Nicholas Auriemma, Bringing A Bit of the Beach to Nutley

Nicholas Auriemma is a Navy veteran and lifelong North Jersey resident who fell in love with açai bowls while summering on the Jersey shore. Hear more about his story in this week’s Voices of Nutley!

Can you briefly tell us who you are, where you are from and what you do?

My name is Nicholas Auriemma Jr, I’m a 27-year-old Belleville fireman. I lived in Belleville/Bloomfield my entire life. A lot of Belleville residents know my family from our famous Christmas display on Mount Prospect Ave, better known as “Santa’s Workshop.” I’m a Navy veteran and now proud owner of Tiki Bowls in Nutley with my father Nick Sr.

What inspired you to start your own business and why in this field specifically?

I decided to open up an açai shop after seeing how well Playa Bowls did down the shore when they first started. My friends and I had a shore house for the summer and every time other friends would visit us they would always ask to go to the new açai place. Not even knowing what açai was at first; I tried it and loved it! I thought to myself wow; Nutley needs a place like this. I did some research and eventually found a storefront in the right location and went with my gut! We’ve been open since August and we are very excited to see what the future has in store!

What are your goals for Tiki Bowls?

Our goals for the store are to promote healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle. Along with the açai bowls, we also have pitaya bowls, kale bowls, coconut bowls and different types of protein bars, fresh juices, healthy shakes and even meal prepping! We have seasonal items as well. Although not exactly healthy, this winter we are serving Kate’s specialty hot choc and edible cookie dough! It’s delicious!

How long have you lived in North Jersey?

I’ve lived in North Jersey my entire life. My mother lived in Bloomfield and my father lived in Belleville. I’ve lived in Nutley as well.

How do you like Nutley and how do you like being a business owner here?

I love the township of Nutley. My father lives in Nutley as well as two of my uncles so there is a lot of Nutley pride in my family. I hope to be a resident of Nutley in the very near future! Owning a business in Nutley is very rewarding. It’s a close town and I always enjoy seeing familiar faces. It’s a great place to own a business, especially on Franklin Ave where all the action is.

How are you involved with the local community? Do you attend events?

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