Villa Maria to celebrate 15 years serving East Rockaway

For the last 15 years, Villa Maria has become like a second home to many East Rockaway residents thanks to its friendly atmosphere and emphasis on family.

On Sept. 25, restaurant owners Pina Silva and her mother, Maria Zaino, plan to give back to the community by offering a coupon for 15 percent off of everything in the restaurant to celebrate its 15th anniversary.

“As a thank you to everybody for making it so successful, we figured we’d give a little back in return,” Silva said.

Zaino and her husband, Mauro, opened up Gino’s Pizzeria in Bayside in 1977. Silva said her parents sold the business to her uncle, and opened up Villa Maria on Main Street in East Rockaway on Sept. 25, 2002. Silva noted that she started working in the business when she was 17, and was happy to move to East Rockaway because she grew up in Lynbrook.

“It’s been amazing,” said Silva, who now lives in East Rockaway. “I love the area and I love the people. … Thanks to all the people around here, they really truly made us a real success and that’s what counts the most. Because without everybody around here, where would we be?”

Silva said they try to keep a family environment at her restaurant, and it shows within the staff. Silva’s sister, Dina, works there with her five days a week. In addition, members of the kitchen staff have been with them since Bayside, and two waitresses — sisters Laura Bargoni and Lois McMahon — also came over from Queens.

“They’re a great family to work for,” McMahon said, noting that she began working for them by delivering flyers in Bayside and has known them for 35 years. “They’re family-oriented and it’s just a great family business, and they’re very flexible. It’s a warm environment because I’ve known them for so long, and it feels like I’m part of the family.”

Villa Maria has also made an impact on the community over the last 15 years, offering lunches to Lynbrook schools and nursing homes at a discounted rate. Their hard work has also been recognized, as they were named Small Businesspeople of the Year by the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce last fall, and were awarded the East Rockaway Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year honor in 2004. Silva expressed her appreciation to the community for allowing Villa Maria to maintain a feeling of family togetherness.

“The people have made it amazing,” Silva said. “I feel like everyone has become our family.”