By: Jahleah Santiago
When Joe Fraschilla began hosting steak dinners to connect with loved ones and friends during the pandemic, he never intended for it to turn into a flourishing catering business. However, alongside his friend and co-founder Pete Annarumma, Porterhouse Party emerged as part of a new wave of thriving small businesses in 2022. What began as a passion project of hosting intimate gatherings quickly evolved into a full-fledged business, attracting A-list clientele, including television stars from The Real Housewives of New Jersey and Jersey Shore, the New York Giants, and Florida Panthers.
City workers Joe Fraschilla with the DSNY and Pete Annarumma with the FDNY were driven by a love for food and community. The gatherings began around Joe’s well-cooked dry-aged steaks as a way to bring people together. “I invited friends over and cooked up all of the steaks and posted a video about it,” Joe recalled. “There were so many texts asking when I’d be doing it again because people wanted to come.” After his own attendance, Pete took an interest in the experience, and Joe decided to teach him the dry-aging process. The dinners, which began with 15 guests, quickly grew to 30, then 50, as the duo’s knack for creating unforgettable experiences and Pete’s vision to scale up gained momentum. They launched the full Porterhouse Party concept as demand increased. “Our experience with city jobs helped us expand quickly,” Pete reflected. “You need the confidence and adaptability to serve any crowd, whether it’s a celebrity party or a milestone birthday. That mindset helped us grow from small gatherings to full-scale events.”
Porterhouse Party’s reputation early on had already outpaced their modest intentions. “We knew we had something,” Pete recalls. “Not just because of the food, but also the connections we were creating around the table.” Their people-centered focus remains the foundation of Porterhouse Party, a concept blending decadent fine dining with ease and fun. “We didn’t have a roadmap,” Joe admits. “What we had was each other and the guts to go for it.” The support from their clientele has been instrumental to their success. “We love to donate to school raffles and partner with the Grace Foundation to give back as much as possible,” Joe shared. “People take pride in representing Staten Island and New Jersey, and we try to take care of them by offering something special.”
Porterhouse Party, which has expanded into a full-scale operation, now hosts events across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Florida, with plans to launch a nationwide meat delivery service. Their success is attributed to their attention to detail—from their special dry-aging process to their truly creative menu curation. “We don’t just cook steaks,” Joe shared. “We put on a show.” The show includes serving shots via bone marrow luges, caviar bumps, and champagne guns. Menus feature thick-cut bacon, mashed potatoes, and creamed spinach alongside 45-day aged prime steaks with truffle butter and smoked bone marrow.
As Porterhouse Party continues to grow, co-owners Joe Fraschilla and Pete Annarumma remain fiercely committed to their core values: quality, connection, and an unwavering belief in their ability to deliver something extraordinary. “We split responsibilities—I focus on sales and marketing, while Pete handles inventory and day-to-day operations,” Joe explained. “We complement each other’s strengths and make decisions together.” Pete added, “Everything we do is in lock step—no decision is made without both of us agreeing.” This dynamic powerhouse team is ready for the holiday season, offering a new way for friends, families, and businesses to come together in style without the stress of cooking and cleaning. Pete notes, “Everyone hosts a Christmas party, but with our interactive concept, you can take a break from the usual holiday rush and enjoy quality time with your guests while we handle the rest.” For those who prefer to celebrate at home, Joe adds, “We offer a holiday menu ranging from bone-in prime rib to our full catering menu, available for both Christmas Eve and Day.” To explore their story and menu options, visit www.porterhousepartyny.com.
Published by: Erin M.
