Jack’s Café Owner Opens Mahwah Restaurant

The owner of Jack’s Café in Westwood has brought “good-sized portions” and “feel good American recipes” to Mahwah.

The Grille, located inside the Ramapo Centre on Macarthur Blvd., opened last Friday.

“This is a great area that needed servicing. There is a lot going on here, between the businesses and corporate world, Ramapo College, and the schools,” owner and Chef Chris D’Eletto said.

“This is a great community, and this is where we wanted to be,” added partner Mike Barone.

Both men graduated from nearby Don Bosco, and were anxious to return to the area.

D’Eletto says the menu will be similar to what is served at the popular Jack’s Café, but with some additional items added. The restaurant is having a soft opening now, and plans to add New York-style salad and Panini bars, and cater both corporate and private events.

The food, he said, is prepared made-to-order, using only fresh ingredients.

The Grille will also retain its family-friendly atmosphere everyday and night.

“Jack’s might get a little higher-end feel at night, whereas here we want to make sure it stays a place where families can come to eat together no matter what time it is,” D’Eletto said.

The owner, who now operates both Bergen County restaurants, has over 30 years of experience in the field. Before going into the restaurant business, D’Eletto said he was a chef in NYC, and a TV set chef for shows like The Sopranos.

“It was a lot of fun, and everybody was really nice, but the hours on a TV set are really long and hectic. I decided what I really wanted to do was go into the restaurant business,” he said.

The duo is planning a grand opening bash for mid-September.

Until then, locals are invited to stop by to sample the restaurant’s breakfast, lunch and dinner menus.

“This is a place where the entire family can find something they want to eat. Mom, dad, and the kids will be happy,” D’Eletto said.