Invites Past Wedding Couples for Sunday Brunch Special

Andover, NJ – Perona Farms, northern New Jersey’s premiere location for weddings and special events, is celebrating its 95th anniversary this month. The family owned and operated venue is a destination for weddings, special events, and Sunday brunch.

“The real credit for our continued success goes to all of our customers and the many wonderful members of our team who have worked with our family over the years,” said Mark Avondoglio, Perona Farms Vice President and General Manager. “Since our great grandparents started 95 years ago, our unrivaled location, impeccable service, and world class cuisine have always exceeded expectations. As fourth generation owners, we are actively involved everyday,” he added.

Perona Farms started in 1917 around the boardinghouse table. The food was good, the conversation lively, and the hosts hospitable. Nothing has changed – except the size of the restaurant. Four generations later, family traditions remain.

To honor those traditions, the Avondoglio family is inviting all couples who have held their wedding reception at Perona Farms to buy one Sunday brunch and get one free during the month of October. Couples must bring a wedding photo taken during their reception at Perona Farms and attend together. At the end of the month, the participating couple with the oldest wedding photo will receive brunch for six at Perona Farms.

Brunch is served on Sundays from 10:30 AM until 3 PM with the last seating at 1:30 PM. Reservations are accepted for parties of eight or more. For more information and directions visit www.peronafarms.com/sunday-brunch or call 973-729-6161.

Perona Farms began as a dream come true that went slightly “off the wall” as far as founder Emil Perona was concerned. His career began in the kitchen of a London hotel at the age of 14, progressed to vaudeville stages all over the world, and culminated – perhaps – in the purchase of a 260 acre dairy farm in Andover Township, where he hoped to lead the quiet life of a dairy farmer.

Soon, the finances of Emil and his wife Angelina couldn’t keep up with the appetites of their eleven cows. The answer to the mounting feed bills was to take in boarders. Boarders enjoyed the scenic country atmosphere and took a special liking to “Mother Perona’s” wonderful home cooking. The clientele of Perona Farms grew with its fame, and the numbers soon outgrew the old farmhouse. Thus Perona Farms, the restaurant, was born.

A listing of prominent figures visiting Perona Farms over the years could go on indefinitely, but among the most famous visitors have been Jimmy Durante, Ethel Merman, Groucho Marx, Eva Gabor, Cesar Romero, Errol Flynn, and Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Canadian boxing champion Jack Renault, Joe DiMaggio, and Lou Little were among the sports stars that spent time at Perona Farms. Catering events for Presidents Ford, Carter, Reagan, and Bush is also part of the storied history.

Local people flocked to Perona Farms, too. Emil and “Mother” Perona’s daughter, Aida, helped as waitress and dishwasher, starting the family tradition of “everyone helps”. Maurice DeBergh, a young man who came to the farm as a guest, filled in and helped, too. Soon, he also became part of the restaurant family — he married Aida in 1932.

The Debergh’s daughter, Maureen, and her husband, Victor Avondoglio, continued the family traditions of excellence, creating an atmosphere where fine food and service was their constant endeavor. Victor and Maureen expanded the restaurant in 1965 and again in 1974. Sons Mark, Wade, and Kirk, along with daughter Tracey, comprise the fourth generation that runs Perona Farms today.

“Today, we continue to innovate with our menus, presentation, and unique spaces. Perona Farms is one of the only locations in the state to have fireworks at your wedding or event, our historic barn is under renovation as a new event space, we are booking weddings at the historic Rutherfurd Hall in Allamuchy, and our Sunday Brunch continues to set the bar for excellence.” said Mark Avondoglio, Perona Farms Vice President and General Manager.

Community involvement remains important to Perona Farms and close to the heart of the Avondoglio family. From serving on local boards to hosting charity events, they have raised thousands for local and international causes.

Perona Farms is located on Route 517 between Andover and Sparta and can be reached at 973-729-6161.

Note: You can learn more about Perona Farms here.

Press Contact: Mark Avondoglio, VP (973-729-6161)