Meet Dorota Mironiuk, MSN, APN, AGNP-C—founder of MD Koru Aesthetic & Wellness in Tenafly and Parsippany, NJ. As a Master Injector and expert in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), weight loss, and anti-aging, Dorota blends advanced aesthetics with holistic medicine to help patients achieve lasting results. Using a combination of integrative therapies, including customized nutrition and fitness regimens, pharmaceutical-grade supplementation, aesthetic treatments, stress reduction techniques, BHRT, Dorota APN helps to restore her patients’ energy levels, improve their mental clarity, and enhance their overall health and look. She transitioned into integrative and functional medicine to treat her patients using pre-emptive techniques to help them live the best life possible. Instead of using prescription drugs to treat a constellation of symptoms, Dorota APN helps her patients correct the underlying issues at their source. She is a firm believer in the notion that the changes brought on by aging can be avoided with a well-balanced lifestyle. Dorota Mironiuk’s dedication to her field, combined with her extensive education and experience, makes her a prominent figure in the healthcare and wellness industry. Her commitment to patient care and innovative solutions continues to drive her success and impact in the field.
Services include Botox, fillers, PRP/PRF, Morpheus8, microneedling, IV therapy, facials, and full-spectrum wellness care. With clinical roots at NewYork-Presbyterian and certifications from Harvard and GWU, Dorota and her team offer compassionate, personalized treatments in a welcoming, results-driven environment. Schedule your personalized consultation today and start your journey to looking and feeling your best.
2025 2025 SUMMER SUMMER concert concertseries series
Bring your lawn chair to Huyler Park Tuesdays & Thursdays at 7:00pm It’s back & better than ever!
Visit the Borough website for more information
July 8 : AM Gold Yacht Rock TH July 10 : Nelson Riveros TH
Contemporary Hits from the 70's and 80's
*Sponsored by Englewood Health
July 15 : David Cedeno TH
Dynamic Salsa with Dance Instructor Sasha Nagorny
July 22 : Second Contact ND
High Fidelity Classic Rock
*Sponsored by TPR Restaurant Pizzeria & Bar
July 29 : Calvin Hill Quartet TH
Contemporary Jazz Quartet
August 5 : Saron Crenshaw TH
Blues Guitar with a Twist of Soul
August 12 : Funk Yeah! TH
Old School Funk/R&B
August 19 : Claire Mahoney & The Great Adventure TH
Rock & Roll, Opera, and Everything In Between
August 26 : Soul Farm TH
Grammy Award Winner C Lanzbom’s World
Music Fusing Rock, Middle Eastern and Bluegrass
*Sponsored by Log Cabin Auto Service LLC
September 2 : Gotham City Nonet ND
Grammy-Nominated Richard Baratta’s Latin/Jazz Experience
Latin and Brazilian Jazz
JULY 24 : TreeOh! TH
60's to Now Rock
AUGUST 7 : Kanak TH
Hard-Driving Punk Power Pop
AUGUST 21 : Divinity Roxx ST
Grammy-Nominated Funky Electrifying Rock
Special thanks to all of our generous sponsors!
Anonymous donor ~ log cabin auto service llc ~ Tenafly Good Taste ~ Tenafly gourmet farms ~ tenafly pdeatrics, PA ~ tpr restaurant Pizzaria & bar
Barrett Leber Funeral Home ~ Mueller Haberman Law Group
eifert, french insurance ~ orly chen ~ the baratta family ~ The Rosmarin Family
englewood health
Should a concert be rescheduled due to inclement weather, updated information will be posted on the Borough website. Rain Dates will be scheduled beginning August 28 through the first two weeks of September. th
ABRIGHT SPOTS
AS SUMMER BEGINS, we’re celebrating the people and places that make Tenafly shine.
Ananya Anchlia, a senior at Tenafly High School, shows how one student can have a big impact—from running a successful tutoring business and summer camp to fundraising for schools in India and managing community events.
