Beloved Batavia Couple Leaves Legacy of Family-Owned Restaurant

Phil and Leona Pastore built the iconic Pok-A-Dot diner over decades of hard work and community involvement.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Phil Pastore and his wife Leona were lifelong residents of Batavia, New York, who built a beloved local restaurant called the Pok-A-Dot over the course of their 71-year marriage. The couple raised six children while also being actively involved in the community through sports, music, and other civic activities. After Phil's passing in 2018 and Leona's in 2022, their children have worked to keep the Pok-A-Dot open and thriving, preserving the legacy of their parents' hard work and community spirit.

Why it matters

The Pok-A-Dot has been a Batavia institution for over 70 years, surviving urban renewal, the decline of the railroad industry, and even the COVID-19 pandemic. The Pastore family's commitment to keeping the restaurant open and true to its roots reflects the enduring values of small-town community and family-owned businesses, even as larger corporate chains have come to dominate the retail landscape.

The details

Phil and Leona Pastore opened the Pok-A-Dot diner in 1953 after both losing their jobs at the local Massey-Harris factory. The restaurant started as a small counter with stools, but over the years expanded to include a full kitchen and dining area. The Pok-A-Dot became known for its hearty Italian dishes like pasta fagioli as well as local specialties like beef on weck sandwiches. Leona often helped prepare food at home to supplement the limited kitchen space. Phil and his business partner Joseph "Trigger" Marone ran the restaurant, with Phil working tirelessly from 6am to 3am daily.

  • The Pok-A-Dot opened in 1953.
  • In 2013, the Pok-A-Dot celebrated its 60th anniversary.
  • Marone passed away in 2014.
  • Phil Pastore died in 2018 at the age of 93.
  • Leona Pastore passed away in 2022 at the age of 94.

The players

Phil Pastore

A lifelong Batavia resident who co-founded the Pok-A-Dot diner with his business partner Joseph "Trigger" Marone in 1953 after losing their jobs at the local Massey-Harris factory. Phil was known for his tireless work ethic, running the restaurant from 6am to 3am daily.

Leona Pastore

Phil's wife of 71 years, who helped prepare food at home to supplement the Pok-A-Dot's limited kitchen space in the early years. Leona was also an accomplished musician, serving as the organist and vocalist at St. Anthony's Church and performing with local musical groups.

Joseph "Trigger" Marone

Phil Pastore's business partner who co-founded the Pok-A-Dot diner with him in 1953. Marone passed away in 2014.

Phyllis Pastore Beers

One of Phil and Leona's six children, who purchased Marone's 50% share of the Pok-A-Dot after his passing and continued to operate the restaurant with her father.

Tim Beers

Phyllis Pastore Beers' husband, who has worked with her to make necessary renovations and improvements to the Pok-A-Dot to keep it operating after Leona Pastore's passing in 2022.

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What’s next

The Pastore family plans to continue operating the Pok-A-Dot, preserving the legacy of the restaurant that has been a Batavia institution for over 70 years.

The takeaway

The story of the Pok-A-Dot and the Pastore family exemplifies the enduring power of family-owned businesses and community institutions, even in the face of economic and social change. By staying true to their roots and values, the Pastores have created a lasting legacy that continues to bring joy and a sense of home to the people of Batavia.