Change-up: Roma Garden Becomes Lakeside Grill

Angelo Pilinci considered the building's history and laughed.

"Everybody knew The Hob Nob," he said.

Pilinci's new restaurant, Lakeside Grill Restaurant and Bar, was The Hob Nob for many years, but changed owners and names numerous times before Pilinci bought it five years ago.

"It was the Blue Coyote when I bought it," he said, shaking his head.

Pilinci operated it as Roma Garden, an Italian restaurant, until recently when the economy forced another change.

"I changed the menu, lowered prices," Pilinci said.

There are four Italian restaurants in Hopatcong and a number of residents who cook their own Italian food. So he made a change to lower-priced American food.

"It's working very well," he said, a sentiment echoed by regular customer Jim Smith who said he likes having an affordable restaurant walking distance from his house.

Lakeside Grill is open from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. on weekdays and opens at 7 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Weekend breakfasts proved to be a good idea, as well, Pilinci said.

Bartender Noell Schelling said she has worked at many restaurants in the area but enjoys the family atmosphere at Lakeside Grill. She said she also enjoys tending bar because of the interaction with the patrons.

Smith said the rapport between the staff and customers is excellent. "[A staff member] even saves a treat for my dog," Smith said.

The rest of the 12 employees are also enthusiastic.

The Lakeside Grill has a private room for up to 90 people on the second floor. Pilinci said he books many parties there. He said the bar is also busy most days.

The lake area is not as seasonal as it once was, Pilinci said, so he doesn't expect business to fluctuate between seasons.

A restaurateur for 30 years in Passaic, Bergen and Morris counties, Pilinci operates Angelo's in Parsippany. The North Beverwyck Road restaurant was in an old building and Pilinci took the bold step of tearing it down and rebuilding.