Robertito’s Puerto Rican Cuisine, the beloved South Jersey spot known for its authentic Puerto Rican flavors and warm community vibe, has announced that it will close its Merchantville location to prepare for an exciting expansion. After delighting locals and visitors alike at 177 S. Centre Street in Merchantville, the restaurant will say farewell to its cozy space with a final service on Saturday, January 17.
Since opening in Merchantville, Robertito’s has become a local favorite, earning high praise for dishes like mofongo, jibarito sandwiches, and hearty Puerto Rican classics that transport diners straight to the island. The restaurant’s vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere and flavorful menu quickly made it a standout destination in the heart of Merchantville.
Robertito’s is NOT closing for good owner Robert Cruz Cotto expressed; rather, they are taking a bold step forward. They plan to reopen in a larger restaurant space at 7519 Maple Avenue, Pennsauken, NJ 08109, in the former Hing Far Chinese Restaurant, which closed three years ago due to a fire. The building has since been repaired and renovated, and has been on the market for the past year. This move will give the restaurant much-needed space to grow, offering more seating and a roomier environment for guests to enjoy their meals.
(photo: Marilyn Johnson)
The new location will allow Robertito’s to better serve its growing fan base. While an opening date is still a while off, the team has started the process to complete the necessary build-out to make it their own. An official reopening date will be shared via their social media channels once those steps are complete.
The transition to Pennsauken marks an exciting evolution for Robertito’s Puerto Rican Cuisine. Fans have expressed both sadness at the Merchantville farewell and anticipation for what the new space may bring. The move underscores the restaurant’s success and the strong community support it has built since opening five years ago.
For those who want to enjoy one last meal at the Merchantville location before it closes on January 17th, now’s the time to visit — and be sure to follow Robertito’s online for updates on the Pennsauken grand opening soon.
All photos by Marilyn Johnson. Do not use without permission.
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