Summer brings about change, but not always the good kind. Whether it’s the loud noises of construction waking us up bright and early, or the hundreds of violation notices regarding our sidewalks, there is always something going on in Montclair. Keep reading to learn about three new updates in the Montclair area.
Watchung Plaza Construction
On the way to get your morning bagel and coffee in Watchung Plaza, you may have noticed the entirety of the center park is closed. The town hopes to make the plaza more accessible to people with disabilities, creating an overall more welcoming and navigable environment. The construction started on May 23rd, and Montclair residents can expect the center of the plaza to be closed for six to eight weeks while it occurs. The project includes repaving and repairing brick pavers, the addition of concrete pads and pervious asphalt paving systems, and relocating or furnishing/installing park benches and picnic tables. The project also includes the overall restoration of the site, including landscaping and electrical improvements.
Read More: Montclair Film’s Annual Summer Movie Nights Under the Stars Kicks Off on 6/21
Overnight Parking
Residents will be excited to know there will soon be more options for overnight parking in Montclair. An ordinance was passed expanding eligibility for overnight parking across the town. Under the ordinance, residents will have the option to purchase a parking permit for a $45 monthly fee, meaning they will be able to park from 5:00 PM to 8:00 AM the following morning. The permit is known as an “S” permit, and applications to obtain one started on May 28th. To apply, residents will need proof of address and a valid driver’s license or state-issued ID. There is limited availability for each street, and waitlists will be created once they reach their capacity. See the website for more information on how to apply.
See More: 5 New Storefronts Coming to Washington Street in Hoboken at Former Capital One Location
Sidewalks
Homeowners in Montclair are now required to maintain their sidewalks structurally and pay for any costs this entails. The ordinance went into action on April 1st, and since then, over 170 violation notices have been issued with a 45-day time frame for residents to complete repairs. Many of those recipients have been vocal about their unhappiness with the fines. It has been noted that if sidewalks are even a quarter of an inch out of line with the grade, they will need to be repaired. This is a federal requirement under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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Montclair’s Sandwich Scene Expands With Tony Boys Sandwich House
This article is sponsored by Tony Boys Sandwich House.
In New Jersey, sandwiches aren’t just food; they’re a way of life. Sub or hoagie, historical eatery or family-owned deli, locals know a good sandwich when they taste one — and when they do, they often pledge loyalty to the shop that made it. Tony Boys is one of these delis to accrue a cult following. Since opening in 2017, the North Jersey deli has expanded to four locations, its most recent right here in Montclair. Read on to learn all about Tony Boys Sandwich House and its newest location at 8 South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair.
About Tony Boys
Tony Boys Sandwich House started like most small businesses: intuition, a true passion, and the willingness to explore. Founder and native New Jerseyan, Anthony Marra, said that “Tony Boys was never really the plan,” but having family in the culinary business already put the passion for food in his blood.
Anthony wanted to fill a gap in the local market with a sandwich and salad shop that reimagined the classics. He designed the menu at Tony Boys by taking those sub shop staples while putting his own twist on cutlet and steak sandwiches.
Anthony expressed on the Tony Boys website, “I could not be more grateful for the support of these towns and all the surrounding areas. My pledge will always be to serve you with the same standards I would want for myself. In other words… I will make it for you as if it were for me! That’s my promise.”
Getting to Know Mike: The Newest Tony Boys Franchisee
Then, Michael Nittolo came into the picture. Michael is now the proud owner and franchisee of the Montclair Tony Boys Sandwich House.
His journey into the culinary world didn’t begin in a kitchen — it started at the dinner table. Raised in a close-knit Italian family, Michael’s love for food was born from Sunday gatherings where his grandparents prepared classic Italian dishes like Chicken Parmigiana, Braciole in a Sunday gravy, and on special occasions, his grandfather’s beloved stuffed mushrooms.
Though he had never professionally worked in the restaurant industry, Michael always dreamed of his own place where he could share his passion for food through hard work and dedication to the craft. After meeting Anthony, who quickly became a mentor and inspiration, Michael found the perfect place to start his culinary journey.
Now, as the newest member of the Tony Boys family, Michael is excited to bring his heritage, enthusiasm, and love for great food to Montclair.
On the Menu
The team at Tony Boys serves up a selection of made-to-order sandwiches featuring crispy chicken cutlets, tender eggplant, juicy ribeye cheesesteaks, fresh salads, classic high-quality cold cuts, milkshakes, housemade sodas, and even catering services.
Michael told MG, “At our shop, flavor comes first. Every bite is packed with bold, unforgettable flavor — always fresh, always fast, and always crafted with care.” The menu is massive, with plenty of choices to keep your taste buds happy, so let’s get into a few highlights.
- Mr. Goodbyte: a cheesesteak topped with avocado, bacon, cheddar, sautéed onion, jalapeno, and chipotle mayo
- Angry Bird: chicken or eggplant cutlet with melted provolone cheese, shaved parm, vodka sauce, pepperoni, hot pepper spread, with a drizzle of honey
- The Nutty Pig: a fan-favorite creation with a chicken Cutlet, warm Peanut Butter Sauce, Jelly, and Bacon. (Yes, you read that right..)
And if you aren’t in the mood for a sandwich, Tony Boys also features some great refreshing salads, such as.
- The Fruity Pebble: Apples, Strawberries, Candied Almonds, Crumbled Feta, Tomato, and Onion, over romaine mixed in a Balsamic Vinaigrette.
- The Modern Cobb: Grilled Chicken, Avocado, Tomato, Onion, Bacon, Crumbled Blue Cheese, over romaine with a house-made red wine vinaigrette.
Loved by Locals
If you’re yet to try Tony Boys, let the 600+ Google reviews speak for themselves. The gourmet sandwich shop is loved by hundreds of New Jersey residents all over the state.
In 2017, The first Livingston location opened at 10 East Mount Pleasant Avenue, which was almost immediately well-received. In 2020, the Madison location arrived, located at 90 Park Avenue. At the start of 2024, the franchise expanded again, this time to Montville at 263 Changebridge Road. And now, most recently, the Montclair location at 8 South Fullerton Avenue entered the scene in December 2024 with the same bright interior style locals know and love.
Tony Boys is located at 8 South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair. For more information, visit Tony Boys’ website and follow along on Instagram for an inside peek.
