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Satisfying the public’s hunger for sumptuous Italian food has been a part of Rosa Colandrea’s life for nearly 40 years. It is literally a family tradition involving not only Rosa but her sister, brothers, children, and husband. It all began almost at birth with Rosa and her family coming to the United States from Naples, Italy.

“Nobody leaves here hungry. That is what comes from being from Naples,” Rosa says, smiling.

Rosa is the owner of Kings New York pizza located at 313 Rock Cliff Drive in Martinsburg, West Virginia. Rosa, her husband Salvatore, and daughters Tanya and Lexia are all part of the business.

Rosa credits her father Vincenzo with giving her the experience and love of the restaurant business. Vincenzo worked as a chef on a ship, serving three shipwrecks. He decided to leave life on the water and go into the restaurant business. The family left Naples and settled in the New York/New Jersey area in 1978.

“I worked in my father’s restaurant. I never wanted to do anything else. I enjoy what I do,” Rosa Says.

Along with Rosa, her three brothers Dominic, Pasquale and Andrea all had the desire to start their own restaurants. When Vincenzo decided to retire in 1995, he had a friend who ran King’s Pizza in Kearneysville, West Virginia, who also wanted to retire. The three brothers eventually all settled in the Eastern Panhandle with restaurants in Kearneysville, falling waters, Hedgesville, and Inwood.

Rosa and her family opened the Martinsburg location in 2000.

“We kept New York in the name because we serve NJM style pizzas with the thin crust,” Rosa says.

Kings seats 70 people with outside tables available and has 18 employees. Catering and delivery are also available. Rosa says she has plans to expand the business, but in 2019 things changed.

“She was diagnosed with breast cancer,” her sister Tina says. “She came back to work a day after her operation. She faced cancer on her own and never placed a burden on the family, but she always had our support. Mary grace Cole, a dear friend and customer, also stood by her all the way and helped her when she needed it. Still, Rosa has tremendous strength and is strong minded.”

“Working was what I most needed to do. I was happy at work period I wanted my customers to be happy here. Feel at home. I wanted this to be their second home,” says Rosa.

Rose as customers responded to not only delicious offerings on the menu but the restaurant’s atmosphere as well.

“I talk to my customers. We laugh. I tell them, “come. Sit for a while and have cannoli.” There is always something going on here. I even have customers who bring in vegetables for me. We have a great customer support,” Rosa says.