NJ Pizzeria Will Give Away Turkey Dinners On Thanksgiving For 26th Year

HOBOKEN, NJ — For 26 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 next Thursday, they said.

Last year, Mario's Pizzeria cooked 25 turkeys and handed out approximately 400 meals, they said.

This week, they announced, "Once again we will be having our free Thanksgiving dinner here at Mario's. We will open our doors to anyone who needs a meal, is stuck in town, or just want to come hang out and watch some football with us!"

Last year, they shared with Patch that it was best to come early, because in a previous year, they ran out of everything by 4 p.m

"Please help share this story to reach anyone in need!" they said.

The restaurant, family owned since 1985, is popular with locals for its varied pizza toppings (including salad and rib meat), pasta dinners, friendly service, and TVs that are often tuned to Yankee games or cartoons. They also sell some canned and bottled alcohol, and frozen desserts.

In the past, they've served the turkey and trimmings not just to those struggling financially, but to students, workers, and others in town without family.

The free meal on Thursday will be a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with stuffing and sides, not pizza. Usually, they serve up yams, stuffing, veggies, and more.

The giveaway starts at 11 a.m.

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