A superstorm hitting town the same day you launch your new business may be unsettling for some.

But for siblings Lisa Andrews and Rich Dow, it was just fine.

The two opened their Italian eatery, D'Italia, on Oct. 28, the day SuperStorm Sandy hit town.

It was designed to be a soft opening, Dow said, so they could get settled in easier.

"Turned out we didn't have to worry about being swamped with huge crowds with that weather," Andrews said. 

But since then, she said, business has been building up as word of mouth has spread that they're open.

Dow and Andrews had been working on renovating the former A&J's site since May.

D'Italia offers homemade sauces, pastas, raviolis, lasagna, soups, desserts and other dishes made from family recipes. There's also a deli, and fresh-made sandwiches, subs and entrees made for take-out or eating in.

Andrews said they have been touched by the reception from customers in Westlake.

"Everyone has been so warm and welcoming," she said. "I love the support we've gotten from the community so far."