Ray’s In Montclair Makes List Of 25 ‘Historic’ Restaurants In U.S

MONTCLAIR, NJ — It’s been a “Montclair tradition” for nearly half a century. And now, Ray’s Luncheonette will get a boost for being one of 25 “historic and culturally significant restaurants” in the U.S.

Recently, American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation named the eatery at 99 Walnut Street as one of the businesses that will get funding through the “Backing Historic Small Restaurants” grant program.

Ray’s and the other 24 restaurants will get $40,000 in grants funded by American Express and administered by the National Trust, which will also provide technical assistance.

The funding will help each restaurant enhance restaurant exteriors, build new outdoor seating areas, and upgrade online businesses to help mitigate operating costs as they work to recover from the financial impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

Here’s a brief glimpse into why Ray’s was the only business in New Jersey to earn a nod, according to a blog on Resy.com:

“Even through the pandemic, the neon sign still glows at Ray’s Luncheonette, founded in 1964 by Ray Festa. Plus, the menu has barely changed, though the old-timers apparently still grumble at the inclusion of paninis alongside the meatloaf and eggs.”

Here’s the restaurant’s recipe for success, according to its website:

“Ray’s Luncheonette has a been serving the Montclair and surrounding neighborhoods for over 40 years. We consider our customers family members, serving a son or daughter during their school lunch break and then serving mom and dad lunch or dinner later in the day. Come enjoy the comfort of our food, as if it were cooked right at home. Most of our customers are second or third generation. Some leaving to live their lives in other states only to return back home and find that Rays has not changed a bit… it’s still the best cooked meals, with the finest ingredients. Stop in for breakfast, lunch, or an early dinner and you won’t be disappointed.”

“Historic small restaurants are cultural treasures that strengthen their communities and carry their legacies and traditions forward in deeply meaningful ways,” said Katherine Malone-France, chief preservation officer at the National Trust.

“These restaurants have demonstrated their resiliency for decades, and even while dealing with the financial impacts of the pandemic, they have continued to support their communities in many ways,” Malone-France said.

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