Belleville Restaurant’s Ribbon Cutting Is ‘Sign Of Recovery’

BELLEVILLE, NJ — The ribbon cutting event for T&L Rinaldi in Belleville was more than just a landmark moment for its mother-daughter owners. It was a triumph for the entire township and its business community, officials say.

Last week, Belleville officials helped Tamara and Lois Rinaldi celebrate their ribbon cutting ceremony at 313 Union Avenue with fanfare. It was a well-deserved congratulations for the pair, who had been planning their opening for almost two years, town officials said.

By the time the Rinaldis were ready to put up a new sign, the coronavirus scattered their plans to the wind. But when state restrictions on outdoor dining eased up on June 15, and plans for indoor dining began to swirl before Gov. Phil Murphy hit the pause button, the Rinaldis decided it was finally time to make their debut.

“This was a long time coming, but it was a wonderful moment,” Tamara Rinaldi said.

Their new restaurant – which goes by the tagline “Two cooks in the kitchen” – will serve up “home-cooked cuisine with old-world flavors.” The menu will range from homemade stuffed breads to wraps to Italian classics like eggplant parmigiana subs. (Learn more about this local business here)

According to Belleville Mayor Michael Melham, the ribbon cutting is a “great sign of recovery.”

“We’ve tried to support our family-owned restaurants and small businesses in any way we can during this health crisis,” Melham said. “Places like T&L Rinaldi’s are the lifeblood of Belleville.”

• See related article: Restaurants In Belleville Can Reopen Outdoors (See Restrictions)
• See related article: Here's How Coronavirus Is Affecting Businesses In Belleville

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