LITTLE FALLS, NY – The community of Little Falls came together on July 16, 2025, to celebrate the grand opening of Nonna Maria Wood-Fired Oven at The Stone Mill, marking a new chapter for authentic Neapolitan pizza in the heart of the city.
Owner Marica Bellico, a native of Napoli, Italy, who has called Little Falls home for the past decade, officially cut the ribbon at 12:15 p.m. with the support of the Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce, ushering in a business inspired by her family’s heritage and dedicated to serving the local community.
The event, held at 410 Canal Place, featured free pizza samples, special promotions, and a festive atmosphere that highlighted Bellico’s commitment to blending Italian traditions with local flavors.
Nonna Maria, formerly known as Mangia Macrina Wood Fired Pizza, offers a menu of classic Neapolitan pizzas like Margherita and Marinara, alongside specialties such as Vegan and Ragu’, fresh salads, and desserts including Nutella Pizza.
The restaurant plans to expand its offerings with traditional Italian dinners, such as lasagna and eggplant parmesan, on select days. It has also applied for a full liquor license to serve imported Italian beers, wines, and cocktails.
Bellico, who named the pizzeria after her grandmother and mother—both named Maria—expressed deep gratitude during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“Thank you so much for being here. I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. It’s so great to be here. And it’s a supportive community to have, one that can serve the community through a business. And, it’s so great to be able to celebrate with all of you and my parents and my brother from Italy,” she said.
The opening was made even more special by the presence of Bellico’s family from Italy, including her mother Maria, who will spend a month in Little Falls experimenting with the wood-fired oven and hosting a pizza-making class on July 21, 2025.
Kathy Glanovsky, Executive Director of the Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce, praised the transition and Bellico’s unique touch.
“It’s so exciting to be a part of it. To have this stay in the community and be taken over by Marica, to add her unique spin to it. And the fact that she’s from Italy and her family’s here for the opening. I think that makes it a little more special. So, yeah, the Chamber is just so happy,” Glanovsky remarked.
Mayor Deborah Kaufman also shared her enthusiasm for the new venture, emphasizing its importance to the community.
“I’m excited to see a younger person in our community lead by example and to jump into a business like this. The City appreciates the kind of food and the pizzas they’ve grown to love from that location. I couldn’t be happier to see Marica’s dream come true. It’s wonderful, and we’re excited about working with her in the future to support her efforts,” Kaufman stated.
Nonna Maria operates Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., offering a Mediterranean-themed ambiance with a lemon motif and a mural of Napoli scenery that transports diners to Italy.
Bellico, supported by a team that includes culinary expert Katy Tomei and assistant manager Domonik Chatterton, aims to make the pizzeria a community hub, sourcing ingredients from New York State farms and local vendors.
The grand opening included promotions like buying a $25 gift certificate and receiving $10 back (valid starting July 17, 2025), double punches for Pizza Club members, and Nonna swag for purchase.
Tickets for the upcoming pizza-making class will be available online.
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