Tuzzio’s still going strong, no immediate plans to stop

By Patty Booth O’Neill – So… is Tuzzio’s Italian Cuisine on Westwood Ave. in Long Branch for sale? Yes, it is. “We’ve been for sale for a while,” said owner Joe Tuzzio. “But I’ve had no offers and it takes a long time for a sale to go through even if there is an offer,” he said. “I don’t see myself or my employees going anywhere.”

A family-owned and operated business going on 60 years, the Silver Dollar Bar was started in the 60’s by Joe’s parents, Margaret & Joseph Tuzzio, then renamed by Joe when he took over the restaurant.

Residents of Long Branch and surrounding towns agree that Joe is a pillar of the community, always willing to help out when he can and support local causes. After all, the name Tuzzio’s is synonymous with the City of Long Branch.

But people still get a little frantic when their world is disrupted these days.

“Where am I going to go get my favorite manicotti?”

“What about spaghetti and meatballs, with a nice glass of wine?”

“Where will I be able to sit at the bar and have a personal pizza? And know everybody? And they’re all so friendly?”

“DEAR LORD IN HEAVEN, WHERE AM I GOING TO GET A TUZZIO’S SALAD WITH THEIR HOUSE DRESSING?”

Do you think he’ll give us the recipe?”

He could, people say, start another business and bottle his famous salad dressing to sell in supermarkets along with  his amazing Tuzzio’s salad. Tuzzio’s Salad in a Bag with the little packet of dressing – that’s an idea.

“Listen,” Joe said slightly exasperated. “My bags are not packed. I’m staying where I am for a long time to come. We are open for business as usual.”