One Of Oldest Family Restaurants In Hoboken Will Close, Owner Says

HOBOKEN, NJ — Tony Percontino has worked in Torna Pizza, in the center of Hoboken, since his parents came to the city from Italy in the 1960s. They took over the restaurant from his uncle.

He was 14 years old when he started, he told Patch on Wednesday.

"I would go to work in the morning, go to school, and come back here," he said.

But Percontino said that with prices rising — and his own four kids grown and out in the working world — he has decided to retire.

His family-owned pizza shop, in the center of Hoboken, will shut on July 24, he said.

Torna has had some of the most inexpensively priced pizza in Hoboken. Located near several schools, it's a popular place for the kids to grab a slice.

But Percontino said that even though he recently raised his prices, it's not enough to make it worth the overhead.

"It's not like it used to be with my mother and my father working here," he said. "No matter how much sacrifice you make, you still have to work too hard to make it."

He added, "I was retired already. My kids have jobs. It's time."

Percontino said his parents came from Monte San Giacomo and "took a chance" on the restaurant in the late 1960s.

He invited customers to stop by for a last slice and memory.

"Your laughter, loyalty, and stories have filled our space with warmth beyond words," says a sign at the store. "This is not just a goodbye to a business — it's a celebration of the community we built together."

"We'd love to see your faces on more time," the sign notes.

Know of a restaurant opening or closing in Hoboken? Let Patch know so we can write about it.