By Chloe Cramutola
Historic Smithville in Galloway is sure to bring nostalgia, whether it’s from the smell of coffee beans in Cook’s Corner, the carousel, the gazebo or Scoop’s Place in the pink building across the bridge.
From snowy winters to scorching summer days, it’s no surprise this little village has taken so many visitors back in time throughout all seasons. Over 50 specialty shops line the town, ranging from The Colonial Inn “Welcoming the Weary Traveler” to the Toy Market and the Christmas Shoppe offering classic wooden toys and an array of unique ornaments.
“We have people who take their pictures one day in front of the Christmas Shoppe in the same window that’s still there. And now they take their kids’ pictures there. How great is that?” said Fran Coppola, one of four owners of Smithville and the owner of the Christmas Shoppe, the Candle Shoppe and the Sweet Shoppe.
She and her husband, Tony Coppola, along with co-owners Laura and Charles Bushar, bought the village in 1997. Fran Coppola owned her three shops first. As both a landlord and a tenant, she understands the other shop owners and all that transpires in the town.
“It’s not like I’m home baking cookies,” said Coppola. “No, I’m right down here in the ditches. And I think that’s helpful.”
Stores like La Petite Boutique, Trendie Treasures and the Smithville Barber Shoppe invite customers to polish up on fashion. La Petite Boutique features children’s clothes. The town’s barbershop is all about the men and “old fashioned attention to customer service,” according to Historic Smithville’s website.
“It’s great being a part of [the village] and keeping something alive,” said Coppola.
Amanda Silano, a school teacher, said she had been coming to Smithville her whole life.
“I love so much about it. The little shops, the coziness of it,” said Silano. “And the food is always good… It’s just a great place to walk around, enjoy the day and find things you can’t find anywhere else.”
With over six eateries, the smell of pastries, pizza or ice cream is sure to lure customers through the door. Fred and Ethel’s Lantern Light Tavern is Smithville’s own bar and grill, and it offers homemade soups and salads, beer and wine, live music and the well-known Jersey Devil Burger. Smithville Bakery serves fresh-baked goods like Pig’s Ear pastries and mixed berry crumb pie, as well as a full breakfast menu including omelets and a cinnamon raisin French toast.
Anyone looking for iced coffee, smoothies and acai bowls can head to the new Surf Road Coffee Bar and Beach Bowls, which opened in early June. The owners, the Perfettis, have contributed to the Smithville community for three generations. Sons of the iconic Cook’s Corner coffee roaster Adam Perfetti, Alex and Cole Perfetti are looking to bring something fresh to the village.
“We want to create a good atmosphere for people in the area,” said Alex Perfetti, co-owner and Stockton University computer science graduate.
The brothers’ grandfather started coffee roasting with their father, and from then on it has been a lineage of coffee and cozy corners at Smithville.
“To keep the flow of coffee going throughout Historic Smithville, my dad continues to roast for Surf Road,” said Cole Perfetti, co-owner and Atlantic Cape Community College culinary arts graduate.
While Alex Perfetti elevates the business with one hand in programming, problem-solving and systems design, he has had another hand in the food industry for twelve years. His brother adds to that with his culinary experience, as he created the menu and handles hospitality and sanitation.
“We can talk about menus, but the most important thing is making sure everything is clean,” said Cole Perfetti. “That’s one thing that is railed in culinary school: cleanliness. When opening up and getting everything going, that was a really important establishment to make.”
The Perfettis plan to invite artists for live music, increase outreach to Stockton students, and run Surf Road Cares, a charity for children affected by alcoholism and addiction in their families.
“I have a five-year plan of where I want to be. The support we’ve gotten so far, it’s been very good,” said Alex Perfetti. “I really want to create something nice. And I think I can do that.”
