Iconic Businesses In Hoboken Get 'This Place Matters' Designation

HOBOKEN, NJ — When the Hoboken Historic Preservation Commission decided in 2019 to recognize 25 of Hoboken's oldest businesses with a "This Place Matters" designation, organizers noted that someday, they might recognize more recent but still iconic businesses, such as those founded 30 or 40 years ago.

Now, the group has begun doing so, placing a sign denoting the designation on businesses such as Torna's Pizzeria on Ninth Street and Biancamano Deli and Singleton Galmann Real Estate on Washington Street.

These businesses may not be 100 years old like the original designees, but have been an important part of Hoboken life for decades.

On Friday, the organizers wrote on Instagram, of Torna's Pizzeria, "Generations of Hoboken kids have stopped by for a crispy Sicilian slice and a soda on their way home from school, and getting a couple of pies from Torna's for Friday Pizza Night is a weekly tradition for natives and newcomers alike. Folks who moved to the burbs still come back regularly for their legendary meatballs and eggplant parm."

The writeup notes that Torna's was opened in 1960 and sold to current owners in 1968.

And earlier last week, the group posted current and historic photos of Singleton Galmann Real Estate, which opened in 1985 at 1106 Washington St.

The signs also popped up at M & P Biancamano deli on Washington Street and elsewhere.

The full list of businesses being given the designation this year will be announced in the future.

"The inaugural campaign included establishments created before 1979 like Albini Pharmacy (1880), The Elysian Café (1895) and the Brass Rail (1900)," noted a release from the city last month. "This year’s campaign will include businesses that debuted before 1989."

The program began in 2019 with the first 25 designees, ranging from Carlo's Bakery (of "Cake Boss" fame) to Piccolo's, but was postponed last year due to the virus.

Hoboken's program in 2019 was inspired by a similar campaign by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which had started its own #thisplacematters campaign.

As you wait for the rest of the businesses to be announced, you can even get the t-shirt.

Watch for updates.

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