Some places are more than just restaurants; they’re a part of what makes a city unique. Torna’s Pizza has been that spot in Hoboken for more than 60 years. But now, one of the oldest pizza places in New Jersey is getting ready to shut down for good.
People who live in Hoboken know that even Frank Sinatra couldn’t stay away from this city. Sinatra might have stopped by Torna’s for a Sicilian slice if he were still around. This pizza place has been open for that long—they’ve been offering pizza since before “Strangers in the Night” came out.
A Legacy Since 1960
While Torna’s Pizza has been in Hoboken, NJ since 1960, it has been run by the same family. Pizza has been made the same way for over 64 years: with fresh dough, hearty tomato sauce, and recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation.
But now, the famous restaurant is getting ready to close. Torna’s last day will be July 24, according to a sign that was put up around the shop and shared on their Instagram.
The Heartfelt Goodbye
Customers who had bought things from the store or online before saw the goodbye message and liked it:
“Dear Valuable Customers—
It breaks our hearts to say that Torna’s Pizza will be closed on July 24th.
Since 1960, it’s been an honor to serve you our family’s homemade pizza, which is made with love and tradition. Your jokes, love, and stories have made our space feel so much better that words can’t describe it. Not just the end of a business, but also the beginning of a new one in the community we built together.
This isn’t just a business closing; it’s also the end of a ritual, a place to gather, and a kitchen that has been used to make memories for generations.
From teen worker to business owner
The present owner, Anthony “Tony”Percotino, began working at Torna’s when he was only 14. His uncle started the business, and after they moved to the United States from Italy, his parents ran it. Tony took over in the end and kept the tradition going.
But Tony said not long ago that things aren’t the same as they used to be. Prices going up, costs going up, and the fact that having a small business in this world are all things that have hurt them.
“It was easier when my parents ran it,” Tony wrote in a post that looked like an interview. “Now I have to make sacrifices all the time just to stay afloat.”
Tony says it’s time to leave now that his kids are grown up and have their own jobs.
A Local Treasure — Not Just a Pizzeria
Torna’s is known for more than just pizza. It’s known for always being there, quietly, through all the changes in Hoboken over the years. While other stores have changed from mom-and-pop Main Street to delivery apps and digital menus, Torna’s has stayed true to itself.
A lot of people went there on first dates, with their kids for dinner after a game, or to get a slice after long shifts.
@jesshoboken, a local, said, “Torna’s was the background of my childhood.” The smell of garlic knots when you walked in will stay with you forever.
What’s Next?
We don’t know yet what will be in that place after July 24. It’s hard to say what will happen in the future because the shop hasn’t said anything about a replacement or reopening somewhere else.
And now is the time to enjoy the last few weeks. If you haven’t been yet, stop by for a slice while you still can.
One social media comment says, “It’s not clear what’s next for this space.” “But Torna won’t have it when it comes.”
Thanks, Torna’s
Thank you to Tony, his family, and everyone else who helped make Torna’s Pizza great. You did a lot more than just serve food. There was history on every plate you made. People knew they could count on what they came home to.
The safety and warmth you gave will stay with everyone who walked through your doors, even as the city changes.
What is your favorite memory of Torna?
Where did you spend your childhood? Do you have a favorite slice or moment? Use the comments to share your stories about this Hoboken legend. Let’s give it the proper send-off it deserves.
**This article was written by Kayla McFarland. AI tools were used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.**
