Italians make up New Jersey?s largest ethnic group with about 20 percent of the population. Most of the Italians settled and lived in Newark. While many have moved away from the city, some families and businesses wouldn?t dream of leaving.

Family and food seem to be the heart of the community in Newark. Those looking to get a taste of the old neighborhood should head down to Sylvestro and Fatima?s Avenue Market on Bloomfield Avenue. Those who grew up in Newark and moved away say they often stop by the Avenue Market for some good food.

While the old Italian neighborhood is now home to a number of ethnic groups, many business owners say that hasn?t affected their sales. Vito Birardi, owner of an Italian food imports store, says people come from all over just for his products.

For more on Italian-Americans across New Jersey, tune into News 12 New Jersey?s special, ?New Jersey?s Family Tree: The Flavors of Little Italy,? this weekend.