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Aj Pappalardo
Restaurant owner
Aj Pappalardo was a prominent restaurant owner known for his work at Rubirosa, an Italian-American restaurant and pizzeria located in Nolita, New York City. He was the son of Giuseppe Pappalardo, who founded the well-known Staten Island pizzeria Joe & Pat's. Inspired by a 57-year-old family recipe for paper-thin crust pizza, AJ opened Rubirosa in 2009, aiming to create a dining institution similar to his father's.123
Under his leadership, Rubirosa gained acclaim for its thin-crust pizzas and fresh pasta, earning accolades such as the Michelin Bib Gourmand. The restaurant became a beloved spot in New York, bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary dining experiences.13
Sadly, AJ Pappalardo passed away in January 2015 at the age of 40. After his death, his sister Maria Pappalardo took on a more significant role in continuing his vision for Rubirosa alongside Bari Musacchio.45 Today, Rubirosa continues to thrive as a family-run establishment, maintaining its reputation for quality Italian-American cuisine.
