The Surprising True Story Behind Netflix’s Nonnas
The Surprising True Story Behind Netflix’s Nonnas
The Netflix film Nonnas, released on May 9, 2025, is inspired by the true story of Joe Scaravella, a Staten Island resident who, after losing his mother, opened a restaurant named Enoteca Maria in 2007. Scaravella’s vision was to honor his mother’s culinary legacy by employing Italian grandmothers (“nonnas”) as chefs, offering authentic, home-cooked meals to the community.(Time, Houston Chronicle)
The film, directed by Stephen Chbosky and starring Vince Vaughn as Joe Scaravella, portrays this heartfelt journey. The cast includes Susan Sarandon, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, and Brenda Vaccaro, who play the nonnas, bringing warmth and authenticity to the story. (Wikipedia, TheWrap)
Production companies Madison Wells and Matador Content acquired Scaravella’s life rights and collaborated with screenwriter Liz Maccie to develop the project. The film was shot in various New Jersey locations, with the former Spirito’s Restaurant in Elizabeth serving as a stand-in for Enoteca Maria. (Wikipedia)
Netflix secured the worldwide distribution rights for over $20 million and released the film globally in 2025. (IMDb)
For those interested in exploring this heartwarming story, Nonnas is available for streaming on Netflix. (Netflix)
