contents

Meadowlands Business Report

Meadowlands Eat & Drink

Destination Meadowlands

Event Planning & Catering

Explore the Meadowlands

Meadowlands Transportation

Stay in the Meadowlands

DEPARTMENTS

Thought Leaders, Opinion, Commentary

Lessons in Leadership

Business Intelligence

Entrepreneurship

FEATURES

“Chefs of the Meadowlands”: Il Villaggio is on the menu

Level up your next expo, meeting or party at the

Meadowlands Racetrack

LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

American Dream

BCB Community Bank

Bergen Community College

Bergen Engineering/Branca Properties

Conference Technologies, Inc

Delta Dental

Edison Properties

ELEC 825 | Engineers Labor-Management Cooperative

Eastwick Colleges

EZ Ride

Forsgate Industrial Partners

Genova Burns

Goya Foods

Hackensack University Medical Center

Hartz Mountain Industries

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ-NYC

Hospital for Special Surgery

IBEW 164

InThyme

J. Fletcher Creamer & Son, Inc.

Kearny Bank

Lakeland Bank

Langan Engineering

New Jersey-NYC

Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment

M&T Bank

MWWPR

NAI James E. Hanson, Inc.

New York Jets

NJ Sharing Network

NJM Insurance Group

NJSEA

Onyx Equities, LLC

PSE&G

Quest Diagnostics

Russo Development

Scarinci Hollenbeck

TD Bank

Terminal Construction Corp

VEOLIA

Verizon

Wacoal America

WSP

Publisher: Meadowlands Media,

a division of the Meadowlands Chamber

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Lyndhurst, NJ 07071

(201) 939-0707

Content & Publications Manager:

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email submissions: ccapitani@meadowlands.org

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ON THE COVER:

Fairleigh Dickinson University ushers in a new chapter as visionary leader and FDU alumnus, President Michael Avaltroni, takes the helm—furthering the university’s commitment to putting students first, while forging innovative pathways for the future.

That’s a Wrap! MC’s Golden Anniversary Closes With Mission in Full Throttle

W ow! This has been a whirlwind year celebrating our 50th Anniversary! From special events and new business to exploring our history in words and pictures, it’s been a treat and a privilege to walk down memory lane.

As I looked through our archives of past photos, it was inspiring to see so many members from years and even decades ago still actively attending our events today. That is great dedication! Longstanding, engaged members and leaders are the fundamental ingredients to building, maintaining, and growing a dynamic business community like the Meadowlands Chamber.

I am even more fired up by those men and women who diligently worked in those early years to shape our organization and the Meadowlands region. The names we listed on “The Meadow of Honor” is an esteemed roster of individuals who are responsible for innovating, disrupting, and directing the region’s staggering growth over the last 50 years. Leadership, vision and action set the course and the Meadowlands Chamber nurtured that spirit every step of the way.

We are grateful to everyone who continues to step up and serve our organization, whether it’s by joining a committee, sponsoring events, supporting our media division (Meadowlands Media) and tourism arm (Meadowlands Live! Convention and Visitors Bureau).

So many individuals and businesses of all sizes continue to provide generous support, not only to our organization, but also to our nonprofit members. The nonprofit organizations in the Greater Meadowlands Region provide services that are critical to improving everyone’s quality of life.

I am proud to head an organization with an extensive history of leading and advocating on behalf of our membership. I am bullish about our future and can promise that the Meadowlands Chamber will continue “Building Connections and Driving Business Growth” long into the future!

I hope you and your families have an amazing holiday season – Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or whatever you celebrate with your families – and have a peaceful and prosperous New Year!

Jim Kirkos

President & CEO

Meadowlands

Thought Leaders, Opinion & Commentary

Innovative Collaboration Pays off at Colleges in the Greater Meadowlands Region

By Jim Kirkos

President & CEO of the Meadowlands Chamber

C orporations and business organizations have been stepping up collaborations with colleges and universities in New Jersey now more than ever before. Businesses of all sizes and from myriad industries are working to help academia gain a deeper understanding of the talent needed to fill jobs in today’s workforce and into the future.

Colleges and universities have scrambled to maintain student enrollment levels, especially during the pandemic, and are trying to position their institutions for growth. The merging interests of the corporate world and the college classroom is a win-win, providing students with real-world connections and hiring managers with promising talent.

Listening to the Winds of Change

Having served on college and university advisory boards in past years, I would often leave meetings frustrated by an outdated academic agenda that lacked vision to make real change. But a transformation is underway and it’s happening rather quickly. After touring campuses here in the greater Meadowlands region, I am very encouraged by what I have seen.

The Meadowlands is mirroring what’s happening around the Garden State and across the country, with significant investments being made in our educational facilities and in higher education in general. I am encouraged by the innovative mindset that is now blossoming within academia.

As facilities and curriculum development are advanced, there is also an overall increase in hands-on interactions between students and business partners. The ongoing collaborative focus has led to innovative internship opportunities, experiential and work-integrated learning, co-op programs, and workplace mentorship.

Advancing the Dialogue

There are now mutually advantageous conversations regularly evolving surrounding career opportunities connected to particular coursework. Greater attention is on bolstering technology, innovation studies, and coursework that targets the particular skills needed for the trades. Colleges and the workforce are working together to meet the needs that will fill millions of vacant positions.

