RIVER VALE AND THE PASCACK VALLEY area are in for a treat as Jack’s Café, a cherished local dining spot, prepares to reopen. Helmed by owner Chris D’Eletto, known for his delectable dishes and inviting ambiance, the new Jack’s Café and Market, now hiring, will welcome patrons at 669 Westwood Ave. in River Vale within weeks.
Jack’s Café, a railcar-style classic American diner, was a staple—even a setting in a Robert DeNiro/Bobby Canavale movie—in Westwood for 16 years before it shuttered in December 2022 due to the pandemic.
Following the closure, D’Eletto ran a pop-up at B&M Market in Park Ridge and pitched in with his son in opening three restaurants in Boston. Despite these ventures, D’Eletto felt compelled to return to his roots.
“There are too many hours in a day to retire,” says the 62-year-old D’Eletto. “We outgrew B&M Market, so we decided to establish our own place. After a couple of setbacks with other locations, I found this spot and decided to try something new.”
The reopened Jack’s Café—Chris named the business for his father—will feature some changes, focusing on breakfast and lunch with occasional fancy dinners twice a month. A substantial grab-and-go section will offer convenient, ready-to-heat dinners.
“I want people to know our grab-and-go section will provide easy dinners to take home, heat up, and serve,” D’Eletto explains. “We’ll offer a wide variety of foods.”
The new menu will cater to diverse dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
“Breakfast will largely stay the same,” D’Eletto promises. “We’re adding vegan choices, more vegetarian dishes, and plenty of gluten-free options. I’ve come up with some new recipes that I’m excited to share.”
Richard Harriman fine art will grace the walls, creating a funky and visually appealing environment.
Community response on social media has been overwhelmingly positive, with cries of yeah!, yay!, can’t-wait!, and deeper dives: Mmm… love that chicken salad and the hangar steak! Looking forward! and When can I order my Santa Rosa omelette?
Jack’s Café and Market aims to create a hip, music-oriented environment featuring pop-art by local artists. D’Eletto also plans to host local musicians during special dinner events. Owning the business with his wife, Risa D’Eletto, he proudly acknowledges her as “the greatest thing to ever happen” to him.
Risa says, “Why not do what we love one more time? With seven kids between us and soon-to-be five grandkids, let’s keep the food flowing.”
As reopening approaches, we eagerly anticipates the return of our favorite dishes and the friendly atmosphere that Jack’s Café is famous for.
Jack’s Cafe and Market, 669 Westwood Ave., River Vale