8 minute read
The Amoroso Family
Written by Holly Stupak
Photos by Katie Borsuk Photography, www.KatieBorsuk.com
Food, Family and Fun
This month’s Marple family is Nick and Kayla Amoroso and their four children. Nick and Kayla met back in 2001 while working at the Little Inn restaurant in Media. Fast forward 20 years and now they’re running two restaurants, raising four children, while still finding plenty of time to give back to their community. If you’ve dined at la Padella, eaten a Wimpy’s burger or sampled the snack bar at Rose Tree Woods Swim Club, then you may already know this hard working family.
Nick grew up in Springfield, but spent a lot of time in Broomall visiting his grandparents and other extended family who live here. With his family’s long history in the food and restaurant business, it's no surprise that Nick began working in food service when he was 16 years old. While a high school student at Cardinal O’Hara he worked bussing tables at a local restaurant. A few years after high school, Nick went on to study at The Restaurant School, one of Philadelphia’s first colleges to focus on excellence in hospitality education.
Kayla grew up in Glen Mills. She too, went to Cardinal O’Hara, but was a few years behind Nick, so their paths didn’t cross until later. Kayla also grew up in a family who loved food and cooking. “Both of my grandmothers influenced me in the kitchen. My dad’s mom was a wonderful cook and my mom’s mom was more of a baker,” said Kayla. “But it didn't become a passion of mine until I began working in the restaurant business. I realized, I love this!” After high school Kayla pursued a business degree from Delaware County Community College while also working as a waitress.
Nick was working in management at the Little Inn when Kayla began working there. Although Kayla said it was love at first sight, they were friends first and didn’t actually start dating until about a year after they met. The two discovered that they shared a common love of the fast paced restaurant industry, where things were always changing and you’re always meeting new people. Five years after meeting, Nick brought Kayla back to the Little Inn to ask her to marry him.
Nick and Kayla Amoroso
The couple married in 2006 and found a home in Broomall surrounded by Nick’s family. Their house is on the same street as Nick’s grandmother and aunt, with many of his relatives close by in Marple Newtown. “I’ve loved this street ever since I started coming with Nick to visit his grandmother,” said Kayla. “It’s especially beautiful in the fall that reminds me of a beautiful painting.” They have great neighbors, too. “Whether it’s helping to move something, helping with the kids, or just borrowing a cup of sugar, we can ask anything of our neighbors,” said Kayla. “It’s a great feeling!”
For several years Nick owned and operated Sproul Beverage in Marple and Rocko’s Beverage in Media and Kayla worked as a Realtor for Century 21 until 2007 when they started a family. Then in 2017, the Amorosos opened their own restaurant, la Padella in Media.
Kayla takes credit for the name la Padella, which means “frying pan” in Italian. “I loved the name because it’s easy to remember and it is the perfect description for our food—everything is made in a pan, tossed fresh and made to order.” Since its opening, la Padella has won several awards including Best of the Main Line and Best of Delco. Nick says the best part of owning a restaurant is the satisfaction of happy customers. “Watching someone have a great meal and a great time at my restaurant is everything.”
The vision for the restaurant came from some of the restaurants Nick had worked in during his twenties. They really wanted something upscale, but with a casual setting. The dishes are inspired by their Italian heritage, but with a modern flare. It’s not just the delicious food that attracts customers, but also the friendly neighborhood feel.
Although this past year was challenging, Kayla and Nick said that a lot of positives came out of it. When restaurants had to close back in March 2020, Kayla said they had no choice but to get creative. They were able to quickly move from dine in to take out. “We were also able to keep all of our staff, who are like family,” she said. “Everyone on our staff was able to keep working even if it meant taking on a different role. And when they reopened but with regulations, they got creative again. “If you told me five years ago we’d be setting up tables in a parking lot I probably wouldn’t have believed it,” said Nick. “Despite it being challenging, we just went with it.” Another silver lining? Seeing the generosity of the community.
Always up for a challenge, the Amorosos recently became co-owners of Wimpy’s Original, the iconic hamburger shop in Media. After the previous owner approached Nick about the prospect of buying Wimpy’s, Nick said he got his cousin Tom on board who is also in the restaurant business. Now co-owners, Nick, Kayla and Tom are excited about this latest venture. “We plan on keeping a lot of the same menu items that people love but we’re also adding in some healthy options,” said Nick.
In addition to her role as co-owner in both restaurants, Kayla also works full time as a special education assistant at Paxon Hollow Middle School.
Kayla and Nick have four children. Their oldest, Sonny, is 14 and a freshman at Marple Newtown High School. A big sports fan, he’s been playing baseball for Marple Township Little League (MTLL) since he was five and then played baseball for Paxon Hollow Middle School and in the Broomall /Newtown League. Always willing to help out, he’s a great older brother and a kind and caring friend.
The Amoroso children (L-R): Sonny, Tony, Giada and Alessia
Giada, age 12, is a seventh grader at Paxon Hollow Middle School and a helpful and kind older sister to her siblings. A hardworking and organized student, she loves school and enjoys cooking and baking in her spare time. Her favorite things are the beach, swimming in the ocean and being with family and friends.
Alessia is a busy ten-year-old who just started fifth grade at Worrall. Whether it’s playing softball, gymnastics, riding her bike or running, she loves being active. She’s on St. Anastasia’s track and cross country teams, plays softball for the Newtown Square Petticoat League Rebels and is looking forward to cheerleading this season. Her parents describe her as “go with the flow” with a great smile and contagious laugh.
Eight-year-old Tony is the youngest Amoroso. Tony loves sports and school and he enjoys learning about almost anything. “He always has weird and crazy things to share with anyone. And he’s always making people laugh,” said Kayla. Like his older brother, Tony plays for MTLL and loves hitting the driving range with his Pop. Kayla described Tony as a ball of energy. “He’s always on the go,” she added. “He doesn’t really have a choice being the youngest of four!”
The Amoroso Family
The Amoroso home is also filled with pets. They have two rescue dogs named Charlie and Winnie and a Red Footed turtle named Skittles. “I love animals,” said Kayla. “I would adopt hundreds of dogs, cats or any animal if I could!”
Giving back to the community comes naturally to the Amorosos. Nick is a member of the Kiwanis Media Group, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of children by fighting hunger, improving literacy and offering guidance. Kayla enjoys volunteering at Worrall, especially with fundraisers and events like Pizza Bingo and the holiday shop.
They’re always willing to donate food and sponsor many local charities, sports leagues and events throughout the local communities. This past summer, when the Rose Tree Woods Swim Club needed someone to run their snack bar, the Amoroso family stepped in. “When we learned late in the summer that our swim club needed help, we jumped at the opportunity,” Kayla said.
Once in a while this family gets in some down time. When they do, they head to Sea Isle or Brigantine and most recently Deep Creek, MD where they spent time fishing, boating, paddleboarding and just enjoying family time.
When it comes to living here in Marple, Nick and Kayla said they’re proud to be Marple Tigers. Kayla said it best, “We just love this community, the schools and the people!” And for all the Amorosos do for the Marple community, the feeling is mutual!
Do you know a Broomall family, individual or nonprofit group who should become known by our community? Make your nominations for upcoming feature articles by emailing your ideas to Holly Stupak at HStupak@BestVersionMedia.com.
