Caroline DiFuccia Talks G & R Deli, Good Meatballs & Growing Up in the Bronx

Caroline DiFuccia, owner of G&R Deli in the Bronx, shares her journey growing up in a large, working-class Italian-American family on the GrowingUpItalian podcast. She reflects on her early life marked by financial hardship, her mother’s role as a community cook, and the deep-rooted traditions of neighborhood life—where doors were always open, food was shared generously, and community was everything. Caroline discusses her 10-year tenure running G&R Deli, a family-run business that preserves authentic Italian deli culture with a modern twist, including viral meatball cones and her signature crispy oil. She opens up about balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated food scene, and the emotional weight of losing her husband young. Her rise to social media fame—sparked by a viral video shot by friend Nikki Smalls—becomes a story of authenticity, resilience, and the power of community. The episode also dives into food philosophy, from the sacredness of mozzarella to the cultural significance of Arthur Avenue, and ends with a joyful, food-filled celebration of Bronx pride, family, and legacy.