As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, News 12 is introducing you to a mother-daughter team running an Arthur Avenue staple in the Bronx. 

Gathered around the dinner table and enjoying a meal straight out of Italy is the family feel Joanne Lorre serves to all at Emilia’s Restaurant. 

“People come here, and they just feel like part of the family. We just had a lady leave that has been coming here for 19 years, she named her daughter after the restaurant,” said Lorre. 

The restaurant was named after the original woman in charge. Nunzio Sapienza took over the Arthur Avenue restaurant 25 years ago and quickly brought his daughter on board. 

“This was male-dominated when I first started... There are multiple restaurants that were originally men but now women are taking over... It's becoming empowering now that we're talking about it,” said Lorre. 

This is the strength she says she is passing down to the next generation, with both of her daughters now lending their talents to help run the place they grew up in. 

Together, this team is working on new ideas, such as adding a brunch menu, while always staying true to the classics that lend to that family feel.