Small Business Success Story - Nunzio's Pizzeria & Restaurant
Each year the New York Small Business Development Center recognizes outstanding small businesses in a variety of ways. This Success Story from the Staten Island SBDC appears in our 2016 Annual Report.
Robert Whiteaker
Nunzio's Pizzeria & Restaurant
Robert Whiteaker
Nunzio's Pizzeria & Restaurant
Staten Island SBDC
Robert Whiteaker, owner of Nunzio’s Pizzeria & Restaurant, has been a Staten Island SBDC client since January 2013. The family owned restaurant known for its Italian cuisine began as a beachside concession in the 1940’s and moved to its current location in 1960. Nunzio’s Pizzeria has been a legacy in Robert’s family for four generations and was an inspiration for other small businesses in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. The business was severely impacted by the storm with floods over four feet of water throughout the entire restaurant, but Robert and his family were determined to rebuild after the storm.
Working with Robert to secure an SBA disaster loan, SBDC Advisor George Telmany spent numerous sessions to provide business strategies in an effort to rebuild and reopen the business. The SBA disaster loan was instrumental in their efforts to rebuild the restaurant after the storm. George continues to work with Robert on marketing strategies and ways to promote the neighborhood name. For the past two years, Nunzio’s Pizzeria has hosted visiting MBA Chinese students during tours of Staten Island to learn about small business in NYC. “Without the help of the SBDC, I would have lost my business after Superstorm Sandy,” says Robert, “I’m very thankful for all of their help.”
Comments