Tommy’s JOINT Delicatessen & Catering was honored as Roselle Park’s Business Of The Month at the May 18th Mayor & Council meeting.
The formal occasion had the honoree, executive chef and owner Thomas A. Melillo, in a dress shirt and pants. Tommy – as he is known by almost everyone – was unrecognizable to those who come in and order food from his restaurant on the corner of West Webster and Willow Avenue. Even Mayor Carl Hokanson and Councilman Thomas ‘Thos’ Shipley said they did not recognize Tommy without his hat and chef’s coat.
But Tommy’s food is unforgettable to those who take a taste of one of his homemade soups, breakfast offerings, sandwiches, subs, salads, lunches, meals, platters, or daily specials. They are more than food, they are works of edible art.
The son of Anthony and Mary Lou Melillo, Tommy and his sister Toni Ann were born and raised in Union Township. After graduating from Union High School, Tommy attended Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island. He then graduated with honors from the Culinary Arts Institute. After working for two decades in the food and beverage industry, Tommy decided to start his own business – Tommy’s JOINT.
Opening its doors on May 10, 2014, Tommy’s JOINT just celebrated its three-year anniversary a little over a week ago.
Tommy has not only fed and more-than-satisfied those who have walked through his door but he has also donated to various events and groups in town. With the support of his patrons as well as that of his girlfriend Beth Rosa Oliveira, Tommy continues his journey; bringing those who are fortunate enough to taste his delicious creations along for the ride.
When receiving his certificate for Business of the Month, Mr. Melillo said, “I want to say thank you to everybody here in Roselle Park. It’s not easy all the time to do what we do but we’re happy to be here . . . Hopefully, we’ll be here for another 30 years. Thanks again and come on down to Tommy’s JOINT.”
Tommy’s JOINT is located at 314 West Webster Avenue at the corner of Willow Avenue. Tommy has his kitchen open from 6 a.m. till 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7 a.m. till 2 p.m. on Saturdays. He is closed Sundays. In addition to offering sit down service, Tommy’s JOINT delivers and caters. The phone number is (908) 241-8665. More information can be found on the eatery’s Facebook page (link) or by stopping by; but once you get a taste of Tommy’s JOINT, you will understand when people say ‘his food speaks for itself’.