For Tony Pali, owner of Village Pizza, his restaurant is more than just a pizza place. It’s the result of a lifelong passion for pizza, influenced by family tradition and a commitment to quality.
Tony’s journey began in the Bronx, where he grew up in a family that was deeply involved in the pizzeria business. His father, Tony Sr., ran pizza restaurants across the Bronx, uptown Manhattan, and later in Spring Valley, NY. Tony was introduced to the craft at a young age, making pizzas by age 8 and managing the family business during weekends and school breaks by age 12.
In his early 20s, Tony briefly owned a pizzeria in Mount Vernon before stepping into the corporate world. He spent nearly a decade with American Building Management (ABM), overseeing commercial building accounts across the tri-state area. However, Tony soon realized the corporate world didn’t bring him the fulfillment he sought, so he returned to his true passion—pizza.
In 2023, Village Pizza opened with a focus on quality and craftsmanship. “I really try to put the best tasting ingredients into the product. We don’t cut any corners,” Tony says. His philosophy is simple: light crust, light sauce, and light toppings. This creates a balanced pizza with flavors that leave a lasting impression.
What truly sets Village Pizza apart is Tony’s dedication to his customers. “I want people to walk out of here saying, ‘Damn, that was money well spent,’” he explains. His goal is to provide an experience that makes customers feel like they’re part of something special.
Tony chose Nyack as the location for his pizzeria because of its historic, small-town charm. He has long admired the village, especially since his father once owned Villa Rosa there. He also appreciates the supportive community that backs local businesses. “Being in Nyack has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life,” he shares. “It’s been one of the hardest years but also the best, because I’ve been able to establish myself. I wouldn’t have been able to do any of it without my staff, customers, and, of course, the continued support of my family—my wife, Valentina, my children, Anthony and Antonella, my parents, Tony and Maria, and my sisters, Mariana and Elizabeth. They all drive me to make them proud.”
Tony has plans to expand, not only within Rockland County but also near his home in Weehawken, NJ. He aims to grow the business by investing in his staff, treating employees as partners, and continuously refining his pizza-making skills.
One exciting upcoming event is a “Taste-Off,” where customers can compare the current pizza sauce with a new version. Their feedback will help shape the future of Village Pizza, ensuring it remains a community-focused business where the quality continues to improve.
Village Pizza is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 64 S. Broadway.
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