Cropsey Avenue’s La Casa Bella Celebrates Anniversary And Sandy Survival

When Superstorm Sandy struck and Gravesend Bay poured into the neighborhood, it took six days to pump the water out of La Casa Bella at 2579 Cropsey Avenue.

“[It] was very crippling. Financially, mentally, physically—it was trying,” owner Rosemary Picarello told NY1.

The business wasn’t in a Zone A flood area that required evacuation, but it got the water anyway. They were closed for a month, with the saltwater wiping out electric, plumbing, heating, restaurant equipment and supplies.

Like most small businesses, which were told to seek government-back loans, they received no financial help.

“FEMA, the state—there was no help whatsoever from them. We had to get back on our feet by ourselves, and from the support of the community and going into our own funds. That’s how we were able to reopen,” says Picarello.

Reopen they did, and now they’re celebrating 21 years in business, doling out Italian staples, seafood, pizza, heros and more.

Congratulations to our neighbors at La Casa Bella, and here’s wishing you many more!