Since 2007, Arturo’s has been serving Maplewood + its surrounding towns delicious wood-fired pizza one could only find in New Jersey. Nearly 16 years later, this local staple is relocating from its 180 Maplewood Avenue outpost to a “slightly bigger, interesting old body shop with lots of character” in town — but a geographic change isn’t the only one underway. Arturo’s will be rebranding to “Artie’s” and is merging with local bakery The Bread Stand to become an all-day eatery. Artie’s + The Bread Stand will now call 13 Newark Way in Maplewood their shared home, bringing a new experience (but the same delicious flavors) to the Essex County area. Read on for all the updates regarding Arturo’s move, rebrand, and collaboration with another local business.
The New Arturo’s: “Artie’s”
Just last week, Arturo’s took to Instagram to share quite the lineup of announcements that the team has “been excited about.” The IG post explained that the wood-fired pizzeria will be relocating to a bigger space in Maplewood and that the new spot will incorporate a “small and simple bar program that will grow at a pace [its] able to manage.” See the post below.
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Of course, a change on the map wasn’t the only trick this local fave had up its sleeve. Arturo’s went on to announce that it will be merging with local bakery The Bread Stand to become an all-day spot, serving up baked goods in the morning, as well as lunch and dinner. The menu will be similar to the OG Arturo’s offerings (which include a variety of pasta, pizza, salads, and small plates), but like the bar program, will expand as the new duo gets its footing.
Read More: A List of Must-Try Pasta Spots in Essex County
And what would all this change be without a name to match? Arturo’s is officially rebranding to “Artie’s,” which the team cites as a way to ” lighten it up a bit.” Though, it’s worth noting that the Arturo’s team gives patrons permission to call the restaurant “whatever [they] prefer.”
As for an official opening date, nothing is set in stone, but the team did share that changes will be underway within “the next month or so,” and also shared that they will likely have to “close for a week or so at some point while [they] transition over.”
Artie’s + The Bread Stand will be located at 13 Newark Way in Maplewood, a new neighborhood for the pizza shop that was previously downtown. Arturo’s has “bittersweet” feelings about leaving downtown — “a uniquely special place with businesses, residents, visitors, volunteers, township officials + employees” — but is excited about the new venture, as are locals. The post garnered 2,027 likes and 191 comments with overwhelming support from local residents.
See More: The Best Hoboken Pizza Spots, According to Your Cravings
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Staci’s Sandwich Joint, a Gourmet Sub Spot, Opens in Verona
Nothing screams "New Jersey" more than sub shops, especially those that have a quaint, homegrown vibe. Verona recently welcomed a new deli to its growing food scene, Staci’s Sandwich Joint, located at 308 Bloomfield Avenue. This new spot, owned by wife and husband duo Staci and Rob Puleo, serves up sandwiches served on homemade bread, cozy soups, signature salads, and more. Read on for what we know about Staci’s Sandwich Joint, Verona's newest eatery.
What's New to Verona?
Staci and Rob Puleo, local Verona residents, entered the new year with the soft opening of a gourmet sub spot, Staci’s Sandwich Joint. The deli opened at 308 Bloomfield Avenue in Verona on January 9th, 2025. While only open for eight days as of this writing, Staci’s Sandwich Joint has already become a must-visit destination. The shop shared via its Instagram on January 11th that it sold out of everything within just two days of being open.
Read More: First-Ever Montclair Porchfest Happening in May 2025
Essex County locals have flocked to Staci’s Sandwich Joint because of its hearty menu, which includes soups, pastries, salads, and — of course — sandwiches. Claiming the slogan of "Peace. Love. Sandwiches.," this spot serves subs like The AP, a semolina roll filled with grilled or breaded chicken cutlet, burrata, cheese, roasted red peppers, arugula, and balsamic glaze; and The Copy Cat, a toasted croissant stuffed with house-roasted turkey, Jarlsberg cheese, and a spread of "the best sharp honey mustard you’ll ever taste," according to its website. Customers can also order fresh breads and rolls separately.
The menu includes non-sandwich options as well, such as the broccoli cheddar soup, which is topped with sharp cheddar cheese and homemade croutons and served with sourdough bread. The Emily Salad, made with "the best of winter's bounty," a.k.a fresh greens, cranberries, pumpkin seeds, goat cheese crumbles, roasted sweet potatoes, and a drizzle of lemon honey vinaigrette, is also a must-try.
For those with a carb-free diet, Staci’s Sandwich Joint has a menu item just for that. The Wing in a Waffle — a keto-friendly twist on the classic breakfast dish — is a mini waffle made with shredded chicken, egg, and cheese and spiced with buffalo flavoring.
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As Staci’s Sandwich Joint continues to grow, it plans to add more items to the menu, like blueberry muffins, chocolate chip cookies, vegetable soup, paninis, and a kid's menu. Customers can also expect gluten-free options in the near future, including gluten-free cookies.
Staci’s Sandwich Joint is open every day, except Sundays, from 7AM to 3PM.
See More: Cheech’s Bagels Opening in Downtown Jersey City This March
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