If you grew up in Montclair, then you know that a lunch trip to a local deli was a rite of passage in high school. It meant that either you were old enough to drive, or cool enough to know someone who had a car. Picking up a sandwich had caché: it was an exciting way to spend your allowance, and the deli provided more options than the food trucks or cafeteria foods. It was also an experience: standing in line with your friends, picking your go-to sandwich, and taking it back to Montclair High’s amphitheater to hang out and be seen. The delis in town are every bit a part of our Montclair community as we are, and Jackie’s Grillette at 614 Valley Road is no exception. Read on to learn about Jackie’s Grillette and its history in Montclair, New Jersey.
Montclair Roots
Longtime Montclair residents might remember a particular deli in Watchung Plaza called the Plaza Shoppe. Located in between Mr. Dino’s and Blue Stone Coffee, this deli and convenience store was owned by generations of Middle Eastern immigrants. Families were nurtured and supported by that store, first jobs were had, and in the case of Jackie’s Grillette, a deli dynasty was born.
When the Arsheed family first purchased the Plaza Shoppe more than a decade ago, they developed their relationship with the town. Then, as the business grew, the family moved to a new store a few years later in Upper Montclair. They named their uptown delicatessen Jackie’s Grillette, after their daughter. It was the beginning of the Arsheed family delicatessen business.
Read More: Efi’s Gyro: Authentic Greek Food in Montclair
Now that the Arsheed parents are mostly retired, their children have taken the reigns. Having worked tirelessly at their parents’ delis from a young age, the siblings, Jackie, Wassem, and Labeeb, manage and work at the store. The family also operates a second location in Little Falls.
Local Impact
Montclair locals appreciate being regulars at Jackie’s Grillette because the Asheed family and their staff know their customers and care about the town. During the height of Covid, the family converted the store into a mini-mart to provide produce, bread, rice, and other conveniences for the community.
It continues to be a fantastic restaurant for fresh Middle Eastern food and delicious sandwiches while spreading the kindness that we’ve come to love from our local shops. So, whether you’re taking food out to a soccer game, eating salads in the cozy interior of the restaurant, or grabbing a smoothie for a road trip, Jackie’s Grillette is a great place to dine.
For anyone who has moved to the U.S. to start a life, running your own small business and being able to pass it down to your children is the American dream. Thanks, Jackie’s Grillette, for choosing Montclair to make it happen!
Favorites From the Menu
Known for its wide variety of fresh food options, the Middle Eastern dishes are some of the most popular at Jackie’s Grillette. Here are some of our favorite dishes from the menu:
Side Sampler Appetizer with Falafel, Hummus, and Stuffed Grape Leaves
If you’re new to foods from the Middle East, consider trying a few of Jackie’s homemade appetizers. The authentic flavors will ease you into trying other dishes like freekeh, baba ghanoush, and gyro. You won’t be disappointed.
Labneh Toast
Topped with labneh (strained yogurt), smoked salmon, cucumber, fresh za’atar, and sprouts, this toasted sourdough breakfast item is the perfect way to start your day.
Signature Sandwiches + Wraps
It’s hard to choose which one is best, but each sandwich has its unique mix of ingredients and flavors. The wraps are delicious, and there are plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans as well.
Shawarma Bowl
This rice-based bowl is topped with fresh arugula, chopped salad, pickled cabbage, feta, tzatziki sauce, and, of course, everyone’s favorite, chicken shawarma.
Greek Wrap
Bursting with flavor and a few olives, you will go to Santorini and back with Jackie’s Greek wrap — complete with grilled chicken, feta cheese, olives, lettuce, tomato, onions, and tzatziki sauce in a spinach tortilla.
See More: A Visit to Ali Baba: Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine in Hoboken
Fresh Juices + Smoothies
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One can’t go wrong with any of these drinks, especially if you need a refreshing beverage to go. Try the Super Date smoothie with dates, almond milk, strawberries, bananas, honey, and tahini. Yum!
Jackie’s Special Roast Beef Sub
Whether you’re on the fence in the whole hoagie vs. sub sandwich debate, we can all agree on one thing: Jackie’s Grillette has great roast beef. Fresh, juicy, and unmistakably delicious, the sub comes complete with home-baked roast beef, Swiss cheese, coleslaw, bacon, and Russian dressing on a long roll.
This family-run deli with fresh flavors and incredible service is a story of the American dream. Hopefully, you’ll find just the right meal to keep you going back for more.
