Keep scrolling for the new location… 🙂
Lillo’s Tomato Pies of Hainesport burst onto the food scene about three years ago and has seen meteoric growth due to rave reviews of its pizza and cheesesteaks, which people travel from near and far to try.
Lillo’s opened in September 2021 and quickly developed a reputation for solid Trenton tomato pies, cheesesteaks, hoagies, and more. Once word got out, their customer base swelled, and business took off.
Between local foodies raving on food-centric Facebook groups (like South Jersey Food Scene and Cheesesteak Gurus) to visits by JL Jupiter and the self-proclaimed Pizza King himself – Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports / One Bite Pizza Reviews – Lillo’s speedy upward trajectory was unstoppable and spectacular.
Even though they wanted to be known for their Trenton-style tomato pies (that owners John and Lisa Paxia grew up eating in the Chambersburg section of Trenton also known as “The Burg”), it was Lillo’s cheesesteak, a veritable sleeper hit, that catapulted them into the upper stratosphere of sought-after New Jersey food destinations.
Talk about a small business success story!
It could be said that Lillo’s put this side of the bridge (sorry, Philly) firmly on the famous cheesesteaks map, drawing critical and mass acclaim far and wide. To this day, their cheesesteak is at the top of many New Jersey and other best cheesesteak lists, and the high praise and good press never stop. When people mention cheesesteaks on either side of the bridge, Lillo’s name easily rolls off many tongues!
Their food fame certainly isn’t fleeting; it seems pretty permanent. The Paxia’s dream was always to expand and open new locations so folks who couldn’t get to Hainesport during their limited hours could enjoy it. With careful planning, they’re ready to make it happen finally.
Today, on their social media, they announced that new locations are coming.
In a South Jersey Food Scene exclusive, Lillo Paxia announces that the 2nd Lillo’s location will be in Gloucester City.
Paxia told SJFS, “It’ll be at the old Thomas Murphy’s Pub on S. Burlington Street. There are three levels, a patio dining deck, and two levels of bars.”
Lillo’s Tomato Pies WITH A BAR, people! What could be better? Don’t answer that. 😉
Paxia said that the menu from Hainesport will mostly be the same at the new Gloucester City location, but they will add appetizers. Bar fare + Lillo’s = sounds like a win to me!
He also said, “We’ll have live bands, trivia nights, and more.” They will be open later for the crowd who couldn’t make it to Hainesport, and bringing them much closer to Philadelphia, where many people have asked them to be.
Paxia explained, “Many of our PA / Philly crowd who can’t get to our Hainesport spot before they finish work can come to Gloucester City.”
Thomas Murphy’s Pub closed permanently in 2023. Although much of the building is nearly move-in ready, Lillo’s needs to completely redo the kitchen, add new equipment, and put their own personal touch inside.
So from Trenton to Gloucester City – get ready for delicious tomato pies, cheesesteaks, and more from Lillo’s.
And with other new food businesses opening in town this year, and existing beloved restaurants thriving, “The Holy City” is ready to shine as a foodie destination.
This is a developing story and SJFS will add more to it as it becomes available, including potential opening dates. Stay tuned!
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