Jess Letizia grew up living in her dad’s restaurant. From as young as grade school, she can remember going to her dad’s restaurant at 6 in the morning before school to help him prep for the day. This became like a ritual that she and her younger brother would follow for many years after.

            This restaurant didn’t start just from her dad, Vitale’s was passed down from Letizia’s grandparents to her father and his brother. But because running a business is such a commitment, Letizia’s uncle found a new job and left the family business.

            “Walking in through the front doors, it smells like a bunch of different Italian foods,” Letizia said. Monday through Thursday, during the day, Vitale’s is like your regular deli. There’s all kinds of deli sandwiches to choose from, ranging from just a simple ham and cheese sandwich, to the fully loaded Italian sub. There’s also many signature panini’s that have always been a favorite to their regular customers.

            “It sounds like your typical deli, but coming from a family that was passed down through a generation, its so much more than that.” The customers can feel the sense of home when they walk in. They have connections with other customers and strong bonds with the daily workers.

            It’s more than just a place to grab a quick lunch to them. Along with being one of the most popular and successful delis in town, Vitale’s transforms into a high-end Italian restaurant by night on the weekends. It goes from a walk-in deli, to the best sit-down dinner in New Jersey.

            With all of the work that her father has put into this business, Letizia and her brother have big expectations to live up too. He has made renevations since under his ownership, and has changed the menu around many times to satisfy his customers. His personality and compassion to the customers will never be gone from the restaurant.

            Although Letizia wants to pursue a career in Law, the restaurant will always be in the back of her mind. Her dad has mentioned plans to retire to her and her brother, and has made Letizia question what her future will be.

           It’s been in the family for over 50 years and something that Letizia will always hold close to her heart. She might have to put her future plans on hold, but she knows the restaraunt is something that has always been in her family, and she really couldn't imagine letting go of that just yet.