BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ - Marcello’s Italian Restaurant has been serving some of the area’s best pizza for more than 42 years. Taylor Rental has been renting tools and party items in Berkeley Heights for more than 53 years. Both businesses are woven into the fabric of Berkeley Heights. They have always done what is best for Berkeley Heights, whether it is Marcello providing discounted pizzas for school lunches or Taylor Rental donating their equipment to a myriad of local schools, scout and civic causes. 

It is that local commitment that prompted both businesses to recently turn down an offer from a developer who hoped to build a Wawa convenience store and gas station in Berkeley Heights. 

 “It just wasn’t what the people of Berkeley Heights wanted,” said Marcello Cavallaro, owner of Marcello’s.

“Let everyone know Marcello’s and Taylor Rental are still open for business and happy to assist the residents of Berkeley Heights and neighboring communities,” said Paul Neuwirth, owner of Taylor Rental.  “The overall feeling we received from our customers was that Wawa just wasn’t the right fit for the location.” 

“Doing right by the people who have supported us all these years is what’s important,” said Marcello.

According to both owners, they have been approached by a variety of business ventures over the last few years. There is very little available property in town to develop, and many businesses see Berkeley Heights as a good destination. While neither property is up for sale, it was in the best interest of both to hear out what was being planned and what was being offered.

“I always tell interested developers that we are willing to listen, and if the price is right and the town approves, we will make alternate plans for our business. While both Marcello and I are at an age when retirement seems like the right path to take, we are not going to walk away unless it makes sense for us and our employees and the residents of Berkeley Heights,” said Neuwirth. 

Reports that the two businesses were closing have damaged both businesses, according to Neuwirth.  “We will never get that business back,” he said. 

“Every day people walk into the restaurant and say “I thought you were closed,” said Marcello.  

Marcello’s offers a complete menu of homemade Italian food. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, the restaurant offers a nice indoor seated dining area as well as a large outdoor seated pavilion during the warmer weather. 

Taylor Rental is busy taking orders for graduation and wedding season and hiring seasonal help for the summer. Whether it be tents, tables and chairs for your next backyard event or an aerator or mower to upgrade that front lawn, Taylor Rental has the rental items you need. Taylor Rental is open from 8 am – 4 pm Monday through Saturday with extended hours during the spring and summer.