We also spotlight Jamie Evar and
Heather Kushman, the women behind Reform Lifestyle, whose love of wearable, everyday fashion has made their boutique a Bergen County favorite.
Tenafly native and actress Lea Michele returns to the stage with a performance at BergenPAC, reminding us of the incredible talent that calls our town home.
Mayor Mark Zinna continues to lead with heart and perspective. As a longtime resident, mayor and parent, he works to build a more connected and welcoming Tenafly for all.
And don’t miss our story on Mel’s Butcher Box, where great food meets fun. By providing video games, karaoke, happy hour milkshakes and a lively atmosphere, owner Melissa Landano has created a one-of-a-kind spot that locals love.
Here’s to a season of community, connection and local pride. As always, if you have any story suggestions about community life for Tenafly magazine, please contact me at hello@tenaflymagazine.com.
Gina Palmieri Publisher
Publisher Gina Palmieri
Local Editor
Jenna Demmer
Writers
Jenny Jackson
Ron Lyons Jr.
Julie Marallo
Gabrielle Marcus
Gabrielle Walters
Spencer Watson
Photographers
Alyson Barrow
Justin Schwab
WAINSCOT MEDIA
Chairman
Carroll V. Dowden
President and CEO
Mark Dowden
VP, Group Publisher, Regional
Thomas Flannery
VP, Content Strategy
Maria Regan
Creative Director
Kijoo Kim
Art Director
Rosemary O›Connell
Executive Editor
Richard Laliberte
Associate Editor
Sophia Carlisle
Advertising Services Director
Jacquelynn Fischer
Operations Director
Catherine Rosario
Production Designer
Chris Ferrante
Print Production Manager
Fern Meshulam
Advertising Production Associate
Griff Dowden
Tenafly magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Tenafly, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2025 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
PHOTOGRAPH BY ALYSON BARROW
June Chamber Updates
Community events, attractions and opportunities from the Tenafly Chamber of Commerce
BY JENNY JACKSON
AND JUST LIKE THAT, the school year is coming to a close. Graduation ceremonies are in full swing and all the pools are opening. Ahhh, we welcome summer.
As we arrive in June, we celebrate our accomplishments to date—not the least of which, our Tenafly Chamber of Commerce now has over 60 members representing today’s local business organizations! Young and old, big and small, you might be surprised to know that the chamber has:
• Business members from 12 towns
• Organizations operating for as many years as 119 (Tenafly Rotary Club!), and others as new as launch (High Street Hub!)
• Entrepreneurs as young as middle school for whom we offer opportunities to hone their skills at three street fairs a year: Tenafly Fall Fest, Tenafly Holiday Fair and Tenafly Spring Fling
Our membership, joined by elected officials and board of trustees, recently got together for a dinner party at the newly re-vibed TPR Bar, and the energy was incredible.
This annual event, the Chamber Gala, featured delicious food and meaningful conversations. In the setting of sincere community supporter Tenafly Pizza Restaurant, the chamber solidified bonds and initiated new partnerships taking us into the seasons ahead.
Around 40 members of Tenafly’s business community celebrated with conversation, laughter and delicious food. We unified around the importance of bringing the chamber and the community together. When our local businesses feel supported, Tenafly thrives.
If you would like to join the Tenafly Chamber of Commerce, not only are you investing in your own business, you are contributing to the betterment of
Tenafly. Visit tenaflychamber.org/about to learn more about membership. Remember to shop the shops and dine local to keep our community strong and vibrant!
Jenny Jackson serves as the Tenafly Chamber of Commerce president and Tenafly Downtown Committee co-president. She believes in the power of business as a channel for positive impact.
Tenafly Chamber of Commerce President Jenny Jackson applauds with local business people at the annual Chamber Gala.
(Left-to-Right) Roy Davidovitch, MD, Craig Capeci, MD, Thomas Youm, MD, Adam Cohen, MD, Jonathan Stieber, MD, and Amy Birnbaum, MD.
