James A. Frye ’73 is president of Italian Oven Café LLC, a chain of fast-casual family restaurants offering a menu of starters, salads, panini, pizzas, and pastas inspired by a healthy Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil, nuts, vegetables, grains, and fish. Italian Oven Café’s flagship outlet is located in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Frye attended Penn State Behrend for two years before finishing his degree in political science at University Park. Following his graduation, he managed Dante’s Restaurant in State College, then owned and operated Gullifty’s Restaurant in Pittsburgh.
Frye played varsity soccer while at Penn State Behrend, and formed a close relationship with the late Herb Lauffer, his coach and later the college’s director of athletics. In his honor, the college annually names a James A. Frye Male Athlete of the Year. The award has been given to the male athlete whose athletic achievement has brought success to his respective teams and favorable recognition to the recipient and Penn State Behrend.
Frye and his wife, Janice Garofolo Frye ’77, reside in Donegal, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Mount Nittany Society and life members of the Penn State Alumni Association.