John Livoti, owner of Livoti’s Old World Market, Aberdeen Township, stands before his store’s selection of fresh produce. The food industry veteran expects to open a second location this month in Marlboro. MARLBORO — A taste of Italy is slated to arrive in Marlboro this month.
The owners of Livoti’s Old World Market, Aberdeen Township, are planning to open a shop in Marlboro during the third week of May. The store will open in the Marlboro Plaza shopping center at Route 9 north and Route 520.
“I brought my talent to the suburbs of Monmouth County by bringing my mom’s great Italian food recipes along with the opening of the Aberdeen location,” owner John Livoti said. “Now, four years later, we are opening our second location in the Marlboro Manalapan area so we can reach out to other customers.”
The family business specializes in Italian staples like fresh mozzarella, breads and hot dishes. Patrons also lick their lips for Livoti’s aisles of fresh produce, meats and catering offerings, he said.
General manager Mike Ali, who is Livoti’s son-in-law, said the company boasts a variety of healthy options, as well. Grassfed beef, organic products and gluten-free foods have proved to be popular in recent years, he said.
“We are in competition with some monster supermarkets, so we price ourselves accordingly to give a great quality product to your average customer,” Ali said.
The Marlboro market will offer a fullservice, build-your-own salad bar, said Anthony Brannan, co-owner of the second Livoti’s branch. He said hot tables rich with fresh meals will soon be available at both locations, too.
As long as the goods are fresh and the customers are hungry, business should boom at the new Livoti’s market, he said.
“We are going to bring the same customer service, fresh prepared meals and all of our other specialties to Marlboro,” Brannan said. “The people cannot wait. They are pulling up every day, asking, ‘When?’ ”
Not long ago, Marlboro Plaza saw tenants leave the shopping center as the economy worsened. Livoti’s Old World Market is a welcome addition to the shopping center for municipal officials and tenants alike, Livoti said.
After the shuttering of a Pathmark supermarket at the shopping center, the landlord hoped for the return of a food market, Livoti said.
“And we can see the great demand as we walk around with our shirts that say ‘Livoti’s market’ on them,” he said.
The food imported from Brooklyn, Italy and local farms aside, many people flock to Livoti’s for its commitment to the communities it serves, Livoti said.
That became clear in the wake of superstorm Sandy when some food stores closed for days, if not weeks, due to the lack of electricity. But a power generator kept Livoti’s open as hungry customers grabbed a bite to eat or filled their shopping carts, Livoti said.
“They could not believe that a little guy like myself was so concerned with aiding the community and thinking in advance,” he said. “I put a new unit on the roof so my community, family and friends will never have to worry about going hungry if the power goes out.”
For the uninitiated, one meal could make the difference, Ali said.
“Just give us one chance,” he said. “You won’t be disappointed.”