Educating a workforce means looking at it from its entirety. We certainly need to prepare the next business executives, lawyers, CPAs and Wall Street traders but we also must focus on nursing and healthcare, and hospitality. Then there is the need to teach those students with a propensity to work in the trades about the terrific career paths there as well – and the ever-growing demand to fill jobs.

Right Here in The Meadowlands

I have toured the campuses here in the greater Meadowlands region and I am very encouraged. Not only by the incredible investment in new teaching facilities but also by the growing focus filling jobs here in New Jersey.

The new Innovation Center at Bergen Community College’s Meadowlands Campus offers the same Bloomberg Terminals that Wall Street traders use daily. The Bloomberg Lab in the Meadowlands has 16 terminals – more than any other college in the state or even on the East Coast.

The college’s state-of-the art cybersecurity lab offers the latest in tech education to help businesses fend off hackers. Bergen Community’s nursing labs are preparing for technological innovations in healthcare and hospitality facilities. The culinary institute’s amazing chefs are preparing for a destination-related economy.

Doing Our Part

Aside from collaborating with our local colleges and universities, the Meadowlands Chamber has internship programs with Bergen Tech and Applied Technology high schools. Our past interns at the MC’s media division, Meadowlands Media, have gone on to become part time employees here during college and later got jobs in the field.

The MC’s Emerging Leaders Committee – one of our most important initiatives – is dedicated to strengthening and expanding the business connections and leadership skills of young aspiring entrepreneurs and executives.

Bravo academia! I applaud the college presidents and the administrations leading our higher education institutions and I encourage a continued dialog and collaboration with the business community through organizations like the MC, so we can together ensure we maintain the best possible workforce while also focusing on the needed career opportunities right here in NJ.

LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP

Leadership Goals

People often confuse being busy with being productive. In my leadership coaching, I remind my clients to focus on “impact over activity,” meaning, we can easily get caught up in our to-do lists and action items for the day that we don’t press pause to look at the impact of our efforts.

One of the reasons professionals spin their wheels without moving forward is that they don’t set realistic and relevant goals. People engage in a series of activities that cause them to work long hours, but these activities don’t always have the required impact. For example, an activity may be, “meet with my staff once a week.” While weekly meetings may be necessary and useful, if you don’t clearly define specific goals and what you want the impact of these weekly meetings to be, we can often find ourselves meeting just for the sake of saying we had a meeting.

With this in mind, consider some ground rules when establishing goals for yourself and your team so that your efforts will have a significant impact on your success and bottom line:

–Make sure you believe in your goal. Don’t just go on “auto-pilot” or go through the motions. If you don’t buy into the goal, how can you communicate it to your team members with conviction? How can you have the passion and persistence necessary to get through the tough times and obstacles that are sure to come?

–Be clear and concise when stating your goal. Be straightforward and communicate in everyday English, not jargon-filled, flowery terminology with lots of acronyms. People are not impressed with wordy communication and instead will appreciate you getting right to the point with language they can understand and relate to.

–Limit the number of goals you set. Too often we create a laundry list of goals that could never realistically be accomplished. We incorrectly believe that the more we have on the list the more productive we will be. We confuse quantity over quality. Setting the bar high is one thing, engaging in fantasy is another. The more realistic the goal, the greater the odds of achieving it.

–Connect your goal to the larger organizational strategic plan. Let team members know why they are working toward this goal and how it connects to the bigger picture plans for them and the company. And be sure to communicate when and how performance directly connected to a particular goal will be reviewed and that new goals will be established accordingly.

–Be specific in the results you seek and your expected time frame. Six months or a year from now, how close will you be to meeting your goal? Make sure progress can be measured by credible qualitative and quantitative performance standards, using surveys, statistics, and other feedback mechanisms.

–Be firm yet flexible. Yes, you are committed to achieving the goal, but you must adapt to circumstances and changes and possibly revise original goals. As a leader, it is a sign of strength to acknowledge that you need to pivot or go in another direction entirely if the desired results are not being achieved.

–Be action-oriented in the goals you set using verbs that describe what you seek to accomplish. For example, “In the next 30 days, our marketing team will create and implement an ad campaign that will bring in $50,000 in new revenue over the next 6-months.” Or, “By the end of this quarter, we will develop and implement a quality customer service initiative that improves customer satisfaction scores by 10 percent.” The key is to clearly communicate your goals on a consistent and specific basis.

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

Here’s How Fractional Sales Management

Can Help Your Small Business

By Cory Bruscia

Special to Meadowlands Magazine

T he right sales managers and executives can make or break an emerging company but many small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) don’t necessarily have the need — or the capital — to hire a full-time c-suite of talent.

This is where fractional staffing comes in. Companies worldwide are leveraging the management and executive structure of fractional staff when it comes to c-suite, sales, and other higher-level specialties that aren’t needed on a full time basis.

Fractional sales management involves hiring an experienced sales professional on a part-time or temporary basis to provide strategic guidance and operational support to a business. This approach allows SMBs to access high-level sales expertise without the financial commitment of a full-time hire.

Benefits of Hiring a Fractional Sales Manager

For a single competitive monthly retainer, SMB owners can retain the right talent for their business needs and get someone with experience who can meet goals and scale accordingly.

Fractional sales managers are becoming an increasingly popular solution for businesses that need high-level expertise but don’t require a full-time executive. Fractional sales managers are experienced professionals who work part-time or on a project basis, providing businesses with targeted leadership and expertise.

