In the predominantly Italian town of Nutley lived the Spring Garden Deli, located right off of Bloomfield Ave., on High St. To be honest, this deli was just an ordinary corner store/deli, but as a kid, I loved coming here and seeing their shelves filled with candy and snacks. It had become a necessary stop a few times a week on the walk home from school. Sadly, the Spring Garden Deli closed down around 2004, but promised to reopen after renovations. The Spring Garden area had anticipated its return for many years, however, it never did.

Last September, I was asked to create chalkboards for a new family owned deli in Nutley called Vilardo's Deli.  After learning of its location, I realized that Vilardo's had the same address as the old Spring Garden deli but the works of this grand opening needed to be kept under wraps just in case anything unexpectedly fell through. It was so difficult for me not to tell all my childhood friends and their families about it! I was so excited and frankly quite honored, to be a part of the opening, creating chalkboard menus inside the deli that was once my go-to spot as a kid.

Vilardo's Deli officially opened January 2017, and is owned by Jason and Lauren Braitsch - some of the sweetest people I have had the pleasure of working with. They serve some of the best specialty sandwiches and homemade Italian deli specialties in the area, and is still a great stop for Spring Garden School students to grab lunch or snacks on weekdays (they have a $5 lunch special for students). I highly recommend the #10 under Specialty Sandwiches (chicken cutlet, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, prosciutto and arugula with a balsamic glaze) and any of their salads/Italian dishes served fresh daily. They have a great assortment of various cheeses, olive oils and Italian specialties. 

The deli on the corner of Edison Ave and High Street has once again become a necessary stop for me on weekends. It's always a treat to stop in and grab some delicious Italian food, including favorites I haven't been able to find since studying abroad in Florence, Italy back in 2013. Vilardo's is perhaps the best and most delicious thing to happen in the Spring Garden area in quite some time. It is my new favorite deli in Nutley and is definitely worth the stop for anyone around the area!

JN Chalk & Co designed and completed six large chalkboards, ranging from 52-67 in. in length and 27 in. in height. Our favorite is the logo board! It's always nice helping small businesses with their visuals and chalkboards, but even better when you love the product! 

Check out the images below to see more of the chalkboard designs we created in detail!