By Greg Smith, Staff Writer

BREAKING: Droves of Franklin Village-ites from Hollywood are digging an underground tunnel to Burbank because their prized Prizzi’s has moved.

Not really, but Burbank has earned a major coup with this premier Italian eatery. From 1989 when Prizzi’s was a hole-in-the-wall deli to its present incarnation as a full restaurant and bar, the distinctive, delicious taste of Prizzi’s has been the guiding constant through four decades of Italian cuisine.

The Willner family has been behind the scenes since the beginning. Brothers Larry and Barry run the day-to-day presently with an eye for superb service and flavor. As kids, they, along with their two siblings, grew up cooking as a hobby. Barry speaks fondly of their mother in the kitchen:

“Mom was an incredible cook; she took family recipes and truly made them her own – with all different types of food.” As a tribute to their late mother, they named their private dining room in her honor, Sarah’s Room.

When it came time to expand recently in Franklin Village, they found that they were going to need a bigger location, and the Valley came a’ callin’.

“We wanted more of a neighborhood feel, a place where more people could experience our food,” Barry says.

At Prizzi’s in Burbank, you’re going to have a hard time finding specials like this anywhere – Valley or otherwise!

Seven days a week, 4 p.m.—7 p.m., they have a discounted bar menu. All beers on tap are four dollars or less.

Prizzi’s is known for their deep dish Chicago-style pizza (definitely give it a try), but during weekend brunch-time, 10 a.m.—4 p.m., there are buy-one-get-one-free entrées!

Monday through Fridays, 7 a.m.—11 a.m., there are breakfast specials; there are weekday Early Bird dinner specials, 4 p.m.—6 p.m., as well.

I guess the better question to ask: When are there not specials?

Always special are their incredible garlic bread sticks. Warning: Highly Addictive! Everything is made fresh on premise daily; that includes all desserts, pastries, scones, muffins and pizza dough.

What’s kept Prizzi’s in business so long is their goal to constantly exceed expectations. With free delivery to Toluca Lake and Burbank residents (call for boundaries), a full and varied menu, a killer wine list – all reasonably priced — this seems to be the makings of a beautiful relationship.

Prizzi’s is located at 3821 Riverside Dr. in Burbank. For more information or reservations, call . Welcome to the neighborhood, Prizzi’s!