These professionals help SMB owners boost sales efforts that ultimately add up to an increase in profits. Here are some of the benefits to SMB owners of hiring a fractional sales manager or other executive:

• Expert Guidance Without Full-Time Commitment: Fractional sales managers bring years of experience to the table without the long-term commitment associated with a full-time hire. SMBs can leverage their expertise to develop and implement effective sales strategies tailored to their specific needs.

• Cost-Effective Solution: For SMBs operating on a tight budget, hiring a full-time sales manager may not be financially feasible. Fractional sales management offers a cost-effective alternative, enabling businesses to access top-tier talent without the burden of a permanent salary, benefits, and other associated costs.

• Customized Sales Processes: Many SMBs struggle with ad-hoc or nonexistent sales processes. Fractional sales managers can assess the current state of sales within the organization and design customized, efficient processes that align with the business goals. This ensures a more streamlined and effective approach to sales.

• Performance Monitoring and Improvement: Fractional sales managers not only implement processes but also monitor and analyze sales performance. They can identify areas for improvement, provide constructive feedback, and implement changes to enhance overall sales effectiveness.

• Flexibility and Scalability: Fractional sales management is adaptable to the evolving needs of a business. Whether the SMB requires support during a specific sales campaign, expansion into new markets, or restructuring existing processes, fractional sales managers can provide the necessary expertise on a flexible basis.

• Training and Development: In the absence of a dedicated sales manager, employee training and development can be overlooked. Fractional sales managers can bridge this gap by providing training programs, coaching sessions, and mentorship to sales teams, ensuring continuous improvement and skill development.

Cost Efficiency, Flexibility, ROI

The bottom line? Fractional sales management is a valuable resource for SMBs seeking to optimize their sales efforts. By providing expert guidance, cost-effective solutions, and customized processes, fractional sales managers empower businesses to overcome sales challenges and achieve sustainable growth.

A fractional sales manager improves the conversion rate of your sales cycles and is a positive ROI hire for SMBs without a dedicated sales manager or established processes. It’s a strategic decision that can transform your company’s sales trajectory and lead to greater success in a competitive market.

Cory Bruscia has more than 25 years of corporate sales and sales management experience and is the President and CEO of CMB Sales Consulting. Providing comprehensive sales consulting services to small and medium sized businesses across numerous industries, CMB Sales Consulting is among the leading business and fractional sales management consulting practices.   

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

SCORE Northeast NJ

Marks 57 Years of Supporting Entrepreneurs

Special to Meadowlands Magazine

Chances are, if you did business in the Greater Meadowlands Region in the past 57 years, a volunteer from the Northeast New Jersey Chapter of the Service Corps of Retired Executives – known as SCORE NENJ – lent an experienced hand.

When it comes to bolstering entrepreneurs and small businesses, few organizations come close to the size and reach of SCORE. The nation’s largest network of volunteer business mentors, SCORE is dedicated to helping small business owners establish and grow their companies.

SCORE Northeast New Jersey

“We are fortunate enough to have over 70 volunteer mentors who donate their time to help small businesses in their communities succeed,” said Mike Glicksman, Chair of the SCORE NE NJ Chapter.

“A significant number of our mentors work full time and still make the time to help entrepreneurs. We consistently hear our mentors say how much they enjoy helping small business owners and how rewarding it is for them to see these businesses overcome challenges and grow,” he added. 

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit volunteer organization established in 1964, SCORE is a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) with seven chapters in New Jersey. The organization is partially funded by the SBA.

The local chapter of SCORE NENJ supports the small business communities of Bergen and Passaic counties. Last year the chapter delivered 3306 services that supported the launch of 79 new businesses and the creation of 614 fresh jobs.

“We couldn’t serve the large number of clients we do without the trust and partnership of key organizations like the Meadowlands Chamber,” said Gregg Butler, SCORE NENJ Chapter Outreach Leader.  

What SCORE Offers

Since opening its doors, experienced volunteer entrepreneurs and business executives (currently 13,000) have provided free mentoring, tools and educational services to more than 11 million small businesses nationwide.

In addition to mentoring, SCORE offers webinars and workshops plus maintains and updates an an extensive library of online resources for small businesses. SCORE partners with local organizations like chambers of commerce, banks and libraries to support events that assist both start-ups and existing businesses.  

SCORE NENJ Client Success Stories

Madjalia Seynou, Founder, FarmSahel, Bergenfield, NJ - Madjalia founded a non-profit organization to help women achieve economic freedom through agribusiness. FarmSahel helps women farmers increase their crop yields and ensure improved earnings in the marketplace. Her SCORE mentors helped her find resources to help with grant writing and finding volunteers.  

Jason Park, Founder, Elevate Physical Therapy, LLC, Englewood, NJ - Jason started his physical therapy practice as a side hustle. With help from his SCORE mentors, he was able to launch it as a full-time business. His mentors helped him develop and execute a realistic business plan. 

Lisse Cielo, Owner, Cielo’s Floral Design, Passaic, NJ - Lisse was looking for help to grow her existing floral business. Her mentors helped her review her website and social media sites, develop marketing campaigns and extend her business network.   

SCORE - Mentoring Services

Entrepreneurs have access to confidential business mentoring in person or online. SCORE mentors listen and counsel small business owners on best practices in entrepreneurship and related fields such as; business planning, finance, and go to market approaches.

