Immigrant Opens Unique Sandwich Shop On Hudson/Bergen County Border (See Menu)

HUDSON AND BERGEN COUNTIES, NJ — Markin De La Cruz, a Brooklyn native who now lives in Edgewater, always got compliments on his cooking, but never owned a restaurant until this month.

On Friday, Sept. 15, he was set to open Sanwichitos in North Bergen, in that section of restaurants on River Road beside the Edgewater border.

De La Cruz's wife Amanda said he was inspired to open his first eatery because he's a "passionate foodie ... he has been consistently cooking and aging steaks for the last four years."

She noted, "His friends have always complimented the level of his steaks and compared them to high-end steakhouses. He also realized that every time he went to a restaurant if he had a criticism or saw a problem he would always have a solution."

"A combination of having those opinions and being obsessed with aesthetics is what gave him the confidence [to open] Sandwichitos."

Markin's family moved to Brooklyn from the Dominican Republic when he was 3. When he met his wife, the couple lived in Jersey City for four years and moved to Edgewater three years ago.

The various ethnic influences have inspired his new shop, offering Spanish, Italian and American gourmet sandwiches.

"Everything is made fresh in-house and the reaction from the community prior to our grand opening has been incredible," said Amanda.

The grand opening was set for Friday, Sept. 15 from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.

The eatery is located at 9025 Old River Road.

See the menu below. (And if you have restaurant news in the area, let Patch know so we can write it.)