The La Bottega Journey
Our Story
A Chance Meeting Sparks a Lifelong Bond
It all started on a beach in Ispica, Sicily, where two passionate sixteen-year-olds, Giuseppe and Marisa, met by chance. Beyond igniting a spark for each other, they also bonded over their mutual love of food- passions that would shape their whole lives.
Giuseppe had grown up immersed in the rich bakery culture of Sicily. Surrounded by the sights, sounds, and aromas of fresh bread and pastries, he developed a deep appreciation for the baker’s art. Marisa, too, had been shaped by the local food culture, learning traditional Sicilian recipes and techniques from her family.
Sicily offered scarce opportunities, so at nineteen, with little but ambition, they married and set off for new horizons. Over the next few years, Giuseppe and Marisa traveled across Italy, Germany, and Austria, scrambling for work everywhere they went.
The taste of the American dream
Not long after the birth of their first son, Mattia, the couple decided to try their luck in America. Though they lacked English skills and money when they arrived in 1993, Giuseppe and Marisa remained determined to make it in their adopted homeland.
Starting as a busboy in a Long Island pizzeria, Giuseppe worked his way up to manager within a year. Eager to learn from the best, he soon took a job with leading Manhattan restaurateurs. Over the next several years, two more children – Melania and Giuseppe Jr - joined the family.
By the early 2000s, the couple had found stability, if not their true calling. They knew they wouldn’t be content working for others. They still dreamed of channeling their passion for food and flair for hospitality into a business of their own.
The ingredients of success
Lacking the capital to open a proper restaurant, Giuseppe and Marisa started small. Their first La Bottega in Garden City South had no menu at all. Every morning, they would shop at the markets for the freshest ingredients they could afford and then spend the day cooking whatever inspired them.
As crowds gathered, drawn by the mouthwatering aromas, the concept evolved into a counter-service panini and salad takeout shop. Marisa prepared the food with her innate Sicilian touch. Giuseppe managed the business operations and engaged customers with his Italian flair. Quickly adapting to cater to customer demand, their reputation for quality ingredients and complex flavors continued to grow.
Today, La Bottega has an extended menu of panini, salads, and specials that reflect the couple’s extensive travels and experiences. The store also offers uniquely packaged Japanese-style lunchboxes and a carefully curated international wine list.
The next generation
The couple’s three children - Mattia, Melania, and Giuseppe Jr - all grew up working at La Bottega. Now adults, two have returned to help expand the family business.
After earning two college degrees, Mattia moved to England to pursue his passions. Melania earned an architecture degree before working abroad in restaurant kitchens in Tuscany, Sicily, and Manhattan. Now, she has returned to support La Bottega's growth. Giuseppe Jr. studied hospitality management in Switzerland and gained experience across various hotels in Spain before returning to manage the business operations.
With a mix of Sicily-born vision and next-generation skills, La Bottega's future looks bright. Most of all, the family attributes their success to the unwavering support of loyal customers over three decades. They remain dedicated to serving their community with quality food, drink, and hospitality for generations.