Established over 86 years ago, the Green Arch Restaurant was founded by Francesca Discenza, who came to Cortland with her husband Angelo right around the turn of the century. While Angelo went to work at the Wickwire Brothers Factory here in Cortland, Francesca ambitiously worked to become one of the area’s most well known entrepreneurs.

Upon acquiring the building at 107 Elm Street, Francesca set up chicken coops in the rear of the property. She raised chickens and traveled the Cortland area with her family selling chickens and eggs. In addition, from time to time, Francesca would sell fireworks on the corners of Elm and Pomeroy Streets, and quickly became the go-to person for those who sought out the excitement of fireworks.

Francesca was quite content with her business, until the day a local businessman, who sold bread locally, informed her that he too would be selling fireworks right down the street. This was not welcoming news. Francesca warned that if he sold fireworks then she too would start selling bread. And so she did.