Merchant Reflects on History, Resiliency On Tourism-based Barrier Island

NORTH WILDWOOD ─ “Everybody wants the same taste they remember as a kid,” said resident and business operator Joseph Monzo. Monzo who spoke with the Herald Aug. 26, sat in a booth by the window as customers gathered for a cup of morning coffee, pastry, and a quick chat before going about their day.
Though originally from the Philadelphia region, Monzo married into a rich heritage and credits his wife’s family, the Pizza family, for their enterprising spirit.
Through hard economic times, natural disasters such as Hurricane Sandy and Winter Storm Jonas, family tragedy, and the ebb and flow of life on a barrier island, the Pizza and Monzo families persevered. 
Monzo candidly told his family’s story.
The story began in a little town called Castel del Giudice (Castle of Judges) in Italy. In 1918, at the age of 17, a girl named Lina joined the latest wave of immigrants traveling to the United States.
Lina came alone across the Atlantic Ocean and settled in Swedeland, Pa., an unincorporated community in Montgomery County. There she met a fellow Italian, Alfonso Pizza, the man who would eventually found A&LP.
Pizza, an entrepreneur, lived in Ambler, Pa., and was the first person in Ambler to own a radio. “He (Pizza) moved around,” said Monzo.
When the Great Depression hit, Pizza continued to make a living for his family. In 1953, he purchased the lot on which the business still stands.
Tragedy struck in 1956. Monzo explained that one had to drive all the way to Philadelphia to buy produce to sell on the island. While crossing a portion of the railroad, Pizza was hit by an oncoming train. “It’s a horrible story,” Monzo said.
After Alfonso’s death, his son carried on the family dream and business.
“I married into it,” Monzo said with a smile, describing when he came to North Wildwood in 1986 to assist wife Linda and her family.
Monzo took the helm in 1996. “We are the third generation,” Monzo continued.
If his children wish, they will make the fourth generation.
As with many family-owned businesses, Monzo hires high-school and college-age employees during the busy summer season.
“We see the same faces for four years,” Monzo explained, “until they graduate.”
When asked how the family copes with the turnover, Monzo replied, “We rely on local people. We’ve always been here.”
Carving out a life on a barrier island based on a mostly tourist-driven economy has not harmed Monzo or his family. Challenges arise, but life continues.
Featuring “a lot of homemade” goods, Monzo says A&LP offers “a little bit of everything,” much like North Wildwood residents themselves. During the 2008 recession, Monzo said “everybody felt it” but also added that the effects were not as damaging as it was for others.
“Everybody wants the same taste they remember as a kid,” Monzo concluded with a smile, looking about the room.
Taking the seasonal turnover in stride, Monzo carries on Alfonso Pizza’s legacy, serving generations of locals and visitors.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.