After Sandy brought four feet of water into Nunzio's Pizzeria in Dongan Hills, the Staten Island institution has reopened.

The owner said he was denied assistance from FEMA and a loan from the Small Business Administration.

He instead enlisted the help, money and talents of friends to rebuild and refurnish the establishment.

"I had a family member that owns a construction company and he did all the work for us," said Bob While, who owns Nunzio's. "If it wasn't for him I wouldn't have had this done."

"It's their livelihood, they've been here since they were children," said Bloomingdale resident Carl Nitti. "We're very happy Nunzio's is back."

Nunzio's has been in business since 1942.