Ryan honors Gondola Macaroni Products as July 'Small Business of the Month'

Nomination window for next award open until Aug. 20

New York State Sen. Sean Ryan announced Gondola Macaroni Products was selected as the 61st Senate District “Small Business of the Month” for July. Ryan will present the business with a New York State Senate Empire Award in recognition of its commitment to keeping a family business thriving for 75 years in Buffalo’s Black Rock neighborhood.

A press release explained, “Gondola Macaroni Products was founded in 1958, when Guido and Maria Colla, recent emigrants from the Venice region of Italy, began making fresh pasta out of the kitchen of their home on Buffalo’s West Side. In 1968, the company moved to its current location – an 1800s-era building at the corner of Niagara and Austin streets in Black Rock. Today, owner Wendy Colla-Bianco oversees operations for the third-generation family business, which still uses some of the same machinery built or refurbished by her grandfather Guido.

“Each week, Gondola makes about 4,000 pounds of fresh, frozen, and dry pasta products including ravioli, tortellini, stuffed shells, gnocchi, and noodles in a variety of cuts and flavors. Their products supply dozens of restaurants throughout Western New York and are available for purchase at the Black Rock store as well as a variety of local grocers and delis.”

Ryan said, “I’m proud to honor a business that has been a mainstay in Black Rock for three generations. For anyone who knows the neighborhood, it’s tough to imagine a Niagara Street without Gondola. Kudos to Wendy and the Colla family for keeping this great community treasure thriving for so many years – here’s to another 75!”

Ryan will continue to highlight businesses that deserve special recognition for their contributions to the Western New York community throughout 2023. To nominate a business for the July award, individuals should fill out the nomination form here or at ryan.nysenate.gov by Sunday, Aug. 20.

Businesses that will receive special consideration during the selection process include:

 √ Companies that have created a culture of philanthropy and/or demonstrated exceptional leadership in the community

√ Leaders in their industry and/or innovators in their field

√ Promoters of economic growth in Western New York

√ Family-owned businesses that have successfully passed from one generation to another

√ Companies that conduct virtuous ethical practices and/or utilize green practices

To be eligible for the award, a business must be located in the 61st Senate District, which includes parts of the City of Buffalo, as well as the entireties of the City of Tonawanda; the towns of Amherst, Grand Island and Tonawanda; and the villages of Kenmore and Williamsville. To confirm whether a business is located in the 61st District, individuals can visit www.nysenate.gov/find-my-senator and enter an address.