Your Stories

Recently we held a contest for you, our customers, to send us your favorite Ponzios Memory. The response we received was so overwhelming and touching we decided to present some of our favorites for all to read. It warms our hearts to know that we have had such an impact on so many. Thank you for your patronage and for sharing your special stories!

As a hostess at Ponzio's, I saw many familiar faces. One of which, I was very glad I saw at Ponzio's, Vanessa. After seating her and watching her enjoy Ponzio's famous french toast, shortly after she contacted me. We met up a few weeks later, and I brought some holiday cookies from the bakery along. After getting in touch with her again, I believe there was a silver lining in my position at the restaurant that night. I later found out that the boy she was with was abusive...but all we could talk about was how great the cookies and pastries were. Happily, we decided to go to community college and constantly stay in touch. We've even started our own babysitting business, and whenever we are about to babysit or even get a group of friends together...Vanessa makes it a requirement we have Ponzio's food on hand! Thank you Ponzio's for both providing me with experience in customer service and reuniting me with my best friend, Vanessa.

Ciara H.
Cherry Hill, NJ

My 4 1/2 yr old son had a school project asking all his favorite things, i.e. color, animal, thing to do, toys, places, etc. When we got to the favorite place to go he insisted it was Ponzio's. I kept trying to talk him into all his summer activies like the beach, boardwalk, fishing, swimming, etc. but he would have none of that. It was Ponzio's for their delicious eggs. So there was his Mom across the street taking a picture of Ponzio's to attach to his Poster. All his teachers at school think of Kyle whenever anyone mentions Ponzios. Even his 5th birthday I asked where we should go for lunch and of course it was Ponzio's for breakfast. He loves it along with the rest of his family.

Lisa C.
Cherry Hill, NJ

Back in the 70's when our children were young, after we ate at Ponzios, our kids would run out of the restaurant in front of us and hide. We played along and acted like we didn't know where they were. Now, their kids, our grandchildren, without us ever telling them what their parents did, started do the same thing, running out of the restaurant and hiding, leaving us to continue the hide and seek game that started in the 70's. We have eaten at Ponzio's so long that when my husband cooks breakfast for our grandchildren they say they are going to POPZIO'S!
- We travel from Newtown Square PA for the Ponzio's experience.
Thanks for all the food and fun.

Claudia & Joe M.
Newtown Square, PA

Ponzio's is a legend not only in our South Jersey area but wherever you travel.
Not long ago, while visiting the island of St.Thomas, we decided to browse in the interesting shops.
The proprietor of one of the shops asked where we lived in the states. We replied "South Jersey". His eyes widened "Hows Ponzio's"? We replied, " it's great, we eat there all the time". He responded, "When I can go back to the States, Ponzio's will be my first stop. I ate breakfast there everyday, it's what I miss the most".
We left the shop and smiled to each other.
THE LEGEND LIVES ON !!!!

KATHY & JOHN D.
MOORESTOWN, NJ

Oh my God what can I say, except Ponzio's is the best diner (and no I can't really call it a diner) cause it's so much more. I fell in love with Ponzio's about 3 years ago when a girlfriend took me their for my birthday. Since than, I've introduced my husband to "The Fabulous" Ponzio's and he's fallen in love with it. There will be times on a Friday or Saturday that we'll look at each other and say "PONZIO'S" and off we go over the Ben Franklin Bridge and down Rt. 70 to "our" place for those AWESOME Chicken Croquettes. I feign for these at least 5 times a year. Your bakery (I try to walk past with my eyes closed :O) - but you know that ain't happening. On the way out, I have to pick up at least 3 of the Yummy's. Ponzio's, I don't know what I'd do if you guy moved, but I told my husband that if I'm on my death bed, he better bring me my Chicken Croquette's
- Love Y'all, Claudette M. Benton

Claudette M. B.
Philadelphia, PA

PONZIO'S MANY HAPPY RETURNS
For those who have never eaten at Ponzio's, Try it, it's awesome, says someone who knows. For 20 years plus it's been our #1 place, So read my favorites, I'll prove my case. For breakfast I've compared, their omelettes are the best; If you like French toast, it's better than all the rest. Lunch and dinner specials are more than you can eat; Everything's cooked to order with a price you can't beat. Crab and tuna melts, burgers, soups and wraps, All this and more puts Ponzio's on the maps. May I recommend the piccata? Choose chicken or veal. We've tried it at expensive restaurants, but it's a disappointing meal. Ponzio's is the most tender, you can cut it with a fork; In addition to the veal you can savor steak, fish or pork. Soup or salad, 2 veggies- you get to choose; Delicious rolls and breads- how can you lose? Tiramisu, chocolate mousse cheesecake are delectable after your meal; Teas and flavored coffee will surely seal the deal.
Ponzio's knows how to fill every seat. We hope you'll join us- we'd love to meet!

