In 2008, during the midst of the worst financial climate in generations, Jerry Rotunno got his break by finding a financial partner, Tony Monteiro, through a Craigslist ad. Tony, an Elizabeth native and seasoned restaurant owner, investor, politician, and accountant took a chance on Jerry’s outrageous ideas and can-do attitude. This twist of fate turned out to be kismet, and the start of a very ... more ong and prosperous relationship for the both of them.

Then, in 2009, the team opened their first restaurant, “food.” in Summit, NJ. The instant success focused on contemporary comfort food, highlighting gourmet burgers and an á la carte brunch. While many restaurants focused on local ingredients, Jerry only wanted the best of the best, no matter the distance. After begging the famous Pat LaFreida to deliver his product to NJ, “food.” became the first restaurant in the state to serve the expertly-prepared chop meat. Similarly, after experiencing the best cup of coffee he’d ever had, Jerry would not rest until a deal was struck with Allann Bros to have their product flown in all the way from Oregon.

“food.” seemed to be just what the beat-up market of the time needed. To what did Jerry attribute the overnight success of this particular restaurant in such a harsh economy? He summed it up by stating how, “in these hard times, people just needed some comfort, a culinary hug if you will.” less