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New York-based Italian eatery and bar coming to N.J.'s $500M mall redevelopment

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A Taste of Italy in the Heart of New Jersey: New York‑Based Eatery to Anchor $500 Million Mall Redevelopment

In a bold move that underscores the growing appetite for authentic, experience‑driven dining, a New York‑based Italian eatery and bar is slated to open its first New Jersey location inside a $500 million redevelopment of a flagship regional mall. The partnership brings together the culinary vision of Il Sapore di Napoli, a celebrated family‑owned restaurant chain that has been a staple of New York’s Little Italy for three decades, with the strategic redevelopment plans of Sunrise Retail Partners, the developers behind the mall’s transformation into a mixed‑use destination.


From Little Italy to the Jersey Shore

Il Sapore di Napoli, founded in 1990 by Italian immigrant family members, has built a reputation for its traditional Neapolitan cuisine, made from ingredients sourced from local farms and Mediterranean suppliers. Their flagship restaurant in Manhattan’s Lower East Side has long been a neighborhood icon, offering everything from wood‑fired pizza and fresh seafood to a thoughtfully curated bar that showcases a selection of Italian vermouths, sangria, and craft cocktails.

The chain’s foray into New Jersey marks the first time it has opened a restaurant outside of New York City. According to a statement released by the chain’s public relations team, the decision was driven by “the growing demographic of Italian‑American families in the New Jersey suburbs and the strategic advantage of placing a culturally rich dining experience in a vibrant retail environment.”


The $500 Million Mall Redevelopment

The mall, located in Ocean Grove, New Jersey, sits on a 20‑acre site that has been a retail hub since the 1980s. In 2024, Sunrise Retail Partners announced a comprehensive redevelopment plan that will see the old shopping center reimagined as a 400,000‑sq‑ft lifestyle destination. The $500 million investment will fund new retail anchors, a high‑end cinema, an indoor/outdoor food hall, boutique hotels, and a mix of residential condominiums.

The redevelopment aims to “reignite the local economy, create jobs, and provide a destination that residents and visitors can enjoy year‑round,” said Lisa Chen, Sunrise’s Senior Vice President of Development. “The addition of Il Sapore di Napoli is a strategic move that aligns with our vision of blending classic hospitality with modern, experiential retail.”

A notable feature of the project is the “Cultura” plaza, an open‑air gathering space that will host live music, farmers markets, and cultural festivals. Il Sapore di Napoli’s bar will occupy a prime spot on the plaza, providing a venue for nightly live jazz and open‑mic comedy nights.


The Concept: Authenticity Meets Innovation

Chef and owner Marco Rossi emphasized that the new location will stay true to the chain’s roots while adapting to the local palate. “We’re bringing the classic dishes that our customers know and love—think San Marzano tomatoes, aged Parmigiano‑Reggiano, and hand‑made pasta—while also introducing new seasonal items that reflect New Jersey’s agricultural bounty,” Rossi told The Jersey Journal.

The menu will feature signature dishes such as “Pizza Margherita” and “Spaghetti alle Vongole,” along with a selection of antipasti, homemade gelato, and desserts that celebrate Italian confectionery traditions. The bar will offer an expanded list of Italian spirits, including gin, brandy, and a selection of aged grappa.

Design-wise, the restaurant will blend rustic Italian elements—stone walls, terracotta tiles, and wrought‑iron fixtures—with modern touches like an open kitchen and a glass‑encased bar that showcases a rotating selection of craft cocktails.


Economic Impact and Community Engagement

According to Sunrise’s economic impact study, the redevelopment is projected to create approximately 1,200 direct jobs and an additional 600 indirect jobs during construction. Il Sapore di Napoli’s opening will add around 80 new positions, ranging from chefs and bartenders to front‑of‑house staff and marketing personnel.

The chain has pledged to support local suppliers. “Part of our commitment to the community is to partner with local farms and food producers,” Rossi explained. “We’ll source fresh seafood from the Jersey Shore, use locally grown tomatoes and olives, and collaborate with nearby dairy farms for our cheeses.”

Community leaders welcomed the development. Mayor Susan Delgado of Ocean Grove highlighted the importance of “bringing cultural enrichment and economic vitality to our town.” “This project exemplifies how thoughtful retail development can elevate our local economy while preserving the character and heritage that define our region.”


Timeline and Open Date

Construction on the new mall complex began in early 2025, with the Italian eatery slated to break ground in the summer. The project’s completion is scheduled for August 2026, and the restaurant aims for a grand opening in early September 2026, coinciding with the first summer festival in the Cultura plaza.

While the redevelopment team and Il Sapore di Napoli have kept specific internal deadlines confidential, the public-facing timeline aligns with the developers’ public communications and local news coverage, as reported by Silive.com.


Looking Forward

This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both Il Sapore di Napoli and the burgeoning retail scene in New Jersey. By merging authentic Italian cuisine with a contemporary retail environment, the venture sets a precedent for future developments that prioritize experiential dining and cultural storytelling.

For residents and food lovers in New Jersey, the opening of Il Sapore di Napoli promises an evening of indulgence, community, and culinary heritage—all under the same roof that will soon house a revitalized mall. Whether you’re a long‑time fan of the chain or a newcomer to the Jersey Shore’s culinary landscape, the upcoming opening in Ocean Grove is an event that should not be missed.


Read the Full Staten Island Advance Article at:
[ https://www.silive.com/nation/2025/10/new-york-based-italian-eatery-and-bar-coming-to-njs-500m-mall-redevelopment.html ]