It is extremely fitting to honor Alfie this year as the festival returns to Little Italy. The Cascio family and their legendary Cascio’s Steakhouse (1620 S 10th St) has been a cornerstone of Little Italy the past 75 years.

Alfie has many fond memories of the Santa Lucia Festival and is excited to see it back in the old neighborhood. As a kid, he used to run around the festival with his friends… that is, when he was not working at the restaurant for his Grandpa Joe and Great Uncle Al. He gets his name, charismatic personality, sense of legacy, and love of Santa Lucia from his Uncle Al.

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He remembers sitting outside of Cascio's with his Uncle Al waiting for the parade to make its annual stop in front of the family steakhouse.  The band would get louder as the crowd processed and Saint Lucy drew closer. Uncle Al would be waiting proudly; eager to give his annual donation.

This year, the parade will process in front of Cascio’s once again to honor Alfie and the Cascio family.  His parents, Larry and Cyndie, took over the restaurant back in 1999 to continue the family tradition. His dad was no stranger to the business or hard work, having started working at eight years old boxing pizzas. Alfie followed a remarkably similar path to his father’s. Alfie was cleaning up the restaurant at the age of 6 but would not officially be hired until 13. Like the generations before him, Alfie also married an extraordinarily strong woman, Michelle. Pictured above, she is the backbone of their family. Even though she is 100% Irish, she immediately bought into the Italian way of life. Alfie and Michelle were married at St. Francis Cabrini Church and are parents to Brennan (26), Kennedy (24), and Bailey (22).

He is the first to admit that he could not have done any of this without her help and support. If you want to get Alfie talking, ask him about Michelle or the kids. He is an extremely proud husband and father. 

The third-generation owner is driven by continuing his family’s legacy. He has always strived to make Grandpa Joe and Great Uncle Al proud. After 75 years in business, Alfie’s next goal is to hit the 100-year mark. He is currently planning a 75-year anniversary celebration for August – so be on the lookout for more information.  His sense of tradition, love of family, hard work, and passion to serve others has made us proud to name him our Honorary President for the 97th Santa Lucia Festival.