Italian Eatery ‘The Shop’ Coming Soon To Chatham Plaza

CHATHAM, NJ — Two business owners who have roots in the Chatham community plan to open the doors soon to their family-friendly, Chatham Plaza restaurant, “The Shop.”

The eatery is going to be in the 2,300-square-foot space for a long-term lease in the Levin Management Corporation retail center on Main Street, in Café Villa’s former space.

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“Chatham Plaza shoppers and local residents alike have long appreciated the presence of an Italian restaurant at this location,” said Kendal Hand-Freda, leasing representative for Levin Management Corporation, in a news release, who negotiated the long-term lease.

“We are thrilled to bring this quality dining element to the community,” Hand-Freda added, noting that guests can enjoy a pizza or other Italian favorites from the restaurant.

Near Chatham’s downtown, the restaurant will share the plaza with the 14,200 square-foot CVS Pharmacy, Blue Foundry Bank, C2 Education tutoring center and JAG Physical Therapy, among its new neighbors.

There will be a small retail section in The Shop with imported specialty sauces, cheeses and fresh breads, as well as the eatery with “artisanal pizzas, hand-crafted pastas and sandwiches,” said business owners Vincenzo Bernardo and Christopher Bezzone.

“We look forward to being a neighborhood dining destination where someone can stop by a few times a week to grab their favorite lunch or dinner,” Bezzone said, with a focus on “pizza, pasta and panino.”

The restaurant’s Instagram notes the fresh-prepared foods will be served up for casual dining, offering BYOB, delivery, takeout and catering.

He says their eatery differs with its “inventive and creative versions of Italian food,” with authentic ingredients and trendy takes on classic dishes.

One of their pasta dishes was posted on the restaurant’s Facebook Page, with the grand opening date expected to be announced in January, they wrote:

An exclusive dining room within The Shop is “The Supper Club,” which they say will offer limited seats and a special and smaller menu for Friday and Saturday night dinners.

Having been born and growing up in Madison, Bernardo said he’s connected to the spot, having eaten frequently at Café Villa beginning at five-years-old, while the restaurant was there over its 25-year span.

“It means a lot that we can continue the tradition of kids coming to this shopping center for meals with their families, while starting new traditions at The Shop,” he said. “We hope our concept will be part of the community for many years to come.”

Stay tuned for The Shop’s opening date and more at www.theshopchatham.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/theshopnj/ and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/the_shopnj/.

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