What's happening to the old Porky's?
BYRAM Passersby cannot miss the construction that is happening at the old Porky’s restaurant on Route 206 in Byram. The building has been gutted and the roof replaced. The old establishment is getting a facelift and a new look, but is going back to a quality, family establishment that many long-timers remember. Porky’s “A Place for Ribs” will now be called Timber’s, but will be owned and operated by the original owners of Porky’s. Jackie and Tony Caputo owned Porky’s until 1998, when they sold the thriving business. The new owners let the building and equipment deteriorate and sales plummeted.So, the Caputos decided to get back into the family business. Dimitri Matthews and Elna Visceglia will manage the restaurant. Matthews was an owner of The Brew Pub in Long Valley, the Metro Grill in Flanders and other area restaurants. Joseph Visceglia, who was the main chef from the original Porky’s be part of the culinary team, bringing back the slow cooked, baby back ribs and sauce that first made the place famous. Also back from the past will be the popular zucchini loaf and onion loaf. A wood-burning pizza oven will round out the family friendly menu. There will be a full bar and possibly a piano player or guitarist to provide background music for diners, leaving loud bands by the wayside. With reasonably priced entrees, the owners hope locals and those from out of town with come back to the old, familiar, favorite. The construction is being done by State of the Art Construction, specialists in restaurants. Owner of State of the Art, Russell Heflich, has built and designed many restaurants in New Jersey and is responsible for many of the design changes. The renovation should be completed by mid-May. After training and some dry runs, Timbers will open in late-May or early June. The owners and partners have worked together before and are looking forward to it again. There is a buzz around the business; even workers, suppliers and locals are excited. Timbers will also be available for private parties. The building will hold and seat approximately 150 people.