Zia Maria’s Caffè in Bunnell has officially been in business for a whole year. The small restaurant is turning a modest space next to an auto garage into a source of familial gatherings and great eats. Offerings include Italian desserts, coffee and tea, breakfast food, and gelato among others.
The business was founded by Maria Terranova Royer, who now runs it alongside three other employees. Two of those are her own daughters, Marissa and Rebecca. The family moved down from New Jersey in 2011, with Royer bringing her experience working in family-owned restaurants since she was young. The distinct, welcoming environment endemic to family eateries is distinctly present in Zia Maria’s. And in case it wasn’t known: ‘zia’ is Italian for aunt.
How Zia Maria’s Was Born
ⓒ Eryn Harris
It wasn’t right away that Royer wanted to open a cafe. Throughout her life she drifted through several odd jobs: law firms, doctor offices…none of those seemed to satisfy her passions. And so after a time away from the restaurant business, she realized she had to find her way back. This led to a stint managing Terranova’s Restaurant & Pizzeria in Bunnell (owned by extended family) from 2011 to 2020.
Within the last couple years, Royer caught word that a friend of hers was selling her cupcake business. That space, located on SR-100 across the street from Wendy’s, soon established itself as the perfect starting place. And so Royer purchased her friend’s business and began leasing that space from the property owner. She’d found the home of her dream: 2710 East Moody Boulevard Unit B, Bunnell, Florida, 32110.
Connecting with the Community
ⓒ Eryn Harris
Upon opening, Zia Maria’s faced the critical first hurdle of any new restaurant: attracting customers. Places like these either catch on or they don’t – oftentimes a business’ failure is in spite of competent ownership, quality offerings, and true passion for the craft. There are no guarantees in small business ownership. The fate of Zia Maria’s laid in the hands of the community. And the community smiled upon it.
“They’re very excited that we’re here, they love our coffee and our Italian pastries and cookies,” Royer said. Through word of mouth and near-flawless online reviews, the cafe is cultivating a reputation as one of the area’s best destinations for Italian comfort food. While Flagler County hosts fierce competition among many pizzerias and Italian dinner restaurants, Zia Maria’s has come to dominate its own unique lane in Italian cuisine. Not only for its different menu, but for its inspired and warm environment.
“We’ve got a really cozy girly vibe going on,” added Marissa Gardella, Royer’s daughter. “It’s a woman-owned and run business. I feel like that’s pretty fun, people come in and they like how it’s pinks and purples, cozy and friendly. A lot of people who come in say it feels like they’re walking into someone’s living room. It’s not as much a restaurant as it is a hangout.”
Generational Legacy
L-R: Rebecca, Maeve, Maria, and Marissa. ⓒ Courtesy Photo
That’s how Zia Maria’s circles back to what truly makes it work: family. Guests are served by a real family, while occupying a space that feels more like a New Jersey dining room than a sit-down restaurant. Family is at the core of Zia Maria’s appeal. With that in mind, Royer has a long-term vision to keep her creation’s heart intact.
Zia Maria’s was created to honor Royer’s parents, Giorgio and Giulia, who immigrated from Italy in 1972. The two of them didn’t get to see Zia Maria’s open – they passed away in 2019 and 2020 respectively – but their legacy lives on through it today.
One day, Royer intends to pass the business down to Gardella. From there, it’s marked for Gardella’s nine-month-old daughter Maeve. With successive generations taking over the mantle, it’ll be possible to adapt to the changing identity of a rapidly evolving Flagler County without losing what made Zia Maria’s special from the outset.