Lucille M.
Voorhees, NJ

I grew up in South Jersey and it was a real treat to eat dinner with my family at Ponzio's. My dad would always tell me if I wanted the Lemon Meringue Pie for dessert, I had to finish my dinner. Being a "picky" eater, this was very difficult for me, but I really wanted that pie!! I remember the meringue seemed like it was 4 inches high! My younger brother was in Cherry Hill recently and called me from Ponzio's to tease me that he was there and I wasn't!! It has been many years since I have been to Ponzio's, but I am visiting South Jersey this week and Ponzio's will one of the first places I will go. I know they still have the Lemon Meringue Pie - I just checked the menu! My father passed away 4 years ago, so I will miss eatting the pie with him, but the memory of sitting in the booth with my dad will be wonderful. I can't wait...

Kathleen P.
Greensboro, NC

My husband and I are both in the medical field and live in South Jersey. One day my brother visited us from Baltimore because he had 'something wrong with his foot' and could we look at it. After a week of being hospitalized for an infection he was discharged. When I went to pick him up I brought a Ponzio's strawberry cheesecake as a thank you to the hospital staff. About six months later my brother visited us again because he kept thinking about a nurse who took care of him when he was hospitalized. He wanted to try to meet her, so he went to the hospital. When he found her, her only memory of him was "you're the guy who gave us that awesome cheesecake". Well, twenty years, one marriage and two chidren later, a Ponzio's cheesecake is an important part of all family celebrations. In fact, we are not allowed in without it! As well, any family member hospitalized, whether local or Baltimore, always delivers that 'awesome' cheesecake to the hospital staff. Thank you Ponzio's for being an integral part of our family's memories!

Mary T.
Cherry Hill, NJ

It was a hot summer day.The sun was out and my family and I were coming back from a wonderful waterpark.We were worn out and hungry.
I thought we should stop at Ponzios for a quick visit to have a delicious dinner.We went and bought a fantastic dinner.
We munched on it like we never ate before and we loved it!We thought it the most best resturant in the universe!Next time we go out for dinner, we are deffidently going to Ponzios!

Shannon M.
Voorhees, NJ

Whenever my parents had to go to the Cherry Hill or Philadelphia area for some errand we would always stop at Ponzios on the way home to our Vineland farm. My favorite would be when the whole family would go, and we would stop to have dinner. I ALWAYS got the chopped sirloin with mushroom gravy. 40 years later-that is still my favorite meal at Ponzios. It may even be my favorite meal period. Although I did learn to order other things such as I got older, the chopped steak was and is still my #1 choice. And it still tastes just as delicious as it did 40+ years ago. Over the years, Ponzios became a place for all of my divergent family to meet , being somewhat of a halfway point between those living in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Now my family meets at Ponzios at least once a month, if not more, and my nephews and nieces are there. They have been coming since they were the age I was back in the 60's, even earlier perhaps, and they all have their own favorites there. I am sure they will take their children there as well. Ponzios is part of our family and our family history. May it always be there for future generations!!!!!

Eve T.
Oakyln, NJ

As a teacher, I try to emphasize random acts of kindness to my students.
Six years ago on a hot summer day, my husband Jon and I crossed over Rt. 70 near our Locustwood home to enjoy a walk which took us thru the winding roads of the Erlton community.
Several hours later we found ourselves on Kings Highway tired, sweating, thirsty, and heading towards our favorite eatery. We stopped at Ponzios hoping we could just get a glass of water since we had no money with us. Chris, however, saw our condition and invited us to stay for breakfast and a brief rest.
Even though we said we didn't have our money with us, Chris displayed a random act of kindness and said we could bring the money another time. We were eternally grateful, never forgot this benevolence, and continue to consider Ponzios our "home away from home."

Marcia H.
Cherry Hill, NJ

My good friend Ann brought me to Ponzio's for dinner last night. OH!OH!OH!.
I had the grilled salmon, it melted in my mouth. I couldn't get enough of the sweet bread. I had never tasted it before.
Ponzios was one of the best restaurants that I had vistited in quite a while. I am a restaurant.com member.
I will definitely put Ponzio's on my list.

Ethel C.
Philadelphia, PA

My sister, my best friend, her Grandmother and I go to Ponzio's every Sunday. We go there because the people create a great enviornment and we always talk about how our week went. We hope that this will be a tradition when we start our own families.

Tara B.
Cherry Hill, NJ

Going to Ponzio's in the morning for breakfast is like going to mom's in the morning. You walk in sit down and the waitress behind the counter has your coffee and juice sitting in front of you before you get your coat off. June knows your order and just wants to know if you are having your favorite breakfast. She brings my husband the paper and then her and I can catch up on what is going on in her life and ours. She always asks about our family which makes you feel great. The rest of the wait staff comes by to say hi and ask how you are doing. The food is always great . We don't go anywhere else for family celebrations . If its someone's birthday or an aniversary the first place we head to is Ponizo's. It's always a great place to have a celebration. We wouldn't go anywhere else.

