Nina's Deli comes to Massapequa

Even though he was only 21 years old when he opened his first deli in East Meadow five years ago, Benny Diasparra still knew the odds were stacked against him.

But he also knew this type of business was in his blood, and he was going to be successful.

 “There are four and five generations of my family who are in the deli business,” Diasparra said. “I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Wiith an entrepreneurial spirit sense of family pride, Diasparra, now 26, has opened the second location of Nina’s Italian  Deli & Speciality Shoppe in Massapequa, 4227 Merrick Road, Massapequa. The deli was introduced to the neighborhood through the last month with a ribbon cutting ceremony.  

Diasparra calls Nina’s Deli a good old fashioned Brooklyn-style deli. He named the shop after his grandmother. “She was the one who inspired me to keep this tradition going,” he said.

 After his first deli was a huge success in East Meadow, Diasparra said he was up to the challenge of adding on another location.

“Massapequa is a great place for a deli. There are a lot of families and people who appreciate an old-fashion type deli.” Diasparra said he made an effort to set his deli apart from others by offering specialty items like European chocolates.

“I like to give people the option of getting something special they can’t get everyday. I like to offer chocolates from Europe because it’s different.” Nina’s also offers paninis, lasagna, stuffed peppers, and other Italian imported foods  such as pastas, cold cuts, cheeses and fresh-baked breads.

It took about two months for a full renovation of the building and Diasparra said he couldn’t be more pleased with the way the community already has taken to his new deli.

In addition to being an Italian specialty deli, Nina’s provides catering services for off-site gatherings.

Massapequa resident Lee Shore chose Nina’s to cater a breakfast at his home following his daughter’s wedding. Shore said he was impressed with everything from the food to the professionalism.

“I had about 20 or 25 people at my house for a breakfast,” Shore said. “And my guests couldn’t stop talking about how good the food was. Everything was fresh and beyond good to eat.”