DeStefano’s Cafe Grand Re-Opening

Group photo of the staff of DeStefano's Cafe.

Group photo of the staff of DeStefano's Cafe.

By Alexis Bradley 

DeStefano’s Cafe, located in Winslow, NJ, is a wonderful and comfortable place for homemade breakfast, brunch, and lunch. The cafe is currently owned by Dave DeStefano (original owner) and Jose Martinez. This dynamic duo paired up initially because they both enjoy making food, love to make people happy, and enjoy making things and people come together. When the cafe opened originally, Jose (a co-owner of Grandaire Booking) asked Dave if he could book acoustic shows in the cafe, and that is how the cafe’s Grand Re-Opening sprung.  Mari Beth, Michael Pezzuto, and Jose Martinez, all involved in Grandaire Booking, became a partnership to help run DeStefano’s Cafe, and they all bring something very special and unique to the team.  While also being able to bring back their old clientele and being able to provide the same hospitality and joy that Dave established when first opening the cafe, Jose is now bringing in his marketing techniques with social media and event planning, as well as other efficient things such as new additions to the menu.  Both Dave and Jose share an extensive passion for music, so they look at their pairing up with Grandaire booking as a great opportunity to cross-promote their businesses and bring the community even closer together.  Also, with their vast outlook on their menu (Dave having a more traditional outlook, while Jose has a more Modern/New-age outlook), they have brought together Vegan, Vegetarian, and Hispanic options. 

Bacon & eggs breakfast at DeStefano's Cafe.

Cajun shrimp at DeStefano's Cafe. 

Flier for DeStefano Cafe's Grand Re-Opening.

The Cafe’s Grand Re-Opening started off on Friday, March 4, 2016, with Ben Greenblatt’s Free EP Release Extravaganza. This was an acoustic show held in the cafe, also featuring local artists such as Ordet, Eric Mango, Bedd Wetter, Matt Campione (Your Persona), Bike Routes, Luke Morsa (Clearveiw), and Bene G.  DeStefano’s Grand Re-Opening continued into Saturday, March 5th, 2016, with “All You Can Eat Pancakes” from 7am-3pm. Specials for the weekend included Black Bean Burger, Mexican Chorizo Wrap, and Caprese Salad. The weekend was filled with activities for all ages and surely brought many people together to enjoy wonderful artists and amazing homemade food. 

Matt Campione playing Bene G release show at DeStefano's Cafe.  Photo by Bene G.

Matt Campione playing Bene G release show at DeStefano's Cafe.  Photo by Bene G.

About the Writer

Alex Bradley is a student at Camden County College.  For years she has been attending local shows and much larger concerts. At only 18 years old, with a passion for music and all things included, she has been consistently booking performances under Grandaire Booking, both around Hammonton, NJ and also at Coffee Works Too.  With years of experience under her belt already of being involved in the local music scene, Alex is beginning to book her own shows independently as well as writing about her experiences and adding music journalism to her repertoire.