Business & Tech
Nick & Gina's Pizzeria & Ristorante Opens
New Italian food restaurant opens on Hawkins Avenue in Lake Ronkonkoma.
Nick & Gina's Pizzeria & Ristorante (formerly Due Amici) located on Hawkins Avenue in Lake Ronkonkoma had their Grand Opening three weeks ago.
Owners Steve Nappi, Orlando Marin and James Fassett were all Houlihan's employees. Nappi was the general manager of Houlihan's in Lake Grove, Fassett was a server, bartender and supervisor and Marin an area director of the company. Three years ago they opened up the first Nick & Gina's Pizzeria & Ristorante in Selden and hope to possibly expand in the future to other locations. The name of the restaurant is derived from Nappi's childrens' names; his son Nicholas is 6 years old and Gina is 4.
They decided to open an Italian restaurant because everyone loves Italian food.
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"Whenever you go to a restaurant there's always Italian food, some sort of pasta dish, on the menu," Marin said.
He added that Nappi is also of Italian heritage. Fassett also said there was a strong Italian presence in the area.
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"We're here for the community," Marin said. "We're big on being involved in both the Sachem and Selden communities, doing whatever we can for the schools or any other organization."
They already have had giveaways and other promotions in the few weeks they have been open. Business has been good too.
"We have already had a couple of private parties" Fassett said. "What we are bringing to the Sachem community is a restaurant where we provide people with great food and service at an affordable price. These days in this economy it's important for people to be able to go out to a nice restaurant and enjoy quality food for an affordable price. That's what we're doing.
"We feel that we offer a variety of dishes that are unique to our restaurant, in addition to traditional favorites. We also offer a full bar and an extensive wine list."
Their menu consists of many Italian favorites including eggplant parmigiana, baked ziti, zuppa di pesce and penne alla vodka. Gluten free pasta is also offered by the restaurant now. Their pizzeria side also offers a wide of traditional and specialty pizzas, heroes and paninis.
Nick & Gina's Pizzeria & Ristorante is located at 519 Hawkins Avenue in Ronkonkoma.
