When you first enter Little Pops NY Pizzeria at 1033 Kilbery Lane in North Aurora, you may at first glance think you’ve taken a wrong turn and somehow ended up in New York City. From the delicious scents of authentic New York style pizza striking your nose as soon as you enter, to the Yankees décor, to the New York City skyline and subway cars, to even a miniature Statue of Liberty, you’re transported into a delectable new world.
Little Pops recently opened in town and Village of North Aurora administration staff and Mayor Mark Gaffino were able to take a behind the scenes tour of this new restaurant to get a “slice” of the action and efforts that went into creating a new neighborhood favorite.
For a bit of background, owners Vicki and Mike Nelson, both from New York, grew up surrounded by authentic New York pizza and Italian cooking before moving to Naperville, Illinois for Mike’s job. In 2014, after Mike lost his job and the family was trying to decide their next steps, the Nelson family traveled down to Florida to visit with Mike’s mom for spring break. While there, they ate at an authentic New York Pizzeria and the nostalgia and memories of their childhoods struck them full force. Mike joked they should open a New York style pizza shop in Naperville…