Service in Action
How a local high school student balances entrepreneurship, education and international philanthropy to make a lasting impact
BY SPENCER WATSON
INTERVIEW WITH ANANYA ANCHLIA
ANANYA ANCHLIA, a senior at Tenafly High School, is an example of how one individual can drive meaningful change both locally and globally.
She has run her own tutoring business since seventh grade, helping students prepare for the accelerated math program in middle school, achieving a 100% success rate. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Anchlia and her brother ran a summer camp for children in their neighborhood, providing a safe and engaging environment. She donated half of the proceeds to support pandemic relief efforts.
She also manages social media accounts for the Tenafly Chamber of Commerce and the Tenafly 5K run, as well as photographing town events. She has successfully fundraised for the Tenafly Educational Foundation and Chikalwas School in Udaipur, India.
Ananya Anchlia on the roof of the Chikalwas School in Udaipur, India, which was in danger of collapse
What got you interested in fundraising and global initiatives?
I was in a class with someone called Dr. Hyman. He just had a lot of vision for what he thought the world should look like, [and] that really inspired me. I also think a lot of it was from at home.
My parents were always very involved in giving me an education about more than just what’s happening in front of me [and] about global stuff, especially my dad. He read a lot with me. I think I just naturally built that curiosity over time. That inspired me to read more about the world and get involved in causes.
Now you’re working on a fundraising cause for the Chikalwas school?
Yes. My parents took me and my brother to India every summer. We would see how people lived in ways that were really different from the U.S. I’m always grateful for our parents taking us to India and making sure we saw the real India. I think that also broadens your horizons, and you realize there are other ways that people live.
I actually came across the school during one of these trips when I was in high school. At that time, I had a lot of tutoring money saved up and I was looking for somewhere that
I could use it, because I had always wanted to donate part of it or use it in some sort of project.
When we found out about this school, I went to go visit and I actually got to climb up on the roof to see the condition [of it]. The problem was it had a lot of water damage, so the school was actually at risk of caving in. That’s where we decided we would start our work.
My tutoring funds were going to cover maybe half of it. The other half we got from this dinner, which we organized with Veda. The owner of Veda gave us the venue, his restaurant, and he organized a wonderful buffet dinner for us. It really would not have been possible without the community that we had in Tenafly. A lot of people came out to support us, and it was a really great night.
What are your future plans? Are you planning to do any more fundraising?
I’m sure whichever college I go to, I’m going to have ample opportunity. I want to expand into other schools in India beyond Chikalwas if I get the opportunity.
Right now, I’m going to go to university to study engineering. I’m just trying to figure out what the next step is for Chikalwas. We’re working on a computer lab there, so that’s exciting. Two kids to a computer during class would be our goal.
What would you say to other people who want to volunteer or be involved with the community?
I would say whatever your skills are, there’s always a way to apply them. You definitely bring a lot more value than you realize. It’s like you don’t really know where it’ll go. I think if you just want to do it, you can.
Spencer Watson is a lifelong Bergen County resident. She is a poet and freelance writer who frequently writes about local news in New Jersey.
Anchlia raised money for the Chikalwas School by combining money from her tutoring with funds gathered through a dinner event at Veda restaurant in Tenafly.
From Tenafly, With Style
Jamie Evar and Heather Kushman make their Reform Lifestyle both a boutique and a state of mind.
BY GABRIELLE MARCUS
OOWNED BY TWO WOMEN from Tenafly, Reform Lifestyle boutique in Cresskill is a world of carefully curated denim, easy tees and soft layers that feel as much like a hug as they do a fashion statement. When you enter, you’re instantly enveloped in a carefully curated atmosphere that delights the senses with its fresh design, beautiful scent and sophisticated yet laid-back vibe.
This is all thanks to Jamie Evar and Heather Kushman, who have turned a shared love of fashion into one
of Bergen County’s most beloved shopping destinations.
