PARSIPPANY — One of the most recognizable figures in the pizza world made an unexpected stop in Parsippany this week.

Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports and creator of the wildly popular “One Bite” pizza reviews, visited Famiglia Pizzeria Modern Italian Kitchen on Wednesday, June 10, drawing excitement from the restaurant’s owners, staff, and customers.

Located in the Troy Hills Shopping Center at 1125 Route 46, Famiglia Pizzeria opened its doors in October 2025 and has quickly developed a loyal following for its traditional Italian dishes, specialty pizzas, and homemade desserts.

According to owner Jonathan Rodriguez, Portnoy spent approximately 30 minutes at the restaurant, taking a tour of the kitchen, meeting staff members, and sampling several menu items. In addition to trying the restaurant’s pizza, Portnoy also tasted Famiglia’s popular zeppoles, which have become a customer favorite since the restaurant opened.

Rodriguez shared the surprise visit on the restaurant’s Instagram page, describing it as “a day we won’t forget” and expressing gratitude to Portnoy for stopping by.

“We were honored to have him visit,” Rodriguez said. “It’s something you never expect, especially for a newer restaurant.”

Rodriguez believes the visit may have been sparked by a recent Instagram post featuring the restaurant that gained significant attention online.

The impact of Portnoy’s appearance was immediate. In a follow-up social media post, Famiglia reported a noticeable increase in customers, describing what many restaurant owners around the country refer to as the “Dave Portnoy effect” — a surge in business following a visit or review by the influential pizza personality.

Portnoy’s pizza reviews have amassed millions of followers and have become a powerful force in the restaurant industry, often bringing national attention to local pizzerias with a single visit.

For Famiglia Pizzeria, the unexpected stop provided a major boost just months after opening and introduced the Parsippany eatery to an even wider audience.

Famiglia Pizzeria Modern Italian Kitchen is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. and is located at 1125 Route 46 in Parsippany. Customers can view the full menu and place orders online through the restaurant’s website or stop in to try the bar pie and other specialties that caught the attention of one of America’s most influential pizza reviewers.

PARSIPPANY — Unity Bancorp, Inc., the parent company of Unity Bank, announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Sara M. Sooy and Alfred J. Gaburo to the Unity Bank Board of Directors, adding two accomplished New Jersey leaders with extensive backgrounds in finance, governance, public policy, and economic development.

The appointments reflect Unity Bank’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team as the institution continues to expand its presence and serve customers throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley.

Sara M. Sooy brings decades of experience in banking, finance, public policy, and corporate governance. Her professional background includes service with Investors Bank and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, where she developed expertise in commercial real estate finance, credit risk evaluation, enterprise risk governance, capital planning, and fiduciary oversight. She currently serves as a Somerset County Commissioner and remains active in numerous regional organizations.

A graduate of Rutgers University, Sooy earned a Master of Business Administration in Real Estate Finance and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics with a concentration in International Economics from Saint Francis College. Her community involvement includes leadership roles with the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, Somerset County Business Partnership, and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital’s Latino Advisory Board.

Alfred J. Gaburo joins the board with more than 30 years of experience in public affairs, government relations, economic development, and strategic advocacy. Throughout his career, he has advised and represented organizations across a wide range of industries, including healthcare, insurance, transportation, environmental services, maritime operations, and pharmaceuticals.

Gaburo also has an extensive record of public service. He served on the Raritan Borough Council, where he was elected Council President, and held positions on the Planning Board while serving as Police and Fire Commissioner. His leadership experience extends to numerous corporate and nonprofit boards, including Advantage Bank, Community First Bank, Commercial Fidelity Insurance Company, Triad Healthcare, Chronus Healthcare, and Saint Peter’s University Healthcare System.

He is a graduate of the University of Delaware and has furthered his studies at both the American Institute of Applied Politics in Washington, D.C., and the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University. Gaburo is also a member of Leadership New Jersey’s Class of 2000.

“We are pleased to welcome Al and Sara to the Unity Bank Board of Directors,” said James A. Hughes, Chief Executive Officer of Unity Bank. “Their professional experience, leadership, and deep understanding of New Jersey’s business and community landscape will strengthen our board and support Unity’s continued growth.”

Unity Bank, headquartered in Clinton, operates branches throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania and continues to focus on community banking, business lending, and personalized financial services. The addition of Sooy and Gaburo further enhances the bank’s expertise in financial oversight, governance, and community engagement as it pursues future growth opportunities.

PARSIPPANY — During the Tuesday, June 9 Township Council meeting, the Parsippany Economic Development Committee and Mayor Pulkit Desai recognized four outstanding businesses and community leaders as part of National Small Business Month, celebrating entrepreneurship, community service, and local impact.

Observed each May, National Small Business Month recognizes the innovation, dedication, and economic contributions of entrepreneurs and small businesses that help communities thrive.

