Nearly 40 years ago, a small pizzeria on Grove Street in West Deptford opened its doors by Bob Ciconte, unknowingly laying the foundation for what would become one of South Jersey’s most recognizable and successful restaurant groups.
Today, Ciconte’s Pizzeria at 76 Grove Street still stands as the flagship location—a place where tradition, family, and good food have kept generations of customers coming back.
What started as a single neighborhood pizza shop has grown into the larger Ciconte’s Restaurant Group, which now includes Cinder Bar, Landmark, The Village Pub, Ciconte’s Catering, and even the Glassboro Craft Beer Festival. Yet, the original Grove Street location remains the heart of it all.
A Scratch Kitchen with Staying Power
Part of what has made Ciconte’s a South Jersey staple is its dedication to fresh, scratch-made cooking. The kitchen is chef-driven, offering house-made desserts and new, creative specials every month alongside a menu filled with Italian classics. Families and regulars alike know they can always count on hearty pasta dishes, chicken specialties, hoagies, cheesesteaks, and of course, the pizza that first put Ciconte’s on the map.
Among the menu standouts are the Homemade Breaded Mozzarella, perfectly fried and served with marinara; the refreshing Santa Fe Salad, tossed with jalapeño ranch; and the indulgent Ciconte’s Burger, stacked high with bacon, grilled onions, and Cooper sharp cheese.
Signature sandwiches, such as Anna’s Chicken Cutlet, topped with fresh mozzarella and pesto, Cheesesteak Special with Cooper Sharp American, caramelized onions on Cacia’s seeded roll, and entrees such as the Pappardelle Bolognese, demonstrate the balance of comfort and creativity that keeps guests coming back.
Even the pizzas, from traditional pies to the Grandma MVP with vodka sauce, pesto, and pecorino romano, reflect Ciconte’s mix of tradition and innovation. And there are always monthly specials with something new to try! Check the website every month for updates.
Game Days and Holidays
Ciconte’s also has a knack for bringing people together around food for special occasions. From pasta and sandwich trays to dinner entrees, Ciconte’s Catering has you covered.
Football season is a busy time, with game-day specials tailored for Eagles fans: “Fly Eagles Fly” includes one large plain pizza and 10 wings for $25.99, or “Double it Down” with two large pizzas and 20 wings for $51.99.
When the holidays roll around, the kitchen shifts gears to focus on catering. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter menus have become a big part of the business, making it easy for families to celebrate with homestyle favorites. Customers can place orders directly on the website. Stay tuned for the updated holiday catering menu to be released soon!
A Place That Feels Like Home
Four decades after it first opened, Ciconte’s Grove Street hasn’t lost sight of what made it special: a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, food made with care, and a sense of community. For longtime customers, it’s a place filled with memories. For new diners, it’s a chance to discover one of South Jersey’s most enduring restaurants.
When You Go
76 Grove St
Thorofare, NJ 08086
(856) 853-4919
Dining Room Hours:
All photos are by Marilyn Johnson and should not be used without permission.
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