Celebrating a year in Franklin Square

With a red, white and blue décor, American Family Restaurant is a patriotic Franklin Square staple. In addition to its design, the restaurant stays true to its American theme by offering a variety of appetizers and courses that are traditional to the United States.

Owned and operated by Frances Lesser, 71, who was born and raised in Franklin Square and still resides in the community, American Family Restaurant’s entrées include potato salad, baked beans, barbecued ribs and chicken, chili, charbroil hot dogs, meatloaf mashed potatoes, Swedish meatballs, rice and vegetables that are cooked over a steam table. She said she prepares and serves every dish with the help of her husband, her three children, granddaughters and brother- in- law.  

“I just figured it was time that people went back to homemade foods,” Lesser said. “People forgot what it was like, with all the junk food … the people that come in, they come back, and they bring their friends and family — they love it.”

Lesser, a Sewanhaka High School graduate, who previously worked at a luncheonette and a bar, said that deciding on a location for the restaurant took nearly two years. She was determined, however, to be located in Franklin Square.

The restaurant opened at the shopping center on New Hyde Park Road nearly one year ago. American Family Restaurant will celebrate its one-year anniversary on Oct. 1.