South Orange Restaurant Owner Leaves NYC Job To Fulfill Dream

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — The parade of new restaurants continues in South Orange.

On Tuesday, “American-Mediterranean eatery and bakery” Jackie & Son opened its doors at 136 South Orange Avenue on the corner of Prospect Street. Owned by South Orange resident Jackie Podhurst, the eatery also includes a full espresso, coffee and juice bar.

Learn more about this local business here.

According to the restaurant’s website, the opening represents the fulfillment of a longtime dream for Podhurst.

“When [Podhurst] had her son, Santino, she left her job in NYC and shifted her vision back toward the industry she's known and loved since she was a little girl… Jackie's family is Israeli-Arab, much of her family still living in Israel in the city of Nazareth and Rama Village. When she goes back home every year, she not only gets to experience the love and affection from her friends and family, she also gets to experience the delicious Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food that her family whips together every day. Jackie's mother, grandmothers, and many aunts are gifted cooks and imparted upon her the importance of serving fresh, authentic, rich in flavor food that's always beautifully displayed without exception.”

The opening of Jackie & Son comes barely a week after the opening of another eagerly anticipated local eatery Bayleaf Indian Cuisine, the township’s first new Indian restaurant in years.

• See related article: South Orange Welcomes 1st New Indian Restaurant In 5 Years

• See related article: 1st-Time Restaurant Owner In Verona Celebrates 1 Year Of Success

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