SCORE - Local and Online Events

and Courses

SCORE regularly offers free local and online workshops on topics ranging from startup strategies to marketing and finance. We also offer interactive courses on-demand, so you can walk through each module at your own pace.

SCORE - Browse the Library of online resources

Business owners can also benefit from SCORE’s extensive collection of guides, templates, checklists, blogs, videos, infographics, and more. We strive to provide the most relevant and current educational content to help small business owners and entrepreneurs succeed.

For more information, see score.org/northeastnj

FDU: Welcoming and Committed to Students at All Levels

A New Chapter at Fairleigh Dickinson University: President Michael Avaltroni Unveils Strategic Plan, Reaffirms Commitment to “Students First”

Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) is a private university with two campuses in New Jersey in Teaneck and Madison, as well as two international campuses in Wroxton, England, and Vancouver, Canada. FDU offers more than 100 degree programs at the associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral levels. With a wide range of programs and flexible modalities developed to meet the needs of both students and today’s job market, FDU creates pathways to success. Students at FDU are instructed and supported by the depth and expertise of faculty who bring their strong academic and industry experience to the classroom and beyond.

FDU recently celebrated the inauguration of the University’s Ninth President, Michael J. Avaltroni. President Avaltroni, an FDU alumnus himself, unveiled the next strategic plan in the institution’s history — “FDU Will Soar.” The plan features both short- and long-term initiatives that will strengthen programs, generate resources, and ensure the sustainability of the extraordinary institution.

“FDU’s focus and guiding light for today, tomorrow and long into the future is “Students First,” said FDU President Michael Avaltroni. “In all efforts, our decisions will be based on how we can foster the greatest impact on the student experience. The core educational values of FDU — personal, global and transformational — provide a solid foundation for continued impact and development. And our talented and devoted community members offer a level of instruction and inspiration second to none,” he shared.

An important aspect of FDU’s core focus of “Students First” is in meeting students where they are at. President Avaltroni stated that, “Today’s students have different needs than students of even just a few years ago. We understand today’s learners are not only traditional undergraduate students, but many others seeking degrees or additional credentials. This includes pre-college high school students, adult learners ranging from first-time degree seekers to those pursuing advanced degrees or certificate programs, and our programs specifically designed for corporate partners. FDU is committed to providing flexible learning opportunities for all students.”

While FDU has always been known for its personal approach to education, the university has introduced a number of new initiatives and support programs to further foster belonging, resilience, and mental health and wellness within the campus community and beyond. As a testament to FDU’s commitment to leading with empathy, the university recently announced nearly 200 faculty and staff have completed professional development training and are now certified in Mental Health First Aid.

FDU also recently created the Transforming College Campuses (TCC) program, spearheaded by the School of Psychology and Counseling, in collaboration with the Office of Student Affairs. Funded through a generous donation, the TCC program will support the mental health needs of FDU’s undergraduate students and foster opportunities for undergraduates and graduate students to pursue careers in mental health-related fields. The project embeds graduate students with first-year students taking a mandatory course, A Transition to University Life. The students remain paired with the graduate students for their first two years at the University to foster support and mentorship. The TCC program also provides physical spaces on our campuses where students can go for support and resources.

For more information, visit fdu.edu and learn more about all that FDU has to offer.

FDU is Leading the Way for Adult Learners

with Flexible Program Options and New FDU HEALTH Division

Each year, more than 1,000 students earn their doctoral and master’s degrees from Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU). These accomplished graduates go on to assume leadership roles in industry, education, government, health care, technology and community service — regionally, nationally and worldwide. They form a powerful network of change and influence in their professions and communities.

Providing gateways for adult learners to upskill, complete an undergraduate degree, or earn advanced credentials for career growth or advancement is a legacy strength of FDU. From its start in 1942 as a two-year college to its position today as a regional leader in higher education, FDU has continued to distinctively serve the area’s adult learners with a wide range of flexible programs, some of which are highlighted here:

FDU Graduate Studies

Many of today’s fastest-growing and highest-demand jobs require the advanced knowledge, skills and credentials of a master’s or doctoral degree. FDU’s innovative graduate programs are known for their immediate career applicability. While relevant and practical in nature, FDU graduate programs also are solidly rooted in academic theory and research.

Graduate students at FDU connect with real-world peers from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Many are working professionals whose insights and perspectives bring added value to the academic experience.

FDU Graduate Program Highlights

• Over 60 career-oriented doctoral and master’s degree programs

• Part-time or full-time study options

• Convenient evening, weekend, online and community-based classes

• A connected and expert graduate faculty

• Professional internships and research opportunities

• An integrated global education focus

• Easy access to the cultural, educational and career resources of New York City

• Graduate study abroad options at FDU’s Wroxton College (England) and Vancouver Campus (Canada)

FDU Health

FDU recently announced the establishment of FDU Health, a comprehensive and innovative new division that combines new initiatives along with existing programs from multiple colleges and schools within the university. This hub for interdisciplinary healthcare education and training will open doors of opportunity for students and address the growing needs of the healthcare sector.

With nearly 12,000 students and campuses in New Jersey, Canada and England, FDU offers all the resources of a major university — from its accomplished faculty and research facilities to its proximity to many industries in the New Jersey and New York City metropolitan area. But what graduate students and adult learners say they appreciate most is our welcoming and close-knit, supportive community.

For more information, visit FDU Graduate Studies and FDU Health.

