Our Story
Sometimes, the start of something special looks like nothing special at all.
Just a neighbor, a hallway, and a simple favor.
Maurizio, a native of Sicily, was walking back home after dropping off his son, Lorenzo, at daycare—something he did often. On this particular weekday, he stopped to ask Renee for a bit of help sending an email—nothing out of the ordinary. Renee had become the unofficial go-to in the building, helping neighbors with everything from business writing to translations, forms, and printing. She never thought twice about lending a hand.
But this time, something clicked.
“What’s the email for?” she asked.
“There’s this beautiful corner space,” he said. “I think I want to open a café.”
“Do you have a partner?”
“No.”
And without hesitation, Renee replied:
“I’d love to do it with you.”
It wasn’t planned, and it wasn’t formal, but it felt right. She had tasted Maurizio and Nadia’s cooking before—simple, flavorful, unforgettable. Years ago, they ran a cozy Italian restaurant in Union City called Viva La Mamma, blending his Sicilian roots with her Colombian heart. Born and raised in Colombia, Nadia brings her own flair, warmth, and creativity to the kitchen. Their food has always stood out for one reason: quality.
Over the years, as neighbors and condo board members, Renee had come to admire Maurizio’s work ethic, character, and passion. His dream of returning to the hospitality world felt less like a risk and more like a calling—and she believed in it completely.
For Maurizio, this café is about reclaiming something meaningful—a chance to pour his heart back into what he loves. And for Renee—Canadian-born, with Portuguese roots—it’s about building something beautiful with people she trusts, having fun in building the business, and replicating it throughout New Jersey.
Piccola Caffetteria isn’t just about coffee and gourmet food. It’s about the magic that happens when cultures mix, neighbors collaborate, and second chances are met with open hearts and minds. Piccola means “small” in Italian—but to us, it means personal, soulful, and full of flavor.
Come in. Get cozy. This is our story, and now it’s yours too
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