Family-Owned Morris Co. Restaurant Set Back By Pandemic Gets Grant

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ —Rosie's Trattoria in Randolph, like many other small businesses, struggled during the pandemic, but the long-running establishment recently received good news. Morris County officials presented the restaurant owner with a $15,000 check as part of the county's Small Business Grant Program.

Rosie Inchiappa and her husband Giuseppe have run Rosie's Trattoria since 2005. During the state's coronavirus lockdown, the Randolph restaurant, like all restaurants in New Jersey, had to learn to be creative, flexible and work long hours.

The restaurant's struggle to stay open during and after the pandemic illustrates what the entire restaurant industry in New Jersey endured, with many not surviving, officials said.

“Our customers, they kept coming and we could not have done it without them. This is a family restaurant, we have always been a family restaurant and we are so thankful,” said Inchiappa.

The pandemic struck while Rosie's, located on Sussex Turnpike in Randolph, was remodeling and expanding. When the lock-down orders were finally lifted, the restaurant quickly adjusted with a take-out business and an expanded outdoor seating area.

The cost of doing business continues to rise, and the restaurant was eligible for the full $15,000 grant under the Morris County Small Business Grant Program.

“This town was very supportive, everyone was supportive,” said Giuseppe.

Rosie's has been providing Sicilian and Neapolitan cuisine to the greater Morris County community for over 11 years. While Rosie brings her name and sparkling personality to the front of the house, Giuseppe serves as head chef, according to the restaurant's website.

Pasta dishes on the menu include Calamari Fra Diavolo, sautéed calamari in a spicy garlic-plum tomato sauce over linguini, and homemade fettuccine in Alfredo sauce. Rosie's also offers a wide variety of protein options such as chicken, seafood, and beef.

Morris County Commissioners committed $10 million in federal funding to its small-business grant program, which will assist small businesses and nonprofits in recovering from pandemic setbacks.

The funding comes from the county's share of American Rescue Plan Act monies. The county continues to review applications, but the program remains open to new applications at no cost to apply. Click here for more info.

The Small Business Grant Program eligibility requirements include, but are not limited to: