Restaurants & Bars

New Pizzeria In Warren Represents A Dream Come True

Nora Alhayek had always dreamed of coming to America and opening her own restaurant. Now her dream has come true.

WARREN, NJ — Nora Alhayek had a hard life in Palestine but she always held on to a dream of one day coming to America to open her own restaurant.

Three years ago, Alhayek was lucky enough to be able to immigrate overseas where she met her husband Juan who recently helped her to open Nora's Dream Pizza 1 at 41 Mountain Blvd. in Warren.

"All of my dreams have come true," said Alhayek of East Hanover.

Find out what's happening in Warrenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Alhayek said she always loved to cook, learning from her mother.

"My mom cooked very delicious and tasty food," said Alhayek.

Find out what's happening in Warrenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

So when East Coast Pizza closed in the same location, Alhayek and Juan jumped at the chance to pursue her dream. They opened two weeks ago.

Along with pizza, the brick oven pizzeria offers subs, sandwiches, salads, appetizers, seafood dinners, pasta and more.

Alhayek said she has plans to expand the menu to offer her own middle eastern cuisine and her husband's Spanish cuisine as well.

"We want to incorporate our food for everyone," said Alhayek.

Alhayek credits Juan for helping her get started.

"I am very happy. He is always with me and supports me," said Alhayek.

Juan said he is very happy with everything Alhayek has achieved.

"Many women in her country have difficulties, they are not allowed to make decisions, they are under the man," said Juan. "She had a dream, wanted a better life, and worked hard for it."

Juan says this is Alhayek's business. Alhayek corrected Juan calling Nora's Dream Pizza "OUR business."

The pizzeria is open for dine-in, take-out, and delivery.

For more information on Nora's Dream Pizza visit norasdreampizza.com or facebook.com/norasdreampizza1 or call 908-757-4992.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.