Cornish Pasty Centennial: Family Business Marks 100 Years In Morris

WHARTON, NJ — From its humble beginnings as a dry goods store, this Morris County eatery has become a community staple — and the same family has been hand-making Cornish pasties here for 100 years.

Along with the signature pasty — ground beef and fresh veggies encased in a flaky crust — the menu at Rocky's Pasties has expanded to include Polish kielbasa, Hungarian stuffed cabbage, and four varieties of sweet kolaches.

And owner Tom Rodkewitz said Rocky's, at 47 Robert Street in Wharton, plans to be around to celebrate their 200th anniversary, too.

"We’re very much a team effort and are so grateful that people still come and enjoy our pasties," Rodkewitz said at a celebration Friday. "After 100 years we’ve got our recipe and process pretty much figured out and that’s what people enjoy. We’ll see you all again in 2124.”

Wharton Mayor Bill Chegwidden, Morris County officials, and representatives of Congressman Tom Kean Jr.'s office stopped by the small shop to commemorate the historic milestone, and also celebrate the fourth-generation family that has been serving customers for a century.

In 1924, Andrew and Anna Rodkewitz first opened a dry goods store on South Main Street in Wharton; it later moved to Robert Street.

The owners, who were of Ukranian and Polish descent, named the store after their son, Julius “Rocky” Rodkewitz.

Rocky later married Mary Rekun and took over the business.

Cornish immigrants, who came to work in the iron mines around Wharton at the turn of the 20th century, gave the Rodkewitzes recipes for how to make the handheld pies. The method carried on through the generations, and now Tom Rodkewitz and his son Brandon are keeping the tradition alive.

Brandon took a moment to recognize Rocky who passed away in 2012, for " his lifelong commitment, his generosity to the community and his stubborn dedication."

"His quiet steady persistence through ups and downs was an incredible example for us and the entire family," Brandon continued. "Customers still come in decades later to share stories and talk about what a good man he was."

Rocky's Pasties is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.