SOUTH BRUNSWICK: Pizzeria travels back in time

by Davy James, Staff Writer
   As the effects of the recession have caused many people to change their spending habits, some may wish they could travel back in time to when their wallets were a little fatter.
   While that isn’t quite possible, one local eatery is offering the next best thing.
   Since January, Vinny’s Kendall Park Pizza and Restaurant has been running a Recession Special in which it has rolled back its menu prices to what they were in 2002.
   ”We came up with the idea because everything is tight right now; people are losing their jobs, and everyone’s depressed,” said owner Vinny Matera, who’s been running the eatery for 27 years. “I thought I’d give people a little break and help out the community. I’ve been here a long time, and the community has become like family.”
   Mr. Matera said his establishment has been fortunate to escape the tight financial times as his business has remained as steady as it ever was. He said the price reduction hasn’t had too much of an impact on his revenues, and the cut was more about helping his neighbors.
   ”Everybody is complaining about the economy, and that’s a natural thing,” Mr. Matera said. “Every day, people come in here and talk about losing their jobs or losing money in the market. I just wanted to help.”
   He said customers have been grateful for the small relief as a few dollars here and there can make a big difference during a tough time.
   ”A lot of people said that’s a good thing that you’re doing to help the community,” Mr. Matera said.
   Customers at the pizzeria said they saw the special, and it brought them back to the eatery to take advantage of it.
   ”I came in here the other day to pick up something for my son, and I ended up ordering another sandwich,” said Kingston resident Frankie Ross. “It encourages you to come back because the savings do help. I had been spending less money on going out to eat so when somebody gives a special, it’s encouraging.”
   The special will run through the end of March, but depending on customers, Mr. Matera said he might extend it another month.
   ”We haven’t decided yet so I might keep it going for another month,” he said. “We’ll see the response we get this weekend. People want to spend as little as possible so we’re trying to help with that.”
   Vinny’s Kendall Park Pizza and Restaurant is at 7 Allston Road, in Kendall Park.