Family values instilled at La Famiglia

James De Lisio Sr. wanted to give his grandchildren something for the future.

Brandon De Lisio, 27, said his grandfather bought a West Manchester Township building about 12 years ago with the intent of opening a beer distributor.

James De Lisio Sr. instead rented it to tenants, but it was his dream to open a bistro. He decided to help create a business for his family in 2011.

James De Lisio Sr. died in June 2011 before La Famiglia Bistro & Carryout opened in October, but he still got to see most of it come to life.

I recently stopped by La Famiglia for lunch with a co- worker.

A cooler full of six-packs lined the wall beneath a spray-painted mural of the New York skyline. Another wall depicted Ellis Island and an Italian chef with the name Pop written on his coat.

I ordered one slice of pizza with olives, green peppers and tomatoes, and a tossed salad. My co-worker chose a chicken caesar salad.

I liked the pizza crust - which wasn't too thick or too thin - and I enjoyed the sweet flavor of the sauce.

Brandon De Lisio runs the business with his brother Jimmy and three friends.

He said his family wanted this business to be a place where people can come with their families and have a beer with their pizza.

La Famiglia serves local craft brews, wine by the glass and beer to go.

He said the business uses local ingredients because his grandfather, who everyone called Pop, wanted to support the community.

James De Lisio Sr. moved to York County from Brooklyn with his wife and three kids years ago.

"He fell in love with York County," Brandon De Lisio said, adding that his grandfather enjoyed the relaxed pace of life here compared with Brooklyn.

He said a lot of the menu is homemade and includes recipes passed down from his grandparents.

He said the Sicilian-style pizza has been a big hit.

"When you try our food, you can tell that we made it from scratch," De Lisio said. "We definitely take pride in our food here."

He said his grandfather was excited for his grandkids to open the business and that he offered them some advice.

"He always told us to be patient," De Lisio said. "You got to work for your dreams. Granted, he did this all for us, but he let us know we're going to work for it."

La Famiglia Bistro & Carryout

LOCATION: 4790 W. Market St. in West Manchester Township

CUISINE: Pizza, subs

LEIGH'S PICK: A slice with olives, green peppers and tomato, and a tossed salad

PARKING: Yes

HOURS: Noon to 9 p.m. Sunday; 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; and 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday

PRICE RANGE: $1.75 to $22.25

ALCOHOL: Yes

ACCEPTS: Cash and credit

TAKEOUT: Yes, offers delivery 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday

KID'S MENU: Yes

DETAILS: Visit lafamigliabistro.com or call 717-318-5501