Officials Debate Controversial Color Of Ridgewood Restaurant: Report

Some residents and officials have taken issue with the color of Tito’s Burritos & Wings Ridgewood restaurant.

The restaurant was painted a dark blue, completely different from the surrounding businesses, and a color that Councilwoman Susan Knudsen called “garish,” NorthJersey.com reported.

The painting was done, according to David Rutherford, the attorney for Tito’s co-owner Mike Caldarella, without the town’s permission, the report states. According to Caldarella, he did not know he was breaking any rules.

Tito’s has three other locations — in Morristown, South Orange, and Summit — are all painted the same color. Caldarealla has said the paintjob has helped the businesses attract customers, the report states.

Vince Parrillo, a spokesman for the Ridgewood Historical Preservation Committee, said that Caldarealla told the committee he did not plan on painting the building when he first came to the village, the report states. The HPC believes that the restaurant’s look is unacceptable but is willing to work with Caldarealla to find a solution.

The matter was carried to the Planning Board’s Sept. 15 meeting.