frank Cina - Carrying On the Manfredi legacy
Archyde Reporter (AR): Welcome, Frank Cina. It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. your grandfather, Corrado “Joe” Manfredi, left an indelible mark on Staten Island’s automotive industry. How does it feel to be carrying on that legacy, but in a different arena – food?
Frank Cina (FC): Thank you for having me. It’s truly an honor to be following in my grandfather’s footsteps, even if it’s in a different field. Our family has always placed a high value on community and service,and I’m proud to be translating those principles into my own venture,Corrado’s Cucina.
AR: Your restaurant, Corrado’s Cucina, opened in November 2023, bringing southern Italian flavors to Greenridge. What inspired you to open this establishment, and why did you choose to name it after your grandfather?
FC: Growing up, I was always fascinated by my grandfather’s passion for business and his deep connection with the community. I wanted to honor his memory and carries his legacy forward in my own way. Food has always been a important part of our family gatherings, and I thought, what better way to bring people together than through tasty, authentic Italian cuisine? Naming the restaurant Corrado’s Cucina was a natural choice – it’s both a tribute to my grandfather and a reflection of our shared Italian heritage.
AR: The restaurant is garnering quite a reputation for its excellent food and warm hospitality. How have your customers reacted to the Manfredi connection, and what keeps them coming back?
FC: We’ve been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community. Many customers have shared stories about their experiences with my grandfather at his dealerships, which has been incredibly moving. They appreciate the personal touch that’s become a hallmark of the Manfredi name,and I’m committed to ensuring that same level of care and attention is reflected in every aspect of Corrado’s Cucina.
Reda Mikhail, a long-time customer, put it best when he said, “The rib-eye steak is excellent. The price is perfect, the service is great, and everything here is lovely.” That’s exactly the kind of feedback that keeps me motivated to continue improving and growing.
AR: Speaking of growth, what’s next for Corrado’s Cucina and the Manfredi legacy? Any plans to expand or move into othre avenues?
FC: I’m always looking for ways to evolve and improve. I’d love to expand the restaurant’s offerings,perhaps with catering services or even a cooking class series to share the love of Italian cuisine with our community. as for the Manfredi legacy, I hope that my passion for excellence and commitment to customer service will continue to inspire the next generation, whether they choose to pursue a career in the automotive industry, hospitality, or something entirely different.
AR: Frank, thank you for joining us today and for keeping the Manfredi legacy alive in such a unique and delicious way. We wish you all the best with Corrado’s Cucina and look forward to seeing what the future holds for you and your family.
FC: Grazie, it’s been my pleasure. I’m grateful for the opportunity to honor my grandfather’s memory and contribute to our community in my own way. Buon appetito!