CHEFS OF THE MEADOWLANDS

Il Villaggio Chef Dennis O’Keefe

Pays Homage to Tradition

By Kelly Nicholaides • Special to Meadowlands Magazine

Sharpening his butcher knife, Il Villaggio Chef Dennis O’Keefe assesses 20 pounds of short rib meat before gliding the blade through top sections that slide off. He tosses the fat aside, focusing on cubing the slabs into perfect portion sizes, then clear-wrapping the tray and refrigerating it. Later, the two-day supply will braise for three hours in a brown demi glaze with celery, carrots, onions, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf and tomato.

The son of Irish-Italian parents, Chef O’Keefe grew up with a passion for food.

“I worked with my dad, an Irish butcher, cutting beef and chicken at a meat market,” Chef O’Keefe says. “Raised around my Italian (maternal) grandparents, it was a wonderful atmosphere. I was pulling on my grandmother’s apron strings since I was four years old while she was cooking roasts, chicken and pasta. It was extraordinary. Everything was homemade.”

Growing up in North Bergen, he won a chef training award in home economics in 1973. He graduated from Culinary Institute of America and honed his craft for 50 years, working in French restaurants in Manhattan for a decade before opening a Hoboken bistro in 1986 for two years, then taking the helm at Bareli’s Restaurant in Secaucus from 1988 through 2004, and Jamie’s Cigar Bar & Restaurant in Clifton for five years before landing at Il Villaggio.

Meadowlands area restaurateurs enjoy friendly competition and share great chef recommendations.

“The industry has changed a lot, from predominantly Italian and French cuisine in the 1970s to more diversified options now. We stick to quality,” Chef O’Keefe reflects. “We have a great clientele and hardworking owner who is here 100 hours a week. I branch out on most aspects of fine culinary dining, creating specials and keeping up with trends, but sticking to traditional seafood, risotto, pasta and prime meats that meet our standards.”

It’s lunch time. Chef O’Keefe is ladling chicken tubettini soup into bowls. He is here from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. six days a week where he has worked for 15 years. He starts his days turning on the stoves and ovens, making the day’s specials, and setting up sauces. The vegetable medley of the day is zucchini, sweet pepper, cauliflower, garlic, onion and plum tomato. A 40-pound Chilean sea bass arrives to be shaved and butchered into 8-ounce portion sizes and served in lemon, garlic, parsley and white wine sauce.

The Italian restaurant at 651 Route 17 North in Carlstadt is a landmark known for its impeccable service and time-honored authentic Italian cuisine. The menu staples of fresh seafood and prime meats have changed little in 44 years. The tomato sauce is made from Cento San Marzano plum tomatoes, cooked with fresh garlic, basil, olive oil, parsley and salt. The pasta is De Cecco. The olive oil is Felippo Berio. The produce is purchased locally at Route 17 Farmer’s Market in East Rutherford. The meat and fish are from Hunt’s Point market suppliers in New York.

The loyal clientele returns like family for lunch, dinner, and to celebrate weddings, baptisms, anniversaries, birthdays, and other milestones in a backdrop of Renaissance wall paintings and decor.

“We’re always adjusting and adapting in the restaurant business. People are more health conscious now,” said owner Ralph Magliocchetti, noting that customers cut back on butter, but extra virgin olive oil is never an option for elimination.

Ralph and co-owner Angela Magliocchetti, a father-daughter team, greet every customer, asking about their children and grandchildren and mulling their favorite sports teams’ recent wins and losses. Angela says the restaurant’s success is based on quality, consistency and dedication.

Like all food service industries, Il Villaggio suffered through the pandemic, Ralph Magliocchetti noted, and he called for more work visas to ensure his kitchen runs efficiently.

“Hispanic labor is the backbone of the restaurant industry,” Chef O’Keefe reflects.

He notes that he relies on his in-house butcher Paulito Nunez, sous chef Francisco Marquez, as well as dishwashers, food prep workers whose chopping skills are an art form, and a staff that keeps the kitchen humming.

“We need a case of Romaine hearts, leeks, mushrooms and red peppers,” O’Keefe says, scribbling the order before inserting the pen back into a pocket on his chef’s coat.

Chef O’Keefe lives in Rutherford with his wife, Rose. He has four children and eight grandchildren. His Thanksgiving included serving 250 patrons at Il Villaggio. At his family dinners, he prefers others to do the cooking.

Kelly Nicholaides is a freelance writer, journalist, and photographer based in the Meadowlands area.

MEADOWLANDS AMERICAN DREAM

American Dream, developed by Triple

Five Group, is an unparalleled mix of world-class entertainment, retail and dining, comprising more than 3 million square feet just minutes away from

New York City in East Rutherford, NJ.

For more information on American Dream, visit www.americandream.com or find us on Instagram @americandream and Tik Tok @americandream_official.