For Evar and Kushman, Reform Lifestyle is more than just business—it’s a reflection of their lives in Tenafly. It’s not hard to see why: This charming Bergen County town, just steps away from New York City, has been the backdrop for their professional successes and the place they call home. It’s where they’ve raised families, found inspiration and turned their passion for design and fashion into a thriving business.
First established in Tenafly, Reform Lifestyle boutique branched out to a Cresskill shop that still caters to the local community and friends that proprietors (at right, from left) Heather Kushman and Jamie Evar have known for years.
We’re deeply connected to our community. Our customers are our neighbors and friends.”
- Jamie Evar
LAUNCHED IN TENAFLY
While Reform is currently nestled in Cresskill, it was born in the heart of downtown Tenafly in 2012. Evar, a mom with a background in sales and a good eye for what women actually want to wear, noticed something most brands missed: Suburban moms weren’t changing out of their fitness clothes anymore. Not because they didn’t want to, but because there were no great alternatives.
Lululemon had a monopoly, and that felt somewhat limiting.
So Evar started experimenting— bringing in elevated basics, under-the-radar brands and dayto-night staples. The clientele, mostly women coming in for Pilates, became devoted.
Then Kushman entered the picture. A mutual friend introduced the two, and over a few casual lunches, Reform found its missing piece.
The daughter of a boutique owner, Kushman grew up matching accessories for her mom’s outfits in the late ’70s. Her career included stints at Saks Fifth Avenue and Anne Klein, and she’d already run her own successful women’s store for over a decade.
With Kushman’s industry savvy and Evar’s instinct for what felt current, Reform moved from a corner in a Pilates studio to a full-fledged boutique in 2014.
“Our aesthetic is grounded in timeless and simple pieces— with a flair,” Evar says. The pair aim to create the kind of wardrobe that doesn’t shout but whispers with confidence.
“We buy clothing that has
purpose in your life,” Kushman adds. From luxe travel sets to breezy cocktail tops and the perfect, impossible-to-find nondenim pants, Reform is that rare place where women can build a closet, not just buy a trend.
CONNECTING WITH CUSTOMERS
Of course, it helps that Evar and Kushman know their customers better than most therapists. “We understand the calendar of a Tenafly woman,” Kushman laughs. School drop-offs, work meetings, girls’ nights out, back-to-back kids’ events— Reform outfits women for the lives they actually lead.
That’s because Evar and Kushman live it, too. While Evar moved to New York City last year, both women have had a long history in Tenafly, raising
their families here and building their business just minutes from home.
“We’re deeply connected to our community,” Evar says. “Our customers are our neighbors and friends.” They greet every customer like a lifelong friend—many are!— and Kushman’s hugs feel like slipping into one of their famously soft sweatshirts or hoodies.
No fashion fairytale is complete without a little evolution. In 2020, they expanded into menswear, launching Reformen Style—an equally curated space for men and teen boys who want to look good without trying too hard. (Think elevated basics for guys who hate shopping and sons who want to steal from their dad’s closet.)
Their secret sauce? It’s not just the fashion; it’s the feeling. “We want
women to feel like their best selves,” Kushman says.
And they do! Loyal customers routinely pop in wearing pieces they bought five years ago, still in rotation, still earning compliments. In a world obsessed with what’s next, Reform gently reminds us of what’s worth keeping. Because real style isn’t about trends, it’s about taste. It’s about knowing who you are, and dressing like it. And Reform, it turns out, is where the women of Tenafly go to do just that.
Gabrielle Marcus is former New York City dweller who traded the fast pace of the city for a bestof-both-worlds suburban life in Tenafly with her husband, Brian, and their two children.
From Bronx to Borough Hall
Committed to Tenafly and its residents, Mayor Mark Zinna strives to shape a community that’s welcoming and vibrant.
BY RON LYONS JR.
CCURRENT TENAFLY MAYOR Mark Zinna was born in the Bronx and spent his early adult life in Manhattan. He and his wife were married in 2001 and, not long after, began considering where to build their life together. The couple weighed their options carefully, trying to decide whether to stay in the city or move to suburbia.
Before settling down permanently in Tenafly, they lived in various places around New Jersey and beyond, including Dumont for two years and Wisconsin for one year. After some deliberation, Zinna jokingly refers to their decision as a compromise.
“We compromised and did it my wife’s way, and we moved out to Tenafly,” he says. The Zinna family has called Tenafly home for the past 20 years. The town’s educational system, closeness to New York City and beautiful scenery were key factors in their decision to move here.
Zinna shares a love for food with his wife. “From Edgewater to Fort Lee, Englewood to Tenafly and all the way to Cresskill and Closter, there are a lot of restaurants along there, and my wife and I are real big foodies; we love dining out,” Zinna says. He notes that food plays a big part in making Tenafly a vibrant and welcoming town. “We’re surrounded by great food,” he says, “and Tenafly now has a whole bunch of great restaurants.”
GREAT RESPONSIBILITY
Zinna’s desire to make a positive impact on his community led him to enter public service. He believes that if citizens can get involved with their community, it’s their responsibility to do so.
He first became a member of the Tenafly Planning Board in 2009 and then was the first elected member to the Tenafly Borough Council in 2011, where he served until 2019. He became the 25th mayor of Tenafly in January 2020, succeeding Peter Rustin, who had served for 16 years.
Zinna’s approach to leadership is driven by his belief that “the people who show up are the ones who make
the decisions and make things happen,” he says. “I like seeing progress.”
His platform focuses on improving the quality of life for Tenafly residents, addressing infrastructure issues like fixing potholes, enhancing local parks and supporting the growth of new restaurants and businesses downtown.
One of the biggest changes Zinna has seen since taking office is the evolving nature of the community.
“People that are moving to Tenafly [are] coming from Manhattan, Brooklyn, South Korea, and they’re coming from Israel,” he says. “The new demographics are bringing with it people who are urbanites, and they’re looking for the town to be vibrant.”
In response, Zinna has made changes to zoning rules, encouraging a more active community that supports restaurants and businesses in the downtown area because they are no longer what they used to be. “Many communities on the retail side have changed from places you go to buy things to places you go to have experiences,” says Zinna.
A PLACE TO CALL HOME
Looking to the future, Zinna continues to focus on initiatives that directly affect residents’ lifestyles and their perception of the community, from children to the elderly. “We have parks, fields, expanded recreation programs
The new demographics are bringing with it people who are urbanites, and they’re looking for the town to be vibrant.”
–Mayor Mark Zinna
[and] a nature center that seniors, parents and kids can all enjoy,” he says.
As a father, Zinna is especially invested in making Tenafly a great place to raise children. One of the things he loves most about his job is helping people.
“People call their local mayor for everything,” Zinna says, from helping residents get appointments for passports to even finding an apartment in a different state, he adds, recalling one particularly unusual request. “I said, ‘Why are you calling me about real estate in Los Angeles?’” he says. “And they said they thought I’d be able to help them. I said, ‘Let me call you back.’”
Being a man of his word, Zinna reached out an hour later, managing to help find them a place to stay in Los Angeles for three months. “And
that’s what a local town mayor does,” he says. “We just help people.”
As Tenafly continues to develop, Zinna’s love for the town, its residents and growing potential will create a more connected and welcoming community for all.
Wearing multiple hats as a resident, mayor and parent, he sees the town from as many perspectives as the people who live in it, allowing him to understand the challenges and opportunities for the town, and ensuring it remains a place where everyone can feel at home.
Ron Lyons Jr. is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in publications including Business Insider, Slate and Tom’s Guide.
Mayor Mark Zinna says that parks and a vibrant downtown are among the enjoyable features that make a small town worth exploring and calling home.
Heart, History and Harmony
Lea Michele returns to her roots, celebrating 30 years of music, memories and milestones.
BY GABRIELLE WALTERS
LLea Michele is an Emmy-nominated actress and singer best known for her acclaimed Broadway roles and her breakout performance as Rachel Berry on the hit television show “Glee.” Though Michele got started on Broadway at age 8, she grew up in Tenafly, navigating childhood and adolescence while building the foundation for a lifelong journey in music and theater.
This past May, Michele hit the road for a national spring and summer tour, bringing audiences an intimate showcase of her career highlights, from Broadway classics and “Glee” favorites to songs from her own albums—with nightly surprise songs.
FROM TENAFLY TO TELEVISION
Like many young Tenafly residents, Michele took full advantage of the town’s vibrant school community. Fondly recalling her time in the Tenafly school system, she mentions being a varsity debater, a member of the high school volleyball team and a performer in school plays and musicals. It “was such a great experience,” she tells Tenafly magazine. “I had so much fun doing that.”
Even as her professional career took
off—she debuted as young Cosette in “Les Misérables” on Broadway—Tenafly remained a steady backdrop that allowed her to nourish her burgeoning theater career while still taking part in extracurricular activities.
“I worked most of my life while I was living in Tenafly,” she says. “It was so great because it was so close to [New York City], which made it easy for me to get to work when I needed to, and was also such a beautiful place to live.”
Over the years, Michele’s star continued to rise. In 2006, she received praise for her performance as Wendla in “Spring Awakening.” She became a household name with “Glee,” earning both Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her portrayal of the determined and vocally gifted Rachel Berry. She also appeared in the film “New Year’s Eve” and starred as Hester Ulrich in the Fox series “Scream Queens.”
In 2014, she released her debut album, “Louder.” She followed this with additional albums that showcased her vocal range and personal growth. In 2022, she returned to Broadway as Fanny Brice in the revival of “Funny Girl,” where she received universally positive reviews.
THREE DECADES OF SONG
Now 30 years into her career, Michele is honoring her roots and growth with a nationwide spring and summer tour.
“This tour means so much to me,” says Michele, who welcomed her second child in August. “I’m so excited to get back to performing and singing again.”
The concert series is traveling across the United States, stopping in Durham, North Carolina; Nashville, Tennessee; Orlando, Florida; Anaheim, California; Palm Desert, California; Washington, D.C.; Englewood, New Jersey (two shows); and Niagara Falls, Canada.
Each evening offers a deeply personal experience for fans. “My concerts are my opportunity to connect with the audience and give everyone a real chance to get to know me,” she explains. “I tell a lot of personal stories in my concerts and share what these songs mean to me.”
Each show includes a mix of Broadway anthems, “Glee” favorites, original songs from her albums and surprise selections unique to that night, keeping each performance fresh and meaningful.
LIFE OUT EAST
Michele recently returned to New York City after over a decade on the West Coast, and the move feels like a homecoming.
“I’m so happy to be back home on the East Coast where I was born and raised,” she says. “My time in California was really wonderful, but I’m so happy to be home near my family and this incredible city.”
Balancing her demanding career with family life is a constant act, but one she embraces wholeheartedly. “When I’m not working, I’m with my family all the time,” says Michele. “It’s definitely a juggle while I am working,
but in between any work obligations I have, I’m always with my husband and children.”
She adds that she’d like to include family on parts of the tour: “I am looking forward to hopefully taking my kids to some stops along the way on the tour with me.”
With a career spanning stage and screen and a life grounded in passion, Michele’s tour is more than a performance—it’s a celebration of artistry and identity. And for those in New Jersey, it’s a chance to witness the hometown star shine close to where it all began.
To learn more about Lea Michele’s work, visit leamichele.com.
Gabrielle Walters is a Tenafly resident and small business owner. You can find her wellness products in multiple stores across Bergen County.
Lea Michele began her career on Broadway while a young student in Tenafly, going on to acclaimed television roles, solo albums and a current national concert tour with two shows in New Jersey.
Replaced Kitchen Countertop
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April Market Snapshot
TENAFLY
YOU’VE PROBABLY seen the headlines— trade wars, stock market jitters, interest rate debates.
And yet, somehow, Tenafly’s real estate market keeps doing what it does best: holding strong and climbing.
Here’s an incredible statistic: Across the country, home values rose about 3.9% over the past year. In Bergen County, they went
up 5.5%. But in Tenafly? We saw an incredible 20.7% increase in median estimated home value over the past 12 months. That’s not a typo. And yes, it’s as strong as it sounds.
In April, Tenafly’s median estimated value hit $1,364,440, up 2.4% from the previous month. That kind of growth tells a story about continued demand, limited inventory and buyers willing to compete hard to get into this town.
There’s a serious premium on anything updated or new. The price for knockdowns has jumped, creating even more competition at the entry level. And with not enough new construction to meet demand, resale prices are being pushed up across the board. How long will this momentum last? No one knows for sure, but Tenafly is outperforming just about every other town for now.
130 Columbus Drive
5 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
List price: $789,000 Sold for: $900,000 Sold by: SEG
FLAVOR MEETS FUN
How Melanie Landano’s love of hospitality, food and community led her to create local phenomenon Mel’s Butcher Box.
BY RON LYONS, JR
BEFORE SERVING UP awardwinning burgers, shakes and fries in Tenafly, Melanie Landano got her first taste of hospitality at Nellie Bly Amusement Park in Brooklyn, where she grew up. Starting as a teenager, she worked behind the counter at food stands, birthday parties and special events.
“There’s a different vibe when you’re in this type of industry, because people are going someplace expecting to have fun, and you’re there to make sure they have more fun,” she says.
Despite her love of the work, Landano’s lifelong dream was to work at Walt Disney World in Orlando. After 20 years at the amusement park, she was ready for the next chapter.
Her involvement with the
International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions helped her connect with industry professionals and open new opportunities. One weekend, she had the chance to work at Disney. That visit solidified her longtime desire to
get a position there. While Landano was studying abroad in Rome, Disney was recruiting students for Epcot, and Landano won a spot in their fellowship ambassador program.
THE ROAD TO MEL’S
At Disney, Landano got involved in everything from food service to guest relations, special events and operations. Afterward, Landano returned to New Jersey to care for her sick mother, who passed away shortly after.
Landano stayed local to care for her family and eventually transitioned into the corporate world. She joined Bally Total Fitness
Melanie Landano (opposite page) caters to a diverse clientele at Mel’s Butcher Box, where her background in amusement parks combines with experience in the food industry to provide patrons with both popular cuisine and lively entertainment.
as its special event marketing director, where the skills she learned at Disney came in handy. She stayed for 10 years, doing everything from being a spokesperson and personal trainer to a spin instructor and consultant.
After leaving Bally, Landano still wanted to work in the food industry, so she joined her childhood friend, Pat, at Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors. She worked at the U.S. Open and Citi Field with sports teams like the New York Knicks, Rangers and Mets, and the Baltimore Orioles. She currently serves as the senior project director for LaFrieda, overseeing all operations and partnerships.
After the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Landano went to Axia to discuss
Mel’s to enjoy fresh, delicious food in a fun, vibrant environment.
While Mel’s Butcher Box may look like an ordinary restaurant from the outside, there’s nowhere else in town like it. “Everything I’ve done in my lifetime—like working in amusement parks and working with live music and working at Disney—it feels like it when you’re in here,” says Landano.
There’s something for everyone— think video games, a pinball machine, karaoke, live music outside and a jukebox inside. “The Swifties love when I play Taylor Swift,” Landano says. “They can come and hang out and have a shake, and we have happy hour milkshakes every day between 4 and 7.”
a potential partnership with LaFrieda. This is when Landano was offered a food truck, and Mel’s Butcher Box was born.