Karen N.
Gloucester City, NJ

My dearest friend and I lost touch when we each went back to work, she as a college counselor in Philadelphia and I as a school librarian in NJ. Once we reconnected, we felt a strong need to guarantee we would never again let our busy lives keep us from regular contact. We made a resolution to lunch together once a month. Since my favorite lunch was the Greek Salad at Ponzios, we agreed that would be our monthly meeting spot. So almost every month for 21 years we've lunched together at Ponzio's. My friend has come to love the Greek salads almost as much as I do! We are grateful to Ponzio's for the part it has played in our 45 year long "best friends" relationship!

Ruth P.
Haddonfield, NJ

P.S. I was so preoccupied counting spaces that I forgot to mention that Al and I had our first kiss in the Ponzios parking lot at the end of that first date on June 17, 1975!! (Edit our story any way that you would like!)

Aileen C.
Cherry Hill, NJ

June 17, 1975. I ran into the ladies' room at Ponzios to change my clothes after working all day as a special education teacher in Camden. I was a little nervous & afraid that I was going to be late.A few days before,I had spoken on the phone with a young man with a very pleasant voice named Al, who was a teacher in Cherry Hill. Months before,we both had paid a $2.00 fee & filled out questionaires from a new computer dating service-one of the first of its kind- sponsored by the Jewish Exponant newspaper.Al was just one of the fifteen names that appeared on my computer dating list that I had received in the mail the previous week.After a really great phone conversation,we decided to get together for a "blind date." But where should we meet? Of course, Ponzios- a convenient place mid-way between our two schools.I ordered a fruit salad & lemonade;Al ordered a fruit salad & iced tea.(We both weighed a lot less then!)Well, here it is 33 & 1/2 years later.In July, after many more fruit salads,huge pieces of strawberry cheesecake (We're not as thin as we used to be!), & wonderful memories with our 2 daughters,we will be celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary!And it all began at Ponzios!

Aileen C.
Cherry Hill, NJ

Those were the best times of my life!!

bobby e.
havertown, PA

I took my daughter, who was 25 at the time, to Ponzio's for breakfast. We took our seats at the back counter, where I always sit. She sat between me and Terry Horgan, who she did not know. After exchanging morning pleasantries, my daughter ordered eggs with French fries. As we were enjoying our meal, Terry reached over and, with his fork, took a French fry from my daughter's plate, dipped it in her ketchup and ate it. Not realizing he was joking, I thought my daughter would explode. I finally convinced her it was all a joke. Before we left, Terry and my daughter became friends.

Bob W.
Cherry Hill, NJ

It was the 70s when a group of regulars arrived each morning to sit at the far counter. No one knows for sure why the same people came at the same time to sit at the same place. Maybe it was Carol, our waitress who had coffee for Ted, the sports page for Matt and a toasted bagel for Cecelia and me almost before we sat down. What ever the cause, what began as strangers stopping for a bite grew into a morning social. Sports, politics, and whos getting married was the chatter that ran along the counter, Ron reported the entertainment news and Terry always had a joke. If all the seats were taken, the late comer would stand and wait for one and if a regular missed a couple of days, someone found out why. We even had T shirts printed with the words Ponzios Breakfast Club. On Christmas Eve Ponzios allowed us to close off the area and decorated it with lights and tinsel, gifts were exchanged (Pollyanna style) and the Ravits family and Shoprite provide, a complete lox and bagels breakfast. And a good time was had by all! That was many years ago, thing change and people move on, fortunately what hasnt changed is Ponzios and its good food, friendly atmosphere and warm hospitality

Joseph T.
Haddonfield, NJ

My family moved to Cherry Hill 45 years ago. A native of Phila. and a personal history of being a young married adult, successful business owner, salesman, senior citizen and semi retiree. From the beginning to the present day, Ponzio's has been a consistant companion destination for both family & friends. I can remember a young couple with their 3 children enjoying the old diner style restaurant, in the company of parents and friends. As a business owner and in the company of associates and their wives. We always marveled at the warmth generated by first rate service, reasonably priced menue selections and deliciously prepared food. The expansion of the original original building was tasteful and appealing. Now in our senior years, the appeal of Ponzio's has not diminished. The sheik, in restaurants, of Cherry Hill and neighboring communities abound and are distinguished by glitzy interiors, fancy food stacked high and menu items that are frankly out of this world in price & content. Keep up the good work. You will always be number one with us.

Herbert Y.
Cherry Hill, NJ

It was a snowy Christmas Eve, 1967, in Philly and some friends and I decided to venture over the bridge to Ponzio's, the only restaurant we knew to be open. Right before getting to the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge, our car got stuck in the snow and the four of us spent the evening digging ourselves out instead of eating. We never got to Ponzio's that night, but a few years later, I married and, in 1972 moved to Cherry Hill where Ponzio's soon became our second home. Ponzio's has always been my husband's favorite restaurant. And, it was the only place where our picky-eater son would eat as a little boy. One night over dinner there, we actually tried to figure out what percentage of our annual income we spent at Ponzio's. My husband, whose affinity for the restaurant was well known, once received a Ponizio's hat and sweatshirt for his birthday. It is still his favorite place to eat, he longs for the cheese rolls, and requests to go there every year on his birthday.

Ronnie S.
Voorhees, NJ

Every Sunday, my grandfather and I come to Ponzio's for breakfast. Every Sunday, my grandfather picks me up at nine o-clock at my house and drives to Ponzio's. Every Sunday, my grandfather and I order the same thing from the menu. My grandfather orders a #3 and I order a waffle. Our routine has become a weekly tradition. It is a special time for me to catch up with my grandfather on recent events and news. Many a Phillies player has been critiqued over our delicious breakfast. Whatever we do, it has become enjoyable to the point where we keep coming back. Maybe it is the food, or the friendly setting. We never go to another diner and have no desire to switch our Sunday tradition elsewhere. Ponzio's is the place for us.

Ted S.
Moorestown, NJ

Growing up in Cherry Hill, Ponzio's was both my kitchen (soemtimes 2 meals/day) and my emergency contact for school. My mother, the late Ellen Dubrow ate lunch every day at the same booth. I know the soups offered every day of the week and Thursday nights were always chicken pot pie nights, but you had to get yours early before they sold out. My husband asked me to marry him over a strawberry fruit tart in a booth at Ponzio's also. So many of my family milestones have been celebrated at Ponzios, my 18th birthday surprise party, my father's 50th surprise party...Ponzios has always been and will always be an integral part of the Dubrow & Weiss families and our "stories".

Jennifer W.
Voorhees, NJ

LOVE UR DINER

violetta f.
lumberton, NJ

25 years ago our son David was made manager of a "7-11", his entry into the really adult world and it was his great pleasure to mix with other "business people" at Ponzio's for lunch or breakfast. Ponzio's was really the center of town for our business and local government officials at that time and probably still is. David felt very privileged to be in the same company as all of these prominent people and loved to tell us of his time spent in Ponzios's. These memories are important to us as he is no longer with us but we can still remember his pride in being included in this group, in spite of his young age, his just entering this world of accomplished and "important" people.

Pearl F.
Cherry Hill, NJ

I have many great Ponzio's memories. I used to go there with my boyfriend Sam for breakfast on Sundays after church. The food was always great. I love the homefries with green pepper & onion. I also love those little jelly packets. It drove Sam crazy that I always wanted the flavor that wasn't in the filled holder. He said I was too high maintenance. We decided not to date any more. If jelly drove him crazy we propably wouldn't make it a lifetime. We are much better friends. I met a new guy. We started to go to Ponzio's on Sunday after breakfast, too. It was nice. We would get the paper. He would read the sports page and I would browse the sale. We got married, but it didn't last. Too much individual reading and no communication, but the breakfast was still good. I met a new guy. We had our first movie date on a bitter and cold night in January of 2007. Alfred and I went there after our first date for coffee and dessert. I wasn't too sure on the date, but you know what happened after dessert...... Fell in love, got married, and the rest is sweet history.

Tina L.
Maple Shade, NJ

We moved to Cherry Hill in 1972. The Schwartz family...Julian, Sylvia, Bobbie and Tammi.....it was a dream come true. Our realator took us to Ponzios for lunch before closing on our house. We were so impressed with the delicious culinary delights. The Schwartz family visited Ponzios at least once a week after that. Whenever there was something to celebrate, we went to Ponzios. We always saw friends and neighbors and just being there was such a comfort and we felt like we belonged. Julian and Sylvia are gone now....we lost them 2 years ago, but the very last place that my mom and dad ate at before they were too sick to go out, was Ponzios. I will always have a special place in my heart for this wonderful restaurant. I continue to eat and enjoy the treats at Ponzios and so do my children and soon I hope to bring my grandson or daughter into Ponzios. Three generations of Schwartz's have made Ponzios a big part of their lives. Thank you for the good times, the great cuisine, the laughs and the memories. Bobbie Schwartz-Israelsky and family: Erica, Evan, Brad, Dave, Tammi, Maris, Ben and Dan

Roberta I.
Cherry Hill, NJ

Every Saturday morning, my 3-year-old and I visit Ponzio’s on our way home from music class. At the end of class, she knows what’s coming and cheers, “We’re going to Ponzio’s!” Our first stop is the bakery counter to pick out a cupcake for dessert. They change with the season, so it’s always a surprise to see the choices. Bunnies, spiders, reindeer - she’s tried them all. A visit to the bakery is like looking at a toy store window, but even better because she gets to eat what she sees! Each week as I look at my menu and she draws on her placemat, I ask her what she wants to eat - though her answer is always the same: “Grilled cheese and French fries and milk and a cupcake and a pickle!” The food is great and the staff is always friendly, and to top it off she gets to take home a balloon. We’ve been doing this since she was a year old. Back then, she sat in a high chair, drank from a sippy cup, and ate the tiny pieces of grilled cheese that I cut for her. Watching her move up to a booster seat then a regular seat, learn to drink from a big kid cup, and be able to eat the sandwich all on her own, I realize how quickly she’s growing up and I’m glad we have this time together each week.

Dave D.
Haddonfield, NJ

Ponzio's reminded me of my uncle's very successful restaurant, Greene's in Chicago, where I grew up. My father and uncle came from Greece and their original name was Ougrinis. When I came to NJ, I was introduced to Ponzio's. I felt at home. We take my aunt to Ponzio's when she visits from D.C. She never lets us take her to another NJ restaurant. She always orders a steak and never finishes it. She takes home most of her meal and then buys the cheese rolls, bread and some sweets of course. My husband always laughes as we are loaded down with boxes and leftovers. However, the next day our treasured boxes reminds us of our very enjoyable evening. My aunt's visits are not as frequent, but now our children are able to visit Ponzio's on their own.

Phyllis S.
Haddonfield, NJ

Our whole family has regularly enjoyed both snacks and celebrations at your restaurant, since we moved here 37 years ago. As we have in the past, this summer we visited during the week, for brunch with our young grandaughter and we requested a table and highchair. We were asked to wait, and we did so with no problem. After awhile, we asked the hostess how much longer it would be, after other patrons arrived and were seated. I was told that nothing was available, and probably wouldn't be since the the back room was being used. We were very disappointed, and left . A week or so later we went for breakfast, and once again requested a table and highchair. We knew that there would be wait, and we were fine with it. After what seemed like another 15 minutes, we felt like we were being ignored, and decided to leave. The rudeness of the hosts made us feel like we were in the way, and we haven't been back since. Frank Stamato

Frank S.
Cherry Hill, NJ

When my husband and I moved to South Jersey nine years ago, we became the relatives nearest his great aunt in Woodbury, who had lost all of her immediate family. In her early eighties, she didn't get out much, but when we visited she always wanted to go to Ponzio's where she had been a regular for years. She always ordered the ham...Aunt Alice passed away in 2003 but a visit to Ponzio's or just driving by always reminds me of her and makes me smile.

Susan R.
Medford, NJ

At thousands of miles in the air, en route for my annual trip home to New Jersey from working overseas in Europe, the experience still stayed with me. After 34 years, nothing could diminish or fade the memory of a family meal at Ponzio's in Cherry Hill. Each year, usually at Christmastime, my 8-hour flight was made more enjoyable knowing that, upon arrival, the beautiful, joyful faces of my family would be waiting to greet me and whisk me off to a "Welcome Home" dinner at our favorite diner in Cherry Hill. My eyes closed on the plane, in complete reverie, as the warmth and excitement of Ponzio's filled my senses -- wonderful welcoming staff and fabulous, unmistakable aromas. I felt the excitement I always did as a child and young adult, knowing the treat awaiting me. Even as I would savor and appreciate all of the fine cafes, trattorias and restaurants in Europe, one memory could always warm my soul when homesickness set in -- that my friends at Ponzio's, greeting me and serving me their renowned, fresh and excellent cuisine in a warm, clean atmosphere of delight, followed by eye-popping and delicious, fanciful pastries and desserts, would always be there, celebrating me home

Lois M.
Clementon, NJ

Well, it's 12 years later and we still speak fondly of "Bisque Betting".On Saturday night, 3 types of bisque used to be offered...shrimp, lobster or crab. We never knew wich one it would be....so we would each pick one and see which one "won".(only one was served) The "winner" got bragging rights! Now we do all of our betting in A C or at Philly Park, but we still come back to Ponzios for their outstanding soups!

Susan L.
Manalapan, NJ

I have the fondest memories of Ponzio's. Growing up in Cherry Hill, we always went to Ponzio's after high school dates and dances. A big thing was

Carolyn M.
Cherry Hill, NJ

As a child my entire family would gather at Ponzio's for Sunday dinner. We would meet in front of the bakery window. My cousins and I would steam up

Heidi R.
Moorestown, NJ

Back in the late 60s, the Woodstown High School band sponsored trips to see the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Academy of Music. A bunch of us "boys"

John F.
Cherry Hill, NJ

I am from Philly and we never went to diners too much so when I moved to Cherry Hill and my now husband suggested we go to Ponzio's for dinner on a Saturday night date, I was appalled! "A diner??!!" I thought, "What kind of date is that?"
But to my surprise, Ponzio's was not your typical diner! There were so many good dinners on the menu and the portions were excellent! The dinners came with a huge salad and the best dinner rolls (mmm....that cinnamon bread and cheese roll!) around. And the desserts were not to be believed!
You can bet I changed my mind about Jersey diners (although none is quite like Ponzio's.) We not only go for dinner, but weekend breakfasts are also on our list! And our 14 year old son always compares everyone else's french onion soup; none is as good as Ponzio's.
Thanks, Ponzio's!

Elisa S.
Cherry Hill, NJ

Our Ponzio's story began in 1964. The family tradition of breakfast-any-time-of-day at Ponzio's proudly continues. Just last week our older son came home from a year studying overseas. His first request was of course to eat at Ponzio's for their feta cheese/spinach omelet. Grandpa recently flew up from Florida and insisted we drive directly to Ponzio's for breakfast-any-time-of-day!
During high school in the early 1970's my husband and I both sat & sipped our "Sanka" way past curfew on many a date at Ponzio's. Today we are served a selection of tea from a fancy wooden box. Because Ponzio's is Not Your typical Diner, we thank you!
xo Linda & Harvey Lowenthal and family

Linda L.
Cherry Hill, NJ

When Debbie and I got married we were living in the Phila. suburbs. We got a fresh start in Cherry Hill and re-discovered an old favorite whenever we went through Jersey, Ponzios. We told our friends that we moved over the bridge just to be close to Ponzios. Not much later we found out that a baby was on the way.
What better place than Ponzios to go with our book of 10,000 baby names and peruse the list over their coffee.
We were there the night before her scheduled C section and wrote our final choice of names on a Ponzios place mat. There we were in the preparation room still going over the final choices. We kiddingly said the name Ponzio could work.
Alas, Randall won out!!

From that day on, our server Elsa [now a manager] knew Randy and my ability to hold and feed him with him cradled in my arm while still being able to cut and butter my bagel on mornings I was going solo.

Great memories. Incidentally, Randy is now 19

Larry S.
Cherry Hill, NJ

Just wanted to share my ponzio's story. it goes back quite a few years, a little over 33 to be exact. The summer of 75'.

We dined at your restaurant after a day of shopping w/ my great aunt & uncle. You see our mother had past away, June 30, 1975 & left behind five of us between the ages of 3 to 12. My aunt & uncle had taken us school shopping for the upcoming school year & decided to take us out to dinner.

We were all so excited, as we had never done that before. Our parents couldn't afford to take all of us out like that. Our treat was getting pizza once in a while. So there we were all dressed up in our new clothes walking in to this fancy restaurant. I'll never forget it. We were so good our aunt & uncle treated us with dessert.

I remember talking about that dinner w/ my brothers & sisters for quite sometime after that. Since that time when we have gotten the chance to eat there, of course my mind goes right back to that summer night in 75' when I experienced my first restaurant meal.

Thanks for the great memory.

Joanna P.
Williamstown, NJ

In 1974 as I was sitting in my math class at 9AM in CHHS [Cherry Hill High School] East. Two of my friends were at the door saying I was needed in the office. I was allowed to go. As we walked in the halls, they said "lets go to Ponzios for breakfast. We left school, and went to eat. We all were having our meal, enjoying a cinnamin roll, toasted of course and reveling the fact we skipped school.
When we asked for a refill on our coffee the waitress had something to say. She said "your father is in the booth down the aisle and he said to tell you that he would pay our bill, and to get our butts back to school. "I looked up and saw my father waving to me I was mortified, I kissed him on the way out and went back to school.
That night he gave me a ponzios credit card. As he handed the card to me (I WAS SO SCARED) he said "GET AN EARLIER START EACH DAY AND GO TO PONZIOS TO HAVE BREAKFAST. WHEW I DODGED A BULLET.
After that my dad and I met at ponzios at least 3 morning a week, with all of my early bird friends in tow. Those day are so dear to me, my father died 26 years ago, I miss him everyday, STILL...
But when I go to Ponzios today , I am Flooded with wonderful memories of him, especially the day he caught me. We were best friends after that.

Nina Y.
Mt. Laurel, NJ

We've been meeting our clients and prospects here for years. The food is great and the staff treats us like family. Ponzios is good for business.

Harvey H.
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1220CiaraHebertA Sliver Liningciara.hebert709@students.camdencc.eduCherry HillNJAs a hostess at Ponzio's, I saw many familiar faces. One of which, I was very glad I saw at Ponzio's, Vanessa. After seating her and watching her enjoy Ponzio's famous french toast, shortly after she contacted me. We met up a few weeks later, and I brought some holiday cookies from the bakery along. After getting in touch with her again, I believe there was a silver lining in my position at the restaurant that night. I later found out that the boy she was with was abusive...but all we could talk about was how great the cookies and pastries were. Happily, we decided to go to community college and constantly stay in touch. We've even started our own babysitting business, and whenever we are about to babysit or even get a group of friends together...Vanessa makes it a requirement we have Ponzio's food on hand! Thank you Ponzio's for both providing me with experience in customer service and reuniting me with my best friend, Vanessa.0{ts '2009-03-16 13:46:19'}{ts '2025-10-10 12:18:11'}
2214LisaCobuzioMy Son's School Projectlisacobuzio@verizon.netCherry HillNJMy 4 1/2 yr old son had a school project asking all his favorite things, i.e. color, animal, thing to do, toys, places, etc. When we got to the favorite place to go he insisted it was Ponzio's. I kept trying to talk him into all his summer activies like the beach, boardwalk, fishing, swimming, etc. but he would have none of that. It was Ponzio's for their delicious eggs. So there was his Mom across the street taking a picture of Ponzio's to attach to his Poster. All his teachers at school think of Kyle whenever anyone mentions Ponzios. Even his 5th birthday I asked where we should go for lunch and of course it was Ponzio's for breakfast. He loves it along with the rest of his family.0{ts '2009-03-07 16:53:23'}{ts '2010-02-09 14:18:25'}
3204Claudia & JoeMedicaHide and Seekclaudiamedica@comcast.netNewtown SquarePABack in the 70's when our children were young, after we ate at Ponzios, our kids would run out of the restaurant in front of us and hide. We played along and acted like we didn't know where they were. Now, their kids, our grandchildren, without us ever telling them what their parents did, started do the same thing, running out of the restaurant and hiding, leaving us to continue the hide and seek game that started in the 70's. We have eaten at Ponzio's so long that when my husband cooks breakfast for our grandchildren they say they are going to POPZIO'S! <br>- We travel from Newtown Square PA for the Ponzio's experience.<br> Thanks for all the food and fun.0{ts '2009-02-27 10:18:46'}{ts '2009-03-06 08:03:27'}
4200KATHY & JOHNDICKEYThe Legend Lives OnKTD08057@AOL.COMMOORESTOWNNJPonzio's is a legend not only in our South Jersey area but wherever you travel. <br> Not long ago, while visiting the island of St.Thomas, we decided to browse in the interesting shops. <br> The proprietor of one of the shops asked where we lived in the states. We replied "South Jersey". His eyes widened "Hows Ponzio's"? We replied, " it's great, we eat there all the time". He responded, "When I can go back to the States, Ponzio's will be my first stop. I ate breakfast there everyday, it's what I miss the most".<br> We left the shop and smiled to each other.<br> THE LEGEND LIVES ON !!!! 0{ts '2009-02-22 17:11:22'}{ts '2009-02-24 11:18:49'}
5179Claudette M.BentonThe Fabulousclaudette.benton@phila.govPhiladelphiaPAOh my God what can I say, except Ponzio's is the best diner (and no I can't really call it a diner) cause it's so much more. I fell in love with Ponzio's about 3 years ago when a girlfriend took me their for my birthday. Since than, I've introduced my husband to "The Fabulous" Ponzio's and he's fallen in love with it. There will be times on a Friday or Saturday that we'll look at each other and say "PONZIO'S" and off we go over the Ben Franklin Bridge and down Rt. 70 to "our" place for those AWESOME Chicken Croquettes. I feign for these at least 5 times a year. Your bakery (I try to walk past with my eyes closed :O) - but you know that ain't happening. On the way out, I have to pick up at least 3 of the Yummy's. Ponzio's, I don't know what I'd do if you guy moved, but I told my husband that if I'm on my death bed, he better bring me my Chicken Croquette's<br> - Love Y'all, Claudette M. Benton0{ts '2009-02-13 13:21:34'}{ts '2009-02-20 08:52:47'}
6176LucilleMarchiselloMy FavoritesLumarch@snip.netVoorheesNJPONZIO'S MANY HAPPY RETURNS<br> For those who have never eaten at Ponzio's, Try it, it's awesome, says someone who knows. For 20 years plus it's been our #1 place, So read my favorites, I'll prove my case. For breakfast I've compared, their omelettes are the best; If you like French toast, it's better than all the rest. Lunch and dinner specials are more than you can eat; Everything's cooked to order with a price you can't beat. Crab and tuna melts, burgers, soups and wraps, All this and more puts Ponzio's on the maps. May I recommend the piccata? Choose chicken or veal. We've tried it at expensive restaurants, but it's a disappointing meal. Ponzio's is the most tender, you can cut it with a fork; In addition to the veal you can savor steak, fish or pork. Soup or salad, 2 veggies- you get to choose; Delicious rolls and breads- how can you lose? Tiramisu, chocolate mousse cheesecake are delectable after your meal; Teas and flavored coffee will surely seal the deal.<br> Ponzio's knows how to fill every seat. We hope you'll join us- we'd love to meet!<br>0{ts '2009-02-11 21:02:47'}{ts '2009-02-20 08:51:37'}
7172KathleenPughDad's Favoritep041478@aol.comGreensboroNCI grew up in South Jersey and it was a real treat to eat dinner with my family at Ponzio's. My dad would always tell me if I wanted the Lemon Meringue Pie for dessert, I had to finish my dinner. Being a "picky" eater, this was very difficult for me, but I really wanted that pie!! I remember the meringue seemed like it was 4 inches high! My younger brother was in Cherry Hill recently and called me from Ponzio's to tease me that he was there and I wasn't!! It has been many years since I have been to Ponzio's, but I am visiting South Jersey this week and Ponzio's will one of the first places I will go. I know they still have the Lemon Meringue Pie - I just checked the menu! My father passed away 4 years ago, so I will miss eatting the pie with him, but the memory of sitting in the booth with my dad will be wonderful. I can't wait...0{ts '2009-02-07 20:21:59'}{ts '2009-02-07 21:20:50'}
