Staten Island pizza icon Nunzio’s will serve its final slice tomorrow, Friday, August 12, 2022. Proprietor Robert “Bobby” Whiteaker bought the constructing and the brand new proprietor plans to make use of it as a cupboard showroom, so no extra pizza. We’ve stopped at Nunzio’s on almost each Sunday Pizza Bus journey to Staten Island and I’m unhappy to say we gained’t be capable to go there ever once more. It was a particular place and we at all times had a good time.
Right here’s a fast rundown of Nunzios’ historical past. Founder Nunzio Trivoluzzo was born on February 1, 1908 in Italy. He got here to the US and ended up in Brooklyn, the place he lived on King’s Freeway. Nunzio married Alexandria Ruggiero in 1932. On each his 1940 draft registration card and the 1940 federal census, he’s listed as “unemployed.” In the meantime, he and Alexandria lived in the identical constructing as her father (Angelo Ruggiero) who’s listed within the 1940 census as a baker who owns his personal enterprise.
Though I haven’t seen direct proof within the type of a enterprise license, photograph, enterprise itemizing, and so forth the overall story is that Nunzio’s opened in South Seaside in 1942. This was a piece of Staten Island with meals stands and amusements, so a pizza stand match proper in. This may have really been fairly early for a pizza by-the-slice store, which is a part of what made Nunzio’s story so particular. The pizzeria moved to its present location at Hylan Boulevard and Midland Place in 1960 and bought it to Jimmy Coppolla, Jimmy’s son Vincent Jr., and Jimmy’s son-in-law Albie Bruno. Jimmy Coppolla died in 1980 and his spouse Rubina Coppola bought the enterprise to grandson Bobby Whitaker, the present proprietor. Meaning Nunzio’s is a 4th era pizzeria, at all times owned by the identical household.
The pizza at Nunzio’s was particular. Like lots of the old skool spots, they utilized mozzarella in chunks somewhat than shreds. Additionally they utilized sauce on prime of the cheese, which resulted in a wonderful presentation of purple contrasting towards calmly golden mozzarella. I cherished how the counter was excessive, so getting a slice felt like asking for the set listing on the finish of a live performance. The crew at Nunzio’s was at all times so beautiful once we visited on excursions. What extra may you ask for?
Relaxation in peace, Nunzio’s. You had been a traditional spot and we’ll actually miss visiting on Sunday NYC Pizza Bus excursions. Could your inspiration ripple by way of time!
Obituary of Rubina Coppola
Outdated Staten Island article about Nunzio’s
Nunzio’s Closing article from PMQ
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