A PLACE FOR EVERYONE
Landano’s food truck was an immediate success in Tenafly, and it expanded into a restaurant in August 2021. Her reputation continued to grow as she appeared on “Chef Boot Camp” on the Food Network and, in 2023 and 2024, won the New York City Wine & Food Festival Burger Bash People’s Choice Award.
Since then (and even before), community members have flocked to
Mel’s also hosts a variety of events, including birthday parties and senior parties, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, and community events. As a gay woman, Landano is proud to host LGBTQ events (such as a yearly pride disco brunch) and offer a venue for LGBTQ meetups. She’s quick to clarify, though, that Mel’s “is a safe space for everybody, not just LGBTQ.” Mel’s serves everyone—including 2,000 school lunches weekly to students in Tenafly and beyond.
Another asset that makes Mel’s unique? Come on the right day and you might get to meet Landano’s dog, Zucchini—official mascot of the establishment!
Ron Lyons Jr. is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in publications including Business Insider, Slate and Tom’s Guide.
Edgewood Country Club River Vale, NJ
BOOK NOOK
Satisfying Summer Reads
Tenafly’s library director highlights perfect books for relaxing at the beach.
BY JULIE MARALLO
WARM WEATHER is here, and it’s time to head for the beach. Here are some novels that are quick reads—ideal for enjoying your time in the sun. All books are for adults.
“DEATH OF A SHOWMAN”
By Mariah Fredericks
If you like “Downton Abbey,” this novel is for you—it’s the New York City version. You will mostly see the story from the servants’ perspective because the maid is the main character, but everywhere this maid goes, there is a murder.
“FUNNY
STORY”
By Emily Henry
Daphne thought she had found the love of her life in her fiancé, Peter—until Peter realized that his real love was his childhood sweetheart, Petra. While Daphne is rebuilding her life without Peter, she meets Petra’s ex, Miles, with whom she has nothing in common—except a desire for revenge.
“MAYBE
IN ANOTHER LIFE”
By Taylor Jenkins Reid
Hannah is not satisfied with her life. One night, she stays with her best friend Gabby and meets her high school boyfriend, Ethan, at a
bar. Around midnight, Gabby tells her she is ready to leave. Ethan suggests she should leave with him. Hannah isn’t sure what to do. The rest of the novel is written in two parts. One part tells how the story unfolds if Hannah leaves with Gabby; the other tells what happens if she leaves with Ethan.
“TODAY
WILL BE DIFFERENT”
By Maria Semple
Eleanor is determined to get over her slump and resume her life. She will return to her company, poetry class and yoga, and take her teenage son, Timby, to school. Timby, however, has other plans, and her employees have some unpleasant surprises, too. Then she gets a visit from a former colleague who is writing a memoir that threatens to expose her worst secrets.
“ONE ITALIAN SUMMER”
By Rebecca Serle
Devastated by the loss of her mother, Katy decides to move ahead with the trip to Positano they had planned together. There, Katy meets a woman who seems like a younger version of her mother, and discovers things about her mother she never knew.
Julie Marallo is the director of the Tenafly Public Library.
Tenafly Diner 16 W. Railroad Ave. 201-567-5522 www.tenaflyclassicdiner.com
Tenafly Hot Bagels 35B Washington St. 201-567-2935
The 130 Club Steakhouse 130 County Road 201-431-2427 https://the130club.com
TPR Restaurant Pizzeria 38 W. Railroad Ave. 201-871-0444 www.tprrestaurant.com
Veda Contemporary Indian Cuisine 10 Jay St. 201-399-7788 www.vedatenafly.com/djmaxihz/ restaurant/order-online
Yasou Santorini 35 Washington Ave. 201-569-1000 https://yasougreekfood.com
Spring House
Yasou Santorini
PHOTO OP
JUST STOPPING BY
IF YOU’VE LIVED in the area for a while, you know that spotting deer is just part of everyday life in Tenafly. In this image, resident Susan Terman shows off one of her favorite backyard visitors.
