Family Pizzeria In NJ To Serve Free Thanksgiving Dinners For 25th Year

HOBOKEN, NJ — For 25 years, a family-run pizzeria in Hoboken has prepared a traditional turkey dinner on Thanksgiving day for anyone who wants food or company. They'll do it again this Thursday, they said.

Mario's usually serves up more than 300 dinners throughout the day, starting at 11 a.m.

"Everyone and anyone is welcome," Mario's representatives announced this past weekend. "We'll have all your traditional sides, your stuffing, your yams, your green beans, and even a little bit of dessert."

Last year, they sent an additional message through Patch: "We encourage people to come early. Last year we ran out of everything by 4 o’clock. We usually give out around 300 meals every year. Last year was the most, and close to 400 dinners were handed out. We cook over 20 turkeys."

This time around, they noted, "This year will be like all the rest, starting at 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving day. Anyone and everyone is welcome, so if you're in need of a warm meal this holiday, stuck in Hoboken for work, or simply just want to come hang out and watch football with us, you are more than welcome.

"We ask everyone to share and spread the word if you know someone in need of a meal. Last year we served over 300 dinners and want to make this year just as special as years past."

The restaurant, family owned since 1985, is popular with locals for its varied pizza toppings (including salad and rib meat), friendly service, and the TVs that are often tuned to Yankee games or cartoons.

They also sell some canned and bottled alcohol, and frozen desserts.

But the free meal on Thursday will be a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with stuffing and sides, not a pizza.

Mario's Classic Pizza is located at 742 Garden St. Reach them at 201-659-0808 for more information. Order from their website here.