Parsippany's Gourmet Cafe: Business Of The Year

PARSIPPANY, NJ — The coronavirus pandemic has presented challenges for most local businesses, but that hasn't stopped many from continuing to offer the products and services beloved by their regular customers.

One of those businesses is Parsippany's Gourmet Cafe.

The business was nominated by Patch readers as a business of the year for managing to navigate the turbulence with steadfast determination and an unwavering commitment to the clients they serve.

"During the pandemic, GC pivoted very we quickly to providing safe curbside pickup or delivery of their delicious made to order dishes. Matt Pierone, owner and chef, and his staff maintained their upbeat and friendly attitudes during this extremely difficult time. GC has an extremely loyal customer base who are treated as family," Jasmine Lim told Patch. "Matt's frequent FB posts were uplifting, including tantalizing pictures of daily specials & announcements of staff happenings. GC donated meals to frontline workers & continues to support many local non-profits by donating Monday profits and gift certificates."

Pierone said that owning the business has been a lifelong goal to own and operate his own restaurant and in June of 2007, with the blessing of his wife Rosemary, he Gourmet Café.

"While I retained the name, I have made the restaurant my own," he said.

And it isn't just the food that drew praise, although that was consistent in the numerous entries submitted, it was the efforts of Pierone himself outside of the kitchen.

"Not only is the food wonderful, but Matt is such a giving person," Rhonda Jacoby said. "He gives back to the town via dine to donate days, donates to the local food drives, always willing to make meals that are not on the menu, recognizes his staff, teaches local kids how to wait tables properly, the list goes on and on."

Susan Hastings was also quick to point out Perione's generous nature.

"Amazing owner, staff and food," she said. "Through the pandemic found ways not only to serve their customers, but also help those in need."

The food is great, the atmosphere is great, the staff and customer service is great. The owner even comes out and talks to you, very friendly.

Have a business you would like to see in a special spotlight? As a Patch reader, you can nominate a Local Businesses of the Year.

Please tell us the name of the business, where it is located, why it deserves to be recognized and what specific actions have earned your allegiance. Please be as specific as possible, as your comments may be included in a Patch feature article about the local business.

You can nominate any local business you feel should be recognized. That includes retail stores, restaurants, hardware shops, dry cleaners, plumbers, car mechanics, salons and more. You can even nominate the business you work for if you feel they've gone above and beyond in helping their employees through this uncharted time.

Patch will feature nominated businesses in December.

Please submit your nomination by Dec. 10.

Additionally, if you are a local business owner who would like to share more information about your services and offerings, sign up to be included in Patch's free Local Business Information Center.

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This article originally appeared on the Parsippany Patch