SHOP

Abercrombie Kids

Aerie

ALAND

ALDO

Alexander Wang

Anne Fontaine

Apple

Ardene

Aritzia

Armani Exchange

Bath & Body Works

Benjamin Optical

Best Buy

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Express

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IT’SUGAR

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LIDS

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MAC Cosmetics

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PINK

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Sephora

T-Mobile

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UGG

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Vans

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Zara

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DINE

Best Pizza

Bigoi Venezia

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Charleys Philly Steaks

Cortaditos

Dunkin’

Falafel Inc

Five Guys

German Doner Kebab

H Mart

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House of ‘Que

Ichi Japan

Illy Café

Jarana

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Kelly’s Cajun Grill

King Kong Express

Lady M

Latin Grill

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MrBeast Burger

Mrs. Fields

Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen

PORA

Rosetta Bakery

Starbucks

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Van Leeuwen

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ATTRACTIONS

Nickelodeon Universe

DreamWorks Water Park

Big SNOW

Angry Birds Mini Golf

Blacklight Mini Golf

Blast 7D

Dream Wheel

LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Mirror Maze

The Escape Game

Sea Life Aquarium

The Rink

TiLT

MEADOWLANDS EAT & DRINK

Al Di La Italian Bistro
(East Rutherford)

(201) 939-1128

Angelo’s Ristorante (Lyndhurst)

(201) 939-1922

Annabella’s Fine Foods, Inc. (East Rutherford)

(201) 804-0303

The Barrow House (Clifton)

(862) 336-7070

Bazzarelli Restaurant & Pizzeria (Moonachie)

(201) 641-4010

Biggies Clam Bar (Carlstadt)

(201) 933-4242

Bistro Six-Five-Zero (Hasbrouck Heights)

(201) 288-6100

Bolero Snort Carlstadt

BoleroSnort.com

Bonefish Grill (Secaucus)

(201) 864-3004

Boogie Woogie Bagel Boys (Weehawken)

(201) 863-4666

Buffalo Wild Wings (Secaucus)

(201) 348-0824

Burger King (Secaucus)

(201) 325-0498

Cafe Four Fifty Five (Secaucus)

(201) 864-7300

Caffe Capri (East Rutherford)

(201) 460-1039

Casa Giuseppe Restaurant & Bar 503 (Lyndhurst)

(201) 460-0060

Chart House Restaurant (Weehawken)

(201) 348-6628

Chevys (Clifton)

(973) 777-6277

Chili’s Restaurant (Secaucus)

(201) 319-0804

Chipotle Mexican Grill (Secaucus)

(201) 223-0562

Colonial Diner (Lyndhurst)

(201) 935-3192

CUPS frozen yogurt- that’s hot (Secaucus)

Dunkin Donuts/ Subway (Secaucus)

(201) 617-9200

Elia (East Rutherford)

(201) 939-9292

Finch’s (Rutherford)

(201) 231-3141

Firenza Pizza (Secaucus)

(201) 210-2562

Francesca’s Gourmet Food
(Fair Lawn)

(201) 773-8293

Ghost Hawk Brewing Company (Clifton)

ghosthawkbrewing.com

Good Chinese Kitchen (North Bergen)

(201) 295-0806

Hoboken Road Tavern (East Rutherford)

(201) 939-1128

Il Cafone (Lyndhurst)

(201) 933-3355

Il Villaggio (Carlstadt)

(201) 935-7733

Jack Austin’s (Weehawken)

(201) 348-4444

Justin’s Ristorante II
(Wood-Ridge)

(201) 933-4276

La Reggia Restaurant & Banquets & Lounge (Secaucus)

(201) 422-0200

Marco Polo Pizza/ Breakfast Grill (Weehawken)

(201) 863-0057

Mamma Vittoria (Nutley)

(973) 662-0242

Masina Trattoria Italiana (Weehawken)

(201) 348-4444

McDonalds (North Bergen)

(201) 868-9888

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament (Lyndhurst)

(201) 933-2220

Morton’s The Steakhouse (Hackensack)

(201) 487-3614

Mr. Bruno’s Pizzeria & Restaurant (Lyndhurst)

(201) 933-1588

Oceanaire Seafood Room (Hackensack)

(201) 343-8862

Olive Garden (Secaucus)

(201) 867-3543

Outback Steakhouse (Secaucus)

(201) 601-0077

Panera Bread (Secaucus)

(201) 348-2846

Pink at Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment
(East Rutherford)

(201) 842-5013

Poke Bros (Secaucus)

Red Lobster (Secaucus)

(201) 583-1902

Redd’s Restaurant & Bar (Carlstadt)

(201) 933-0015

Ruth’s Chris Steak House (Weehawken)

(201) 863-5100

Ruth’s Chris Steak House
(Jersey City)

(201) 448-8664

Ruth’s Chris Steak House (Paramus-Maywood)

(551) 258-0013

Rutherford Pancake House (Rutherford)

(201) 340-4171

Sals Good Eats (Teterboro)

(201) 375-4949

Segovia Restaurant (Moonachie)

(201) 641-4266

Shannon Rose (Clifton)

(973) 284-0200

Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas (Clifton)

(973) 661-2435

Starbucks Coffee (East Rutherford)

(201) 438-0584

Starbucks Coffee (Secaucus)

(201) 223-4924

Stefanos Mediterranean Grille (Secaucus)

(201) 865-6767

Subway (Weehawken)

(201) 865-2500

Subway (Secaucus)

(201) 325-0300

Subway (North Bergen)

(201) 869-4469

Tokyo Hibachi & Buffet (Secaucus)

(201) 863-2828

Top That! Donuts (Rutherford)

(201) 559-5485

Urban Plum Gastropub (Secaucus)

(201) 520-0574

Varrellman’s Baked Goods (Rutherford)

(201) 939-0462

Vesta Wood Fired Pizza & Bar (East Rutherford)

(201) 939-6012

Volare’s Restaurant (Rutherford)

