Fifty years ago this fall, the Milanese Restaurant opened its doors at 115 Main Street.  On Saturday, September 11, and Sunday, September 12, the Milanese family is holding an outdoor Italian Fest at the Poughkeepsie mainstay. Fifty years ago Santino and Rita Milanese took over a vacant building at 115 Main Street and began their journey of the American Dream. 

Santino had experience as a waiter and bartender that he obtained working for the Coppola family’s restaurant in Poughkeepsie.  Their son Aldo said his father convinced his mother Rita, to join him in opening their own place.  “My father said to mom, just cook like you already do and I’ll take care of the front of the house.  We can do this.”  So began the family business.