LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. -- The family of Niko DiNovo, the teenager severely injured in a car crash in Colonie last year, has opened a new restaurant with a special name. The deli is named Niko’s.

Davina Resciniti is Niko DiNovo’s aunt. She and her husband have had the dream of opening their own restaurant for as long as they can remember. That dream became a reality a few months ago when they secured the spot at 462 Albany Shaker Road.

Resciniti says after Niko’s crash, all their lives changed, and Niko made them realize they must live every moment to the fullest.

"It was a no brainer. We had to call it Niko’s, because Niko is who got us to this point right here. He gave us the courage and the strength to risk it," said Resciniti. 

It’s been just more than a year since Niko was injured in the crash, leaving more than 95 percent of his body covered in burns. He’s been undergoing surgeries at Westchester Medical Center ever since. His recovery is going well, and he’s working toward eventually going to a rehab facility.

The Rescinitis felt this was the perfect time to make their dream come true of opening a restaurant, and they needed to name it after the person who inspired them to do it.

“He deserves to have a place in the community that has given so much to us named after him. So it’s time for us now to give back to the community, and the best way we know how is to cook food, quality food made with love,” Niko’s aunt Davina said.

Resciniti says the deli features homemade food, everything from sandwiches with fresh meats to pizza and wings. There’s also a sandwich named for Niko called "The Champ," and he helped decide what would be on it.

"Nobody will feel like a stranger because we’re all about hugs, we’re all about love, we’re all about smiles. We’re all about being grateful," said Resciniti.

Since Niko couldn't be there, Davina, her husband and kids Facetimed Niko and his mom. 

"It’s just amazing to me that my 17-year-old nephew has made me dig so deep and he’s helped me realize who I am. He’s brought out the best in me, and I can’t wait for him to come home and be a part of this," said Resciniti. 

For more information about the restaurant, you can visit www.nikos518.com.