Kenilworth parties to welcome Cafe Fontana

Kenilworth residents kick-started their summer on Thursday, June 6, with the opening of Cafe Fontana.

Featuring bouncy castles, games, a DJ and ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce, friends and family gathered to celebrate the cafe’s opening.

Previously the Kenilworth Cafe, Cafe Fontana — a name that references the fountain across the street — is a friendly nod toward its newfound Italian flair.

Under the leadership of Joe Marchionna, owner of nearby Marco Roma Pizza, the cafe hopes to offer a blend of convenience with a focus on to-go service and the ability to deliver, and comfort with available seating inside and out.

The cafe also brings a more advanced coffee service than its predecessor.

In addition to breakfast and lunch entrees, Cafe Fontana offers a full coffee and tea menu, juices, and locally sourced baked goods.

“I really want to focus on supporting the community and making a cool, enjoyable environment for residents,” Marchionna said.

The cafe’s proximity to the Kenilworth train station, as well as its central location in the community, will hopefully cater to all sorts of residents.

“I’m hopeful that this will add a different ambiance to people commuting to work, taking the train, and just the community vibe,” Marchionna said.

In revamping the cafe, residents are excited for what it will mean for Kenilworth.

Alina Schramma, a Kenilworth au pair, brought her 5-year-old to enjoy some of the food, drinks and games.

“It’s really close to where we live,” said Schramma. “I hope that we can come here and help local stores and not the big chains.”

Cafe Fontana is open from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

The Record is a nonprofit, nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism.

Subscribe to The Record to fund responsible news coverage for your community.

Already a subscriber? You can make a tax-deductible donation at any time.