Grand Opening For Chatham Eatery That Supports Special Needs

CHATHAM, NJ - They've been dishing up smiles and eats since November, but Sorriso Kitchen, the restaurant that supports those with special needs, will celebrate their grand opening Wednesday morning.

More than just a family-owned restaurant, on Mondays Sorriso Kitchen provides an opportunity to train young adults with special needs as it will be used as a "classroom" for education in service and hospitality.

"It dawned on us, why don't we offer it up to (son) LJ's school to use as a 'classroom' for some real-life job training? This excited us as yet another reason appeared for why we had to open Sorriso," Co-owner Karen Bellas said. "We presented the idea to ECLC (Education, Careers & Lifelong Community) and needless to say they were thrilled."

Excited is the word ECLC Public Affairs Director Amalia Duarte used to describe the program and the grand opening.

"We are so excited to celebrate this unique local eatery and recognize the Bellas family for their generosity toward our students," she said.

For the Bellas family, husband and wife Jimmy and Karen and sons LJ and Nico, the opening of this particular eatery is a true passion project that is in the blood as her husband grew up in the restaurant business.

But it was their son, LJ, a 17-year-old born with Down Syndrome that really brought the concept of Sorriso Kitchen into focus.

"We always talked about perhaps someday opening a little place where the boys could work--where we all could work as a family," Bellas said.

Since their soft opening the positive reviews on the place have been pouring in.

"An amazing breakfast this morning! Bacon, egg and cheese on a croissant! The best potato's crispy with the skin on and well seasoned," Mary Marano said. "The coffee was perfect! Karen and Jim were friendly and so was the staff! Great job Nico! I will definitely go back to try more delicious options!"

Polly Currier-Peters said she recommended the place not only for the food.

"Just wow. Delicious, creative food. Excellent service. Warm, stylish space. Chatham is so lucky to have Sorriso," she said. "We'll be back soon."

Gianna Lynn also recommended visiting the place for the staff experience.

"Went to Sorriso Kitchen for the first time and the employees are so nice and welcoming and the food was absolutely amazing definitely coming back and bringing my family," Lynn said.

The grand opening celebration is scheduled to take place at 9 a.m. at 252 Main Street in Chatham.

(Photo courtesy of Sorriso Kitchen)

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