(201) 935-6606

Wayback Burger (Secaucus)

(201) 293-4654

Yard House (East Rutherford)

(201) 528-2875

DESTINATION MEADOWLANDS

Recreation, Sports & Entertainment

Aviation Hall of Fame & Museum of NJ (Teterboro)

(201) 288-6344

Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) (Englewood)

(201) 816-8160

Chuck E. Cheese’s (North Bergen)

(201) 861-1799

Durkan Fencing Company (South Hackensack)

(201) 880-9585

Entertainment Cruises | Spirit of New York & New Jersey Dining Cruises

(201) 333-8600

Field Station: Dinosaurs (Leonia)

(855) 999-9010

GolfTec (Englewood)

(201) 567-0103

High Exposure Rock Climbing/ Ninja Warrior Gym (Northvale)

(201) 768-8600

Hornblower Cruises & Events

(888) 467-6256

Kerasotes Showplace 14 Secaucus

(201) 210-5364

Liberty Science Center (Jersey City)

(201) 200-1000

Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment (East Rutherford)

(201) 460-4166

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament (Lyndhurst)

(201) 933-2220

MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford)

(201) 559-1562

NY Giants (East Rutherford)

(201) 935-8111

NY Jets (Florham Park)

(516) 560-8100

NY Red Bulls (Harrison)

(201) 583-7000

NY Waterway (Weehawken)

(201) 902-8700

RPM Raceway (Jersey City)

(201) 333-7223

Statue Cruises (Jersey City)

(201) 432-6321

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

(212) 344-0996

Ecotourism

Hackensack Riverkeeper (Hackensack)

(201) 968-0808

NJSEA Meadowlands Environment Center (Lyndhurst)

(201) 460-8300

Health, Fitness & Beauty

GNC Live Well (Secaucus)

(201) 348-9549

Haircutter in the Meadow (Secaucus)

(201) 863-3900

Jenny Craig (Secaucus)

(201) 330-0110

King’s Court Health & Sports Club (Lyndhurst)

(201) 460-0088

LA Fitness Signature Club (Secaucus)

(201) 751-9940

Sally Beauty Supply (North Bergen)

(201) 295-0020

Shopping Malls/ Centers

American Dream (East Rutherford)

1(833) AMDREAM

Bergen Town Center (Paramus)

(201) 845-4051

The Plaza at Harmon Meadow (Secaucus)

(908) 226-5285

Newport Centre (Jersey City)

(201) 626-2025

The Mills at Jersey Gardens (Jersey City)

(908) 436-3005

The Shops at Riverside (Hackensack)

(201) 489-0151

Westfield Garden State Plaza (Paramus)

(201) 843-2121

Outlet Shopping

Calvin Klein Company Store (Secaucus)

(201) 223-9760

Gucci (Secaucus)

(201) 392-2670

Tommy Hilfiger (Secaucus)

(201) 863-5600

EVENT PLANNING & CATERING

Meadowlands Exposition Center (Secaucus)

(201) 330-7773

4 Wall New York (Moonachie)

(201) 329-9878

Al Di La Fine Italian Private Catering (Rutherford)

(201) 939-1128

Annabella’s Fine Foods, Inc. (East Rutherford)

(201) 804-0303

Any Excuse For A Party

(973) 808-8700

Apple Spice: Box Lunch Delivery & Catering Company (South Hackensack)

(201) 525-2775

The Boulevard (North Bergen)

(201) 744-8169

Bounce Music & Entertainment (Englewood Cliffs)

(201) 482-8191

Cliffhanger Productions Inc. (Rutherford)

(201) 460-1489

Freeman (Kearny)

(201) 299-7400

Graycliff Catering Inc. (The Graycliff) (Moonachie)

(201) 939-9233

Il Villaggio (Carlstadt)

(201) 935-7733

In Thyme Catered Events (Moonachie)

(201) 666-3353

Jimmy’s Artistic Creations (East Rutherford)

(201) 460-1919

LTB Entertainment (Secaucus)

(201) 282-1117

Mamma Vittoria (Nutley)

(973) 662-0242

Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment (East Rutherford)

(201) 842-5013

Nanina’s In The Park (Belleville)

(973) 751-1230

Party Supplies Co, Inc. (Rutherford)

(646) 431-1805

Personal Touch Experience & Catering (Hackensack)

(201) 488-8820

Pink at Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment (East Rutherford)

(201) 842-5013

Sal’s Good Eats (Teterboro)

(201) 375-4949

Seasons Catering (Washington Township)

(201) 664-6141

Sterling Affair Caterers (Carlstadt)

(201) 372-0734

Unique Event Center (Little Ferry)

(201) 880-5025

United EVENTurers

teamue.com

Venetian (Garfield)

(973) 546-2250

Willwork Inc. (Woodland Park)

(201) 321-1135

EXPLORE THE MEADOWLANDS

Ecotourism

Hackensack Riverkeeper (Hackensack)

(201) 968-0808

NJSEA- DeKorte Park (Lyndhurst)

info@njsea.com / (201) 460-1700

River Barge Park and Marina (Carlstadt)

(201) 460-1700

Bergen County Parks

Belmont Hill County Park (Garfield)

Borg’s Woods Nature Preserve (Hackensack)

Dahnert’s Lake County Park (Garfield)

Darlington County Park (Mahwah)

(201) 327-3500

Hackensack River County Park (Hackensack)

