NYC Restaurant Owner Who Inspired the Movie ‘Nonnas’ Flooded With Calls: “There Are Over 350 Messages!”

Jody Scaravella knew right away that Enoteca Maria, the Staten Island restaurant he opened in 2007 where grandmothers cook traditional meals for customers, would make a perfect movie.

How could he not? Scaravella, who also goes by Joe, was being told so nonstop.

“Almost from Day 1, we’ve been contacted about a reality show, about a movie, about a documentary, just constantly, constantly,” the owner of the St. George hot spot told The Post. “I certainly knew we had struck a nerve.”

The new movie “Nonnas” is based on the life and restaurant of Jody Scaravella. Gabriella Bass

At the start of the movie, we see Scaravella as a boy observing his grandma cook pasta sauce alongside his mom. Gabriella Bass

And then about eight years ago, the filmmakers of “Nonnas,” the feel-good comedy directed by Stephen Chbosky that drops on Netflix Friday, finally convinced him.

“This was really heartfelt and the people actually stepped up to the plate,” he said. “It unfolded very quickly.”

Now, Scaravella is getting the Hollywood treatment. The Brooklyn native is being played onscreen by “Wedding Crashers” star Vince Vaughn.

And the quartet of lively Italianare a formidable bunch: Lorraine Bracco, Susan Sarandon, Talia Shire and Brenda Vaccaro.

Susan Sarandon (left), Brenda Vaccaro, Lorraine Bracco and Talia Shire play the cooking nonnas. AP

Vince Vaughn plays Scaravella in the movie. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Netflix

The kitchen can get spicy — and not just because of the red pepper flakes.

“I love Lorraine Bracco and Brenda Vaccaro when they’re having it out,” Scaravella said.

Their characters’ head-butting is about more than whose Sunday sauce is tastier. Bracco’s forthright Roberta hails from Sicily, while Vaccaro’s Antonella is a proud native of Bologna.

“There’s definitely a certain amount of prejudice, depending on what part of Italy you’re from,” Scaravella said. “The one moment when Vince turns to the ladies and says, ‘You ladies are killing me!’ — I’ve said that.”

He opened the Staten Island restaurant in 2007. Gabriella Bass

Scaravella was inspired by his own nonna and his mother, the eatery’s namesake. Gabriella Bass

The proprietor helped Vaughn, who he calls a “really down to earth and sweet guy,” and writer Liz Maccie turn the remarkable Enoteca Maria journey into a heart-tugging movie.

“He came to the restaurant with Joe Mangianello, [who plays best friend Bruno],” Scaravella said. “He was asking about the story and I guess he was just trying to get a feel for the character and the brilliant script written by Liz Maccie — threading together all the moments in my life.”

One aspect that makes the tale compelling is that it’s about an underdog. Scaravella had no restaurant experience when he decided to open Enoteca Maria. The other is family. He was inspired by his own nonna and his mother, the eatery’s namesake. “Nonnas” weaves them in.

Scaravella named Enoteca Maria after his late mother. AP

At the start of the movie, we see Scaravella as a boy observing his grandma cook pasta sauce alongside his mom. Watching his younger self with those special women in his life moved him.

“I just sat there with tears in my eyes through the whole thing,” Scaravella said. “And every time I’ve looked at it afterward, it’s very emotional for me.”

The whirlwind of “Nonnas” has also made the man very, very busy.

Scaravella says he’s getting hundreds of messages per day. Gabriella Bass

“There’s 350 messages on there that I’m trying to get through one at a time,” Scaravella told The Post of his restaurant’s success. Gabriella Bass

When The Post visited Enoteca Maria, which today features nonnas of many different nationalities and culinary specialties (Jewish, Polish, Ukrainian, Mexican and more), the already popular restaurant’s phone was ringing off the hook.

“It’s a bit much,” Scaravella said. “I mean, I can’t answer my phone. There’s 350 messages on there that I’m trying to get through one at a time. Every time I do one, three more come in.”

But, he added, “there are bad problems and there are good problems. This is a good problem.”

Related Posts

🚨NEW: Trump ends ex-Vice President Harris’ Secret Service protection early after Biden had extended it BUT The California Highway Patrol will …. hhhhh

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has revoked former Vice President Kamala Harris’ Secret Service protection that otherwise would have ended next summer, senior Trump administration officials said Friday. Former…

Read more

CNN reported: 30 minutes ago, Trump became the first president to fire a Federal Reserve governor, “Lisa D. Cook”, who Trump accused of mortgage fraud. In response to Trump’s absurd accusation, she replied: “If you fired me, I would publish what …hhhhhh

CNN reported jυst thirty miпυtes ago that Doпald Trυmp has takeп a step пo other U.S. presideпt has ever dared to attempt: the firiпg of a sittiпg Federal Reserve goverпor….

Read more

BBC Reported: 30 minutes ago, White House Secretary confirmed that President TRUMP was poisoned, his health is very critical, the Oval Office was urgently summoned… hhhh

Washington, D.C. – August 30, 2025, 9:01 PM +07 – In a shocking development that has sent shockwaves across the nation, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed just 30…

Read more

NBC News Reports: 30 minutes ago, White House Secretary confirmed that President TRUMP was poisoned, his health is very critical, the Oval Office was urgently summoned… more hhh

Washington, D.C. – August 30, 2025, 9:01 PM +07 – In a shocking development that has sent shockwaves across the nation, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed just 30…

Read more

Trump Surprises Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce On Their Proposal, But Could This ‘Reconciliatory’ Wish Come Right Before Midterm Elections… hhhh

In a jaw-dropping twist, President Donald Trump stunned the world by offering warm congratulations to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce on their engagement, a stark departure from his past vitriol…

Read more

ABC reported: 30 minutes ago, sources inside the White House confirmed that a senior official had abruptly resigned, paving the way for Gavin Newsom to confront Trump with the message: “You can, Do what I dare not… hhhh

By Julia, BBC News, 10 August 2025 In a fiery showdown that’s tearing through America’s political fabric, California Governor Gavin Newsom has thrown down the gauntlet against President Donald Trump,…

Read more

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *