Melanie Wexler 
Something new, and Italian, is brewing in Bergen County, New Jersey. Local foodies and coffee lovers in and around Carlstadt, NJ can look forward to the opening of “The Secret Garden Italian Cafe and Eatery,” only three miles from MetLife Stadium and American Dream Mall. The “best kept secret” was finally shared at their soft-opening on Halloween at 735 Garden Street. Keep reading to learn more about The Secret Garden in Carlstadt.
Behind the Business
Owner Gianna Macolino knew she wanted to be a boss from a very early age. Growing up and making memories on the same street, Gianna was always comforted by the aroma of home-cooked Italian meals and the joy that came with sharing them amongst friends and family.
After getting her bachelor’s degree in sociology, along with a long history of working in the food and service industry, Gianna knew she wanted something other than an office job. After a lot of thought and contemplation, she decided it was time to introduce the neighborhood to her secret, but not-so-secret talents. Along with her “right-hand man,” manager Nico Failla, they will be officially opening the doors to The Secret Garden before we know it.
The name was inspired by the street name in town, and for three months, the cafe owner kept the business a secret. Gianna, knowing this would take courage and patience, hid her next journey from almost everybody in her life. When she got around to it, family and friends embraced her and were so ready to dive in.
The brand new space, decorated with many black and white photos of all the people Gianna loves, has an old school look, but modern-day feel. The appealing green colored walls allow for a sense of calm, and the art displayed screams “girl-boss” energy. At the same time, the atmosphere emphasizes the importance of family, as many members of the business owner’s growing family are displayed on the walls.
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What to Expect
The Secret Garden was created for meeting and eating with friends, a quiet moment with yourself, a latte (or two), working on your laptop, and a love for food and community. BG tip:p: There will be no servers, counter service and cozy seating only! It will serve as a hot spot for guests to enjoy delicious Italian-inspired food, like traditional Italian sandwiches, paninis, wraps, breakfast burritos, fresh mozzarella by the pound, and coffee. The cafe’s management is already recommending their chicken cutlet sandwich.
When asked, “What’s one piece of advice you’d give to another woman starting a small business?” Gianna replied, “Make sure you have some tough skin, a lot of patience, and courage. I’m excited to share my purpose, but I think people doubt the fact I could open this business because I’m just a girl.” Gianna made and sold seventy-five pounds of fresh mozzarella to locals on “Rutherford Day” at Casano’s Pizza Parlor on September 20th, 2025. Gianna, manager Nico, and Lupo Macolino (Gianna’s father) hope to find that in a year from now, customers will describe The Secret Garden Italian Cafe and Eatery as their favorite home away from home.
Customers can start to look forward to seasonal latte flavors, eating in the garden, fresh mozzarella-making classes, paint + sips, and collaborations with local roasters.
To stay in the loop and on the secrets, follow @TheSecretGardenCafeandEatery on Instagram and look out for the grand opening date.
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