Carli Clesmere A Rutherford neighborhood spot is saying goodbye after more than a decade. Matera’s Italian Market + Catering, located at 72 Park Avenue in downtown Rutherford, announced that it will close after 14 years in business. Known for its Italian sandwiches, prepared foods, market staples, catering, + upstairs event space, The Loft, Matera’s has been part of the Rutherford community since 2012. Read on for what we know about the closure of Matera’s Italian Market in Rutherford, New Jersey.
About Matera’s Italian Market
Matera’s Italian Market first opened in Rutherford in 2012, bringing Italian deli traditions to Park Avenue. The neighborhood market served Italian sandwiches, prepared meals, pastas, meats, cheeses, + other specialty items, with a focus on fresh ingredients and classic Italian flavors.
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Matera’s was a go-to catering spot for local families + events over the years, providing à la carte dishes along with hot + cold buffets. The business also operated The Loft, a private event space located above the market for parties, meetings, fundraisers, + other gatherings.
Matera’s Announces Its Closure
On October 26th, the Matera’s team shared the news via its Instagram account that the Italian market and The Loft would be closing after 14 years.
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The announcement was quickly met with comments from longtime customers + Rutherford residents sharing memories and expressing how sad they were to see the neighborhood business go. As of October 27th, the team has not shared a reason for the closure or announced a final day of business.
A Conversation About Downtown Rutherford
The news of Matera’s closing has also added to a larger conversation among residents about the future of downtown Rutherford and the importance of supporting locally owned businesses. A Paris Baguette location is now planned for 9 Park Avenue, just down the street from Matera’s. The bakery-café chain signed a lease for the downtown space, bringing another national brand to Park Avenue.
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In the wake of Matera’s announcement, some residents have expressed disappointment about seeing longtime local businesses close while more chains make their way into town. While the two developments are unrelated, the timing has sparked renewed conversations about shopping, dining, + supporting small businesses in Rutherford.
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