Merchantville welcomed the opening of two new restaurants this week. Robertito’s Cuisine, offering a Puerto Rican and Creole fusion menu, opened its doors in the restaurant space at 177 South Center Street on the circle in Merchantville. This quaint "cocina criolla" eatery is open Tuesdays - Saturday from 12:00 - 7:00 p.m. and is another wonderful addition to the diverse medley of cafe's and restaurants in our little borough. And, if you're longing for a taste of Mesoamerican fare check out Avocado Fiesta Mexican Grill & Bakery where three business associates, Rosa Mora, Alfredo Ramírez, and Delia Leana, make familiar specialties, with vegetarian options, and yummy pastries. So, if a delicious quesadilla topped with salsa and queso fresco is in your dreams you can realize it at 134 East Park Avenue, right across from Bryson's. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner they are open 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Need some last minute unique gifts? Many of Merchantville's shops will be open Christmas Eve day with some great finds, gift cards and homemade goods! The Station can satisfy your appetite while you browse their unique, handmade gift shop and bakery from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Ryan's Retail will be open from 12:00-6:00 p.m. A Milli Little Things has Christmas Bundles and other goodies available online and in-store from 11 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Cigar Alley is open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for premium cigars and lottery cards. For that special person with a sweet tooth Aunt Charlottes Candies has hours today from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. And, if you need some hydration, Eclipse Brewing is open 12:00-5:00 for great beer, some tokens or logo tees. Here's an overview of Merchantville's retail offerings. Head downtown to Shop Merchantville and support our small businesses!

Support our local businesses by getting into the Halloween spirit with these ghoulish t-shirts! Our gruesome zombie will be sure to provide a fright, while our costumed gremlins will make kids jump with scary delight. Shirts come in long or short sleeve with sizes from YOUTH MEDIUM to ADULT XXL. Available for a limited time! Order cutoff date is October 8th. Community Sports Shop will contact each customer to pick up their order at their shop during normal business hours. Use this link to place your order.

Imagine your neighborhood or city without any of its small, local businesses. Coffee shops, hair and nail salons, corner stores, boutique clothing stores, consignment shops, restaurants, bars, craft shops, markets, antique and repair shops, laundromats, liquor shops, gift shops, pet stores, and more – all gone. The pandemic is devastating small business and this could mean closing the businesses they’ve sacrificed so much to build. But, you can help. When we lift up a small business, we lift up a community. Studies show that 48% of small business purchases are recirculated locally, compared to only 14% by chain stores. Every dollar you spend could help save a small business. Please shop from Merchantville's small businesses. Small businesses off better customer service and give back to our community. Many offer online and in-store options, take-out and gift cards, and most ship nationally. There’s something for everyone!

Roberto Cruz Cotto was born in Ponce. Puerto Rico and was fascinated by the culinary arts from a very young age. Inspired by his mother's cooking - which has always been his passion - he watched her make her meals with delight. His fervor for cooking was so great that he left after school to help his friend who was in charge of a restaurant, El Patriota, in the city of his birth and was given the opportunity to master his skills at this quaint eatery in the principal cooking style of puerto Rico - Creole cuisine or "cocina criolla". His travels soon led him to New Jersey where he began to work and develop in other areas, but always with the hope of being able to cook one day. After many sacrifices and much work running a successful food stand he is close to seeing his dream realized. In November 2020 Roberto will realize this vision as he opens Robertitos Cuisine, 177 S. Centre, at the Circle, in our beautiful town, Merchantville NJ. How lucky all of us will be to enjoy his mofongos and carne frita! Welcome, Chef Roberto! Visit his Facebook page to check out their menu.

September 15th marked a 5 year anniversary for A Milli Little Things and owner, Saleemah Smith, shared her personal journey on social media. "Wow! I can't believe it. I remember nervously hitting the "Live" button on my Shopify account and paying more for the shipping cost than the actual order on my first sale because I simply didn't know how to ship. I've learned so much on this journey, and still daily. I started with one product and now I'm up to 84 with more than 200 varieties. I couldn't imagine that." She thanked everyone who supports her with reposts, purchases, visits, advice or spreading the word. None of it goes unnoticed! You're invited to celebrate her 5 year business anniversary and first year in her Merchantville storefront on Saturday October 3rd featuring super deals, wine, and food to go.