In the spring of 2023, Joe Benny’s, a casual Little Italy restaurant beloved for its meatballs, focaccia pizza, and unstuffy attitude, closed after a decade-long run. It was yet another post-pandemic blow for a gastronomically iconic neighborhood where unfortunately more restaurants seemed to be closing than opening.

Today, Little Italy’s outlook looks a little tastier, thanks in large part to Joe Benny Gardella, the man who put his heart, soul (and body) into Joe Benny’s and has opened its bigger and bolder successor, Benny’s.