Another multigenerational Morris County business is about to close after feeding a grateful community for nearly six decades.
A go-to destination for quality groceries, fresh-prepared meals and holiday catering, Burrini’s Olde World Market in Randolph announced late last month that “with a heavy heart” it would close its doors forever on Oct. 13.
“Unfortunately, due to ongoing economic challenges and depleted capital reserves, we can no longer continue operations,” the Burrini family posted on Facebook. “Thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives.”
“After seven decades of cherished memories and meaningful connections with families across generations, this decision was not made lightly,” the post continued. “Throughout the years, we’ve shared in your joy during weddings, birthdays, and graduations, as well as offered support during life’s more difficult moments. Your loyalty and love have been our greatest reward.”
The reaction on social media was swift and sorrowful.
“This is such terribly sad news,” one fan responded on Facebook. “Since 1996 we have been customers. So many times your delicious food was part of many celebrations. My husband is there every Sunday for his breakfast sandwich after Mass. Walking into Burrini’s feels like home. Truly a Randolph icon.”
“This is the end of an era,” added Cristina Capsouras. “My family has enjoyed your food and and catering my whole life. Every Christmas we get the shrimp and sauce there. Every year. Concert sandwiches. Bus trip sandwiches. Grab-and-go meals after leaving mom’s house and not wanting to cook. This place is an institution in Randolph.”
“Burrini’s always supported charitable causes at many levels, including my son’s Eagle Scout project back in 2012,” wrote Ginger Rossnagel Vukas. “Thank you, Burrini’s!”
Burrini’s history goes back decades
Jessie Burrini opened Burinni’s Prime Meats in 1966 in Mendham, where it became a successful family business. His son Peter and Peter’s wife, Jeannie, eventually took over and expanded the business, moving to its Randolph location on Sussex Turnpike in 1992.
Since then, loyal customers have helped the deli thrive in the face of increasing competition from chain grocers such as Whole Foods, Wegman’s and Uncle Giuseppe’s. But COVID hit Burrini’s hard, and the recovery has been slow, said Jennifer Burrini-Santana, Peter’s daughter.
“Everything takes a little piece of the pie,” she said by telephone on Thursday. “I feel like it’s starting to pick back up, but it’s a little too late.”
Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year celebration that began Wednesday, is the last holiday the family will cater before closing, she said.
There’s a ‘slim’ chance of reopening
She and other relatives are still trying to find a path to reopen, but with Peter and Jeannie set on retiring, they would need an investment partner to make it work.
“The chances are slim,” said Burrini-Santana. “It would take a miracle to find the right partner. We’ve spoken to a few people. But this business is worth it.”
The family chose not to follow the path of another longtime local business, Bill’s Luncheonette in neighboring Chester Township. The 75-year-old eatery recently raised more than $40,000 through a social media fundraising campaign to pay for needed repairs.
“We’ve had a lot of customers ask us to do that, but were not sure how far it would get, and we didn’t want to do it on the backs of the customers,” Burrini-Santana said.
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So for now, last call for your favorite Burrini treats will be Sunday, Oct. 13.
“The outpouring from the customers has been unbelievable,” said Burrini-Santana. “They are coming from everywhere.”
“I’m in Texas but raised in Randolph and we talk about Burrini’s Italian subs as if we still lived there,” another devotee, Erin Lindsay Corrigan, said on Facebook. “Always comparing and complaining that nothing is as good.”
“One old customer came all the way from Maine when she heard the news,” Burrini-Santana said. “That was emotional.”
William Westhoven is a local reporter for DailyRecord.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: wwesthoven@dailyrecord.com
Twitter/X: @wwesthoven
