Amici Italian Market & Deli

Amici Italian Market & Deli is a family owned convenience store with an Italian Deli located inside.

My great-grandfather, Fillipo Miceli, arrived in New York on October 20, 1900 from Chiusa Sclafani, Siciliy. He left behind his wife Francesca along with 3 children; Setina (Tina) age 10, Vita age 4, and Carlo who was just 6 months old. His destination was Chicopee, KS., specifically West Chicopee which was referred to as Little Italy with over 90% of the residents being from all parts of Italy.

When he was sure this was the place to be (a number of immigrants who had trouble assimilating went back to their home country), he sent for his wife and 3 children who arrived in 1903. Then the family grew. Pasquale in 1904, Paul in 1908, Rosario in 1909, and Mary in 1910.

My grandpa, Paul Maceli (Miceli), did some bootlegging back in the early 1930's. He thought if he changed the spelling of the last name, he would stay ahead of the law and have a new start. Hence our last name is spelled with and A instead of an I.

It has been a dream of ours to bring an Italian Market & Deli to Lawrence, KS and share some of our family recipes with you.