The honorees included young entrepreneurs Joaquim and Alexa Magracia, Palermo’s Pizza, Parsippany Cube Club founder Anikait Sota, and Professional Physical Therapy Clinical Director Meera Bajaj.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, but they are also much more than that,” said Economic Development Committee Chairman Frank Cahill. “They sponsor our youth programs, support our schools, assist our charities, create jobs, and strengthen the fabric of our community. These honorees represent the very best of what it means to invest in Parsippany and give back to others.”

Mayor Pulkit Desai praised the recipients for their commitment to the community.

“These individuals and organizations demonstrate the entrepreneurial spirit, generosity, and leadership that make Parsippany such a special place to live and work,” Mayor Desai said. “Whether through business innovation, volunteerism, educational opportunities, or community outreach, each honoree has made a meaningful impact on our residents and serves as an inspiration to others.”

The first recognition was presented to siblings Joaquim and Alexa Magracia, whose entrepreneurial journey began with a lemonade stand in 2021. Since then, the pair has expanded their efforts through flower sales, handmade jewelry, and other ventures while also donating a portion of their earnings to charitable causes and community initiatives. Their dedication to entrepreneurship, financial responsibility, and community service earned them special recognition from township officials.

The second recognition honored Palermo’s Pizza, a Parsippany restaurant that has become synonymous with community support since opening its doors in 2017. While known for serving thousands of customers each year, Palermo’s has also established a reputation for consistently giving back to the organizations that make Parsippany strong.

Over the years, Palermo’s Pizza has donated food, gift cards, auction baskets, and fundraising support to schools, athletic organizations, nonprofits, first responders, and youth groups throughout the township. Their generosity has benefited Project Graduation at Parsippany Hills High School, Kids Night Pizza events at Lake Parsippany Elementary School, fifth-grade activities at Eastlake Elementary School, programs at Intervale Elementary School, and fundraising efforts for All Saints Academy.

The restaurant has also supported numerous youth sports and extracurricular programs, including Little Viking Cheer, Rising Sun Cheer’s Disney performance fundraiser, the Spike Night Volleyball Tournament, Parsippany Soccer’s Pride Tournament, Parsippany Wrestling, and the Parsippany High School Marching Band. In addition, Palermo’s has frequently stepped forward to assist local first responders, providing meals and support to fire departments and emergency personnel serving the township.

For owners who believe that community support should be returned with community involvement, giving back has never been viewed as an obligation but rather as a responsibility. Their commitment has made a meaningful difference to countless families, students, volunteers, and organizations throughout Parsippany.

The third recognition was presented to Anikait Sota, founder of the Parsippany Cube Club. What began as a sixth-grade project in 2020 has grown into a thriving organization that has engaged hundreds of students through competitions, workshops, and STEM-related educational activities. Through sponsorships and fundraising efforts, Sota has raised more than $15,000 to support educational programs, underserved youth, and charitable organizations throughout New Jersey.

Professional Physical Therapy and Clinical Director Meera Bajaj received the evening’s fourth recognition for their commitment to promoting health and wellness throughout the community. Through educational workshops, injury-prevention programs, fall-prevention seminars, ergonomic training, sports injury awareness programs, and wellness initiatives, Bajaj and her team have helped residents of all ages gain valuable health knowledge while fostering partnerships with schools, businesses, and community organizations.

The ceremony concluded with township officials expressing gratitude to all of Parsippany’s entrepreneurs, business owners, and community organizations.

“While we recognized four exceptional honorees, they represent the thousands of small business owners, employees, and community leaders who work every day to make Parsippany stronger,” Cahill said. “Their dedication, innovation, and generosity help make our township an outstanding place to live, work, and raise a family.”

The annual recognition program serves as a reminder of the vital role small businesses play in supporting Parsippany’s economy and enhancing the quality of life for residents throughout the township.

PARSIPPANY — Trader Joe’s is expected to make its long-anticipated move into Parsippany, with NJBIZ reporting that a company representative confirmed plans for a township location. Sources close to Parsippany Focus also indicate that a lease has been signed at the Morris Hills Shopping Center on Route 46, though Trader Joe’s has not announced an official address or opening date.

The shopping center recently received Planning Board approval for renovations to vacant storefronts and parking lot improvements. During the hearing, the applicant’s attorney told board members that a “well-known, upscale” grocery store had committed to the site. While Brixmor did not identify the tenant, the reported lease aligns with expectations that Trader Joe’s will occupy the space.

The addition would mark Trader Joe’s third Morris County location, joining stores in Denville and Florham Park. The company is known for its private-label products, specialty foods, frozen offerings, fresh flowers, and seasonal items.

Mayor Pulkit Desai welcomed the news, saying the addition of another nationally recognized retailer reflects the strength of Parsippany’s business community and appeal as a destination for investment.

While no opening date has been announced, more details are expected once Trader Joe’s and the property owner release formal information about the project.

For many residents, the arrival of Trader Joe’s would be one of the most anticipated retail additions in recent years and another sign of continued economic growth in Parsippany.