THE HISTORY (and Evolution) of

DON'S ORIGINAL RESTAURANTS

1945 - Don Barbato returns home after WWII. He leases a small hot dog stand on Lake Ontario and calls it Don and Bobs. A Rochester landmark eatery is born.

1953 – Wanting to expand his business Don opens his second location on Monroe Ave. in Brighton. But this is no ordinary hot dog stand. This “food emporium” is over 6000 sq. feet with a huge menu that included everything from broasted chickens to broiled scallops. There was nothing of its kind in or around Rochester.

1973 – Upon the urgency of family to slow down and enjoy life, Don sells the Monroe Ave. location. He did however keep the Seabreeze location. Concerns that the new owners may tarnish the excellent reputation he had built, Don decides to change the name at Seabreeze to Don's Original.

1991 – Terry Klee purchases Dons Original from the Barbato family.

1997 – Terry opens a brand new Don's Original on Monroe Ave., just down the street from Don and Bobs. As Don had done, Terry adds many new menu items and creates a very successful year round location.

2002 – Don's Original Penfield opens with an even bigger store with a more varied menu.

2006 - Beer and wine is added to the Penfield location.

2007 - A full service sports bar with table service is also added to the Penfield store.

Though many things have changed since Don Barbato started over 60 years ago, one thing remains and will always remain the same;

Don's Original

“Where Quality Predominates.”