(201) 336-7275

Losen Slote Creek Park
(Little Ferry)

Laurel Hill Park (Secaucus)

(201) 915-1386

Overpeck County Park (Leonia)

(201) 336-7275

Pascack Brook County Park (Westwood)

(201) 336-6000

Ramapo Valley County Reservation (Mahwah)

(201) 327-3500

Riverside County Park (Lyndhurst)

(201) 939-9339

Saddle River County Park (Saddle Brook)

(201) 796-0324

Samuel Nelkin County Park (East Rutherford)

(973) 777-0318

Van Saun County Park (Paramus)

(201) 262-3771

Wood Dale County Park (Hillsdale)

(201) 336-7275

Hudson County Parks

Mercer Park (Bayonne)

Stephen R. Gregg Park (Bayonne)

(201) 858-7180

Columbus Park (Hoboken)

(201) 915-1388

Liberty State Park (Jersey City)

(201) 915-3403

Lincoln Park (Jersey City)

(201) 915-1388

Mill Creek Point Park (Secaucus)

(866) 927-6416

Washington Park (Jersey City/ Union City)

(201) 348-5700

West Hudson Park (Kearney)

(201) 217-5482

Braddock Park (North Bergen)

(201) 915-3188

Laurel Hill Park (Secaucus)

(201) 915-1388

NJSEA Parks

Richard W. DeKorte Park (Lyndhurst)

(201) 460-1700

River Barge Park and Marina (Carlstadt)

(201) 460-1700

MEADOWLANDS TRANSPORTATION

AAA Giants Limousine & Car Service

(201) 933-3313

Academy Bus, LLC

(201) 420-7000

Axis Global Systems, LLC

(718) 458-3666

Coach USA

(866) 912-6224

Country Club Services

(973) 376-4352

Empire CLS Worldwide Chauffeured Services

(888) 826-3431

EZ Ride

(201) 939-4242

Lyft

Lyft.com

Minuteman II Limousine and Car Service

(973) 347-6100

Moonlight Limousine & Party Bus Service

(201) 254-0126

NJ Transit

(973) 491-8903,
www.njtransit.com

NY Waterway

(201) 902-8700

Panorama Tours

(973) 470-9700

Vander Plaat Executive Limo

(201) 891-3856

STAY IN THE MEADOWLANDS

ANZ Hospitality (Secaucus)

(201) 809-1000

Aloft Secaucus Meadowlands (Secaucus)

(201) 809-1000

AVE CLIFTON (Clifton)

(973) 859-3200

Best Western Premier NYC Gateway Hotel (North Bergen)

(201) 758-5770

Canopy by Hilton Jersey City Arts District (Jersey City)

(800) 445-8667

Courtyard by Marriott (Edgewater)

(201) 945-5440

Courtyard by Marriott (Lyndhurst)

(201) 896-6666

Courtyard by Marriott (Wayne/Fairfield)

(973) 646-3377

Crowne Plaza (Saddle Brook)

(201) 880-5952

Econo Lodge (Carlstadt)

(201) 935-4600

Element (Harrison)

(862) 234-4922

Element New York/ Wood-Ridge

(Wood-Ridge)

(201) 460-0790

Envue, Autograph Collection (Weehawken)

(201) 758-7920

Fairfield Inn By Marriott (East Rutherford)

(201) 507-5222

Fairfield Inn By Marriott (North Bergen)

(201) 272-6600

Hampton Inn (Carlstadt)

(201) 935-9000

Hampton Inn & Suites Teaneck Glenpointe (Teaneck)

(201) 883-9777

Hilton Garden Inn (Secaucus)

(201) 864-1400

Hilton Hasbrouck Heights Meadowlands (Hasbrouck Heights)

(201) 288-6100

Hilton Meadowlands (East Rutherford)

(201) 896-0500

Holiday Inn Hasbrouck Heights (Hasbrouck Heights)

(201) 288-9600

Holiday Inn Secaucus Meadowlands (Secaucus)

(201) 809-4746

Holiday Inn Express (Paramus)

(201) 843-5400

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites (Carlstadt)

(201) 460-9292

Homewood Suites by Hilton (East Rutherford)

(201) 460-9030

Homewood Suites by Hilton (Teaneck/ Glenpointe)

(201) 883-1777

Hyatt Place Secaucus/ Meadowlands (Secaucus)

(201) 422-9480

La Quinta Inn & Suites Clifton/ Rutherford (Clifton)

(973) 778-6500

La Quinta Inn & Suites (Secaucus)

(201) 863-8700

MC Hotel (Montclair)

(973) 329-5500

Red Roof Inn (Secaucus)

(201) 319-1000

Renaissance Meadowlands Hotel (Rutherford)

(201) 231-3100

Residence Inn (East Rutherford)

(201) 939-0020

Residence Inn (Saddle River)

(201) 934-4144

Residence Inn by Marriott Port Imperial (Weehawken)

(201) 758-7922

Residence Inn by Marriott Secaucus Meadowlands (Secaucus)

(201) 223-9901

Saddle Brook Marriott (Saddle Brook)

(201) 843-9500

Sheraton Lincoln, Harbor Hotel (Weehawken)

(201) 617-5600

SpringHill Suites East Rutherford Meadowlands/ Carlstadt (Carlstadt)

(201) 935-9400

Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe (Teaneck)

(201) 836-0600