The Gussen Family
Our Story
Where every meal feels like coming home
Where It Began
Roots in Italy
Renato and Filippa Costagliola grew up in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, where cooking wasn't just a skill — it was a way of life. When they made the bold decision to leave Italy and start fresh in America, they carried little more than their family's recipes and a deep belief that food could bring people together.
From a kitchen in southern Italy to a new home across the ocean — the recipes made the journey, too.
Once settled, Renato and Filippa did what they knew best — they opened the original Vesuvio. It quickly became the heart of their new community. Their daughter Nunzia grew up right there alongside it, learning the craft from childhood — shaping dough, stirring sauce, and greeting every customer by name. She didn't know it yet, but she'd soon meet someone who would help her carry all of it forward.
A New Beginning
Nunzia & Rob
Nunzia and Rob met in college, and it didn't take long for them to realize they shared more than just chemistry — they shared a vision. Nunzia brought a lifetime of her parents' recipes and the soul of the kitchen. Rob brought a sharp mind for business, an unmatched work ethic, and the drive to build something lasting. Where Nunzia saw flavor and tradition, Rob saw opportunity and a way to turn a family's passion into something that could thrive for generations.
She runs the kitchen. He runs everything else. Together, they built a restaurant that feels like home.
And so Vesuvio Ristorante was born in Woolwich Township. Nunzia commands the kitchen — every sauce, every dish, every recipe carries her family's legacy. Rob handles everything beyond the kitchen doors — the operations, the business, the relationships, the thousand details that keep a restaurant running day after day. Neither half works without the other, and that balance is what makes Vesuvio what it is.
A Family Affair
From the very beginning, Vesuvio has been a family operation. Gabriella, Giovanni, and Gianna — all three of Nunzia and Rob's children — grew up in the restaurant, learning from both of their parents: Nunzia's craft in the kitchen and Rob's tireless commitment to everything it takes to keep a restaurant running.
It's not just a restaurant. It's a family's life work — built by two people who gave everything they had, served one plate at a time.
Heritage
Recipes passed down through three generations, rooted in authentic Italian tradition brought from the homeland.
Warmth
Walk in and feel like you're stepping into your grandparents' kitchen — because that's exactly the feeling we set out to create.
Community
The Gussen family is proud and grateful to be a staple in the neighborhood, and to call so many people family over the years.
Come be part of the family
Whether it's your first visit or your hundredth, there's always a seat at our table.