After more than 16 years, an Auburn institution has returned. On Monday, June 8, Shirley's Italian Cuisine reopened after being closed since 1991.

The original Shirley's operated on Wall Street from 1976 until 1991, in the building that now houses Bear Bones Bar-B-Que. Run by Shirley and Anthony DeBenedetto, Shirley's became known for its pizza and Shirley's Cheesesteak, one of the more popular items on its menu.

The current owners of Shirley's are Shirley DeBenedetto's son Michael and his wife, Robin. Michael said that he felt it was time to reopen the restaurant “because of the love I have always had for it.” Michael began working in the food industry when his mother opened the original restaurant, which makes him a third generation restaurant owner.

The rich history of Shirley's begins with Shirley's own parents. Her mother, Ann Portella, began by bringing her pizza to Auburn in the 1950s, cooking for Starlight Bowling Lanes. She soon left Starlight to open her own restaurant on Clark Street, which became one of the first dedicated pizzerias in Auburn.

Portella had six children, all of whom went on to continue working in the restaurant business. Her son Chuck opened the Italia Rex restaurant, a successful and well known business on Grant Avenue located where Lasca'a stands now.

Mike DeBenedetto commented on his family legacy, “Running restaurants is an extension of what is meant to be for our family.” He may have left the business 16 years ago, but he knew it was temporary. In addition to the generations of family history, Michael missed the interactions that the work entailed

“I miss talking to my customers, and it's great to be back!” he said.

The new incarnation of Shirley's is at 250 Genesee St., in Auburn, in the former location of the Irie Jamaican Queen restaurant. They continue to serve the pizza and cheesesteaks that made the original Shirley's famous, but Michael and Robin insist that “we have a variety of other Italian specialties. We really want people to try out our pasta dishes as well.”

The specific area where their restaurant now stands may seem overly competitive, with Gaetano's Pizza two stores down and Peter's New York Pizzeria right across the street, but the DeBenedettos aren't concerned.

“We have a ton of loyal customers from the original place,” Michael commented, just as an interested resident walked in to ask when they opened. “Shirley's is the talk of the town right now.”

Shirley added, “I can't even go into Wegmans anymore. People keep coming up and asking when we are opening. They can't wait.”

Shirley's is now open for business. Its entire menu is available for pick-up or takeout. In addition to the renowned pizza and cheesesteaks, the menu includes varieties of hot and cold subs, appetizers and Italian dishes from chicken alfredo and shrimp fra diavolo to lasagna and linguine with clams.

Shirley's remains a family business, with Michael and Robin running the restaurant with their children, Anthony and Angela. Robin is excited to support and be a part of the family tradition.

“Michael knew that someday when the time was right he would continue the family legacy,” she said.

Even on the first day of business, the phone was ringing and Robin was kept busy taking orders. “It just keeps rolling in,” she laughed.

Michael reflected, “I never realized how much people would miss us. The response has been overwhelming and very much appreciated.”

As their doors open to the public and their loyal customers, the DeBenedettos look forward to doing business in Auburn. While businesses seem to be closing or moving all over the county, the owners of Shirley's wouldn't dream of it.

“Auburn is a great place to live,” Michael explained, “and we look forward to serving in our community once again.”

If you go

What: Shirley's Italian Cuisine

When: Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays

Where: 250 Genesee St., Auburn

To learn more: Call 255-8040