In July of 1990 Gerardo “Nino” Ercolino decided he would take his next step in the food services industry and bring the same fresh flavors he grew up with in Italy to central New Jersey by opening Nino Jr.’s. In 1959 he had opened Nino’s Bakery, which experienced over 50 years of success in the wholesale bread baking industry. Having his children involved in the day-to-day aspects of the bakery inspired him to open Nino Jr.’s Italian Specialty so he could work more closely with his son Gerard. What started out as a small family business quickly became a local staple in Monmouth County and since opening day, Nino Jr.’s has remained in the exact same location in Oakhurst, NJ.
If you come into the deli for a meal today, you’ll see Gerard working behind the counter making subs and placing catering orders to anyone who comes in. Nino also still comes in every once in a while, though he has passed the torch to his son Gerard for the day-to-day operations.
When we say this is a family establishment, we mean it. Each Christmas season, you’ll see faces of various nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles all working to make sure holiday orders are properly prepared and picked up in time for or on Christmas Eve. We greet each customer with a warm smile and treat them like they’re our own family.
We only use the best quality products in all of our prepared foods and sandwiches, and most of them are made from authentic Italian brands you’ll only find in a specialty shop. Many who come to us say “you cook it just like my Nonna,” and it’s likely because we use our own family recipe. Our staple Nino Jr.’s “Special Sauce” is made with fresh herbs and vegetables to ensure the most delicious, homemade flavors are achieved. While many of our specialty foods are prepared fresh daily, we do have frozen to-go meals packed up for anyone who wants to enjoy Nino Jr.’s at home on a later date. Specialty subs are made to order right on the spot with bread baked fresh that morning – there’s nothing like the “crunch” of a freshly-baked loaf in the morning is there?
When it comes to catering, we make everything as close to delivery and pick up time as possible for optimal freshness. We’ve catered for all kinds of events including corporate events, holiday parties, birthday parties, Super Bowl, small weddings, and sometimes just because! Whatever the occasion, we’ve got your covered with tons of options – and we deliver too!
We are proud members of the Oakhurst community, having been in the same location since opening day. We pride ourselves on bringing out the best in our community and bringing people together whether it’s for a quick lunch at the deli, or over a good plate of catered food at a family gathering. We love helping friends and family make memories through the power of good food.
Get in touch with us today to plan your next event with our catering, or come visit for your next lunch or dinner. Either way, we’ll be right here – the same spot we’ve been in for the past 30 years.
