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The Story Of..
1945
In 1945, after returning home from World War II, Donald J. Barbato struggled to find work in the auto industry. His brother-in-law, Robert Berl of Zweigle’s, invited him to help at a hot dog stand, where Don found his new passion. That summer, he leased a roadside stand at Sea Breeze, naming it Don & Bob’s, which went on to become a beloved Rochester landmark.
1953
Bob Berl eventually returned to Zweigle’s, while Don and his wife Ann took charge at Sea Breeze. Don transformed the business by emphasizing cleanliness and quality—serving food on paper plates, maintaining spotless counters, and keeping everything polished. He expanded the menu with his famous ground round steak sandwich and became the first to serve french fries after studying in Canada. His commitment to high standards made Don & Bob’s a local favorite and set it apart from the rest.
1953
When the Sea Breeze location slowed for the season and lost parking to Route 47 construction, Don and his family moved to Brighton, NY, where he bought a farmhouse and envisioned a year-round restaurant. Despite local opposition, he opened a modern new Don & Bob’s on Monroe Avenue in 1953, which became Rochester’s top fast-food spot. With loyal staff and his brother Joe managing the Sea Breeze location, Don firmly established the brand in the Rochester area.
1972
In May 1972, Don and Ann Barbato’s young neighbor, Terry Klee, asked for a job at Don & Bob’s. Don initially turned him away, hesitant to hire friends or neighbors, but told him to return after school ended. Encouraged by his mother, Terry came back in June, impressing Don with his sincerity. Don hired him as a busboy, beginning a mentorship that would later carry on Don’s legacy of restaurant ownership and dedication.
1973
In October 1973, encouraged by his family to slow down, Don decided to sell the Monroe Avenue Don & Bob’s. Though it was a difficult choice, he agreed to a deal arranged by realtor Max Springut, keeping only his Sea Breeze location. Under new ownership, the Monroe Ave. restaurant declined and lost its identity, prompting Don to rebrand his original Sea Breeze location as Don’s Original to preserve his reputation and legacy.
1982
Over the next several years, Don and Ann devoted more of their time to Don’s Original at Sea Breeze. Some of the loyal employees drifted to the Sea Breeze location, also, including Ann Cardile, Roger Varela and Terry Klee. Because of Don’s renewed presence at Sea Breeze, many patrons also returned to Don’s Original. In 1982, after a long and courageous battle with cancer, Don Barbato passed away, leaving Ann and their two sons to carry on his business at Sea Breeze.
1991
In 1986, Don’s son Bob and former employee Terry Klee opened another Don’s Original in Charlotte. Two years later, Bob sold his share to Terry, who later bought the Sea Breeze Don’s Original from the Barbato family in 1991. Deeply influenced by Don Barbato’s values, Terry revitalized the restaurant, focusing on quality, cleanliness, and service with help from loyal and new staff. Under his ownership, Don’s Original celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1995—a lasting tribute to the legacy Don began.
1996
In 1996, Terry Klee expanded Don’s Original by purchasing and renovating a Monroe Avenue property in Brighton, returning the brand to its roots. He and his wife Sheila, along with their four daughters, proudly continued the legacy of one of Rochester’s most beloved landmarks. The once-hopeful teenager who showed Don Barbato his sincerity had fulfilled that promise—dedicating himself to preserving Don’s Original as the place “Where Quality Predominates.”
1997
Terry opens a brand new Don’s Original location on Monroe Avenue, just down the street from the former Don and Bob’s. Like Don, Terry expands the menu and creates a very successful year-round location.
2005
Long time Don’s Original employees and Penfield residents, John and Karen Cipro take ownership of the Penfield Don’s.
2024 - New Owners
September 2024, Don’s Original entered a new era under the ownership of Reo and Alayna Alderman, lifelong Irondequoit natives with extensive experience in similar industries. The couple purchased the one and only Don's Original, a Sea Breeze landmark, from longtime owner Terry Klee with a commitment to restore the spark that made Don’s Original a Rochester favorite for generations. Marking its 80th anniversary, the Aldermans hosted a community celebration and ribbon cutting to honor the restaurant’s enduring legacy. Today, the Sea Breeze location proudly stands as the one and only Don’s Original, continuing the tradition of quality food, family atmosphere, and hometown pride.
2024 - Renovations
Don’s Original at Sea Breeze introduced major storefront and customer experience upgrades. The patio was repainted and furnished with new tables and umbrellas, while the ice cream window was moved to a more convenient side location. Inside, guests now find a merchandise wall and Don’s Original recipe meat sauce available for purchase, expanding the brand beyond the menu. With community events like Kids Nights, Movie Nights, and Don’s After Dark planned, and a beer and wine license in the works, Don’s Original is refreshing its image, strengthening its connection to Rochester, and preparing for an exciting future.
2024 - Approved for Beer and Wine License
In a historic moment for Don's Original, the establishment was granted its first-ever Beer and Wine License in October 2025. This significant achievement marks the first time Don's Original has offered alcoholic beverages, a major enhancement to the dining experience. The new beverage menu features a thoughtful selection of both local favorites and classic national brands.
The Don's Original
The one and only Don's Original, where quality predominates.
Join us for our new breakfast hours! Friday through Sunday 7:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Hours
Mon-Thurs 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Fri-Sun 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
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