Some restaurants become more than places to eat. They become part of a neighborhood's history, where generations of families gather, familiar faces return, and favorite meals rarely change.

For DeMaino's Restaurant in Revere, that tradition has lasted 93 years. And for the past 50, Lenny DeMaino has been at the heart of it.

Revere Mayor Patrick Keefe recently honored Lenny with a certificate recognizing his half-century of ownership. It's a remarkable milestone for someone who took over the family restaurant in 1976 at just 21 years old.

But the story doesn't stop with Lenny. His son, LJ DeMaino, is helping carry the family business into its next chapter.

A Family Business That Started Early

LJ's introduction to restaurant life began long before he became general manager.

As a young boy, he helped wash dishes while standing on milk crates to reach the sink. He simply wanted to help his father.

Those early experiences eventually became a career. LJ has now served as the restaurant's general manager for 22 years.

In an October 21 interview with the Revere Journal, LJ credited the restaurant's success to maintaining the traditions established by earlier generations.

Consistency matters to the family, whether it's the food coming out of the kitchen or the relationships built with customers.

Lenny remains a familiar presence, greeting guests and visiting tables. Some employees have also been with the restaurant for approximately 20 years.

The Dishes Customers Remember

Ask LJ about the restaurant's most popular dish, and the answer is chicken parmigiana.

Other favorites include Seafood Fra Diavolo, Chicken Bella Bocca, and tripe, a traditional Italian dish made from beef stomach.

LJ says the kitchen still prepares tripe daily, keeping a longstanding menu item available even as it has become harder to find at many restaurants.

The restaurant's official website also features pasta, seafood, pizza, and other Italian-American favorites.

But food is only part of the attraction.

DeMaino's regularly hosts family celebrations, community gatherings, and political events. One particularly meaningful tradition is Lenny's annual Corner Reunion, held on the Monday before Thanksgiving.

The gathering brings together people who grew up in the neighborhood, giving old friends an opportunity to reconnect.

Looking Toward 100 Years

The family's ties extend beyond the restaurant.

Baseball has also played an important role across generations. LJ competed at the college level, including at Clemson University and UMass Lowell. His sons have continued the family's involvement in the sport.

For now, though, one of the family's biggest goals remains tied to the restaurant.

LJ hopes DeMaino's will celebrate its 100th anniversary, just seven years away.

It's an ambitious milestone in an industry where restaurants frequently change owners or close. Yet the family has already maintained the business through multiple generations.

Want to Visit?

DeMaino's Restaurant is located at 14 Malden Street in Revere.

The restaurant's published hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is closed Mondays.

Guests can dine in, arrange catering, or explore the online menu and takeout ordering.

The restaurant can also be reached at 781-284-8110.

After five decades under Lenny's ownership, DeMaino's is still very much a family affair. And with the next generation already involved, the family is hoping its story will continue well beyond that 100-year mark.