8171MaryTalucciThe Cheesecake Bondmt2414@columbia.eduCherry HillNJMy husband and I are both in the medical field and live in South Jersey. One day my brother visited us from Baltimore because he had 'something wrong with his foot' and could we look at it. After a week of being hospitalized for an infection he was discharged. When I went to pick him up I brought a Ponzio's strawberry cheesecake as a thank you to the hospital staff. About six months later my brother visited us again because he kept thinking about a nurse who took care of him when he was hospitalized. He wanted to try to meet her, so he went to the hospital. When he found her, her only memory of him was "you're the guy who gave us that awesome cheesecake". Well, twenty years, one marriage and two chidren later, a Ponzio's cheesecake is an important part of all family celebrations. In fact, we are not allowed in without it! As well, any family member hospitalized, whether local or Baltimore, always delivers that 'awesome' cheesecake to the hospital staff. Thank you Ponzio's for being an integral part of our family's memories!0{ts '2009-02-07 16:16:20'}{ts '2009-02-07 21:20:28'}
9170Ananyakapoorvikramk@indiaclub.comVoorheesNJ1{ts '2009-02-06 19:20:28'}
10169ShannonMEnter Story Title Heredogluvr28@comcast.netVoorheesNJIt was a hot summer day.The sun was out and my family and I were coming back from a wonderful waterpark.We were worn out and hungry.<br>I thought we should stop at Ponzios for a quick visit to have a delicious dinner.We went and bought a fantastic dinner. <br>We munched on it like we never ate before and we loved it!We thought it the most best resturant in the universe!Next time we go out for dinner, we are deffidently going to Ponzios!0{ts '2009-02-05 20:43:25'}{ts '2009-02-06 10:11:55'}
11157EveThomasA 40 Year Favoriteethomas@efm.netOakylnNJWhenever my parents had to go to the Cherry Hill or Philadelphia area for some errand we would always stop at Ponzios on the way home to our Vineland farm. My favorite would be when the whole family would go, and we would stop to have dinner. I ALWAYS got the chopped sirloin with mushroom gravy. 40 years later-that is still my favorite meal at Ponzios. It may even be my favorite meal period. Although I did learn to order other things such as I got older, the chopped steak was and is still my #1 choice. And it still tastes just as delicious as it did 40+ years ago. Over the years, Ponzios became a place for all of my divergent family to meet , being somewhat of a halfway point between those living in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Now my family meets at Ponzios at least once a month, if not more, and my nephews and nieces are there. They have been coming since they were the age I was back in the 60's, even earlier perhaps, and they all have their own favorites there. I am sure they will take their children there as well. Ponzios is part of our family and our family history. May it always be there for future generations!!!!!0{ts '2009-02-02 15:14:22'}{ts '2009-02-02 16:20:24'}
12155MarciaHindenAn Act of Kindnessmarciahinden@comcast.netCherry HillNJAs a teacher, I try to emphasize random acts of kindness to my students. <br>Six years ago on a hot summer day, my husband Jon and I crossed over Rt. 70 near our Locustwood home to enjoy a walk which took us thru the winding roads of the Erlton community. <br>Several hours later we found ourselves on Kings Highway tired, sweating, thirsty, and heading towards our favorite eatery. We stopped at Ponzios hoping we could just get a glass of water since we had no money with us. Chris, however, saw our condition and invited us to stay for breakfast and a brief rest. <br>Even though we said we didn't have our money with us, Chris displayed a random act of kindness and said we could bring the money another time. We were eternally grateful, never forgot this benevolence, and continue to consider Ponzios our "home away from home." 0{ts '2009-02-01 15:21:16'}{ts '2009-02-02 16:18:55'}
13143EthelConawayA Great visitconawaye@verizon.netPhiladelphiaPAMy good friend Ann brought me to Ponzio's for dinner last night. OH!OH!OH!. <br>I had the grilled salmon, it melted in my mouth. I couldn't get enough of the sweet bread. I had never tasted it before.<br> Ponzios was one of the best restaurants that I had vistited in quite a while. I am a restaurant.com member.<br> I will definitely put Ponzio's on my list.0{ts '2009-01-21 11:40:28'}{ts '2009-02-02 16:18:34'}
14142TaraBolgerSunday Traditioncrazyblondefool@yahoo.comCherry HillNJMy sister, my best friend, her Grandmother and I go to Ponzio's every Sunday. We go there because the people create a great enviornment and we always talk about how our week went. We hope that this will be a tradition when we start our own families.0{ts '2009-01-18 16:58:09'}{ts '2009-02-02 16:17:48'}
15129KarenNicholsFeels like Mom'skrnsteelers@yahoo.comGloucester CityNJGoing to Ponzio's in the morning for breakfast is like going to mom's in the morning. You walk in sit down and the waitress behind the counter has your coffee and juice sitting in front of you before you get your coat off. June knows your order and just wants to know if you are having your favorite breakfast. She brings my husband the paper and then her and I can catch up on what is going on in her life and ours. She always asks about our family which makes you feel great. The rest of the wait staff comes by to say hi and ask how you are doing. The food is always great . We don't go anywhere else for family celebrations . If its someone's birthday or an aniversary the first place we head to is Ponizo's. It's always a great place to have a celebration. We wouldn't go anywhere else.0{ts '2009-01-14 20:06:20'}{ts '2009-01-16 08:23:53'}
16127RuthPodolinOur Resolutionruthpodolin@aol.comHaddonfieldNJMy dearest friend and I lost touch when we each went back to work, she as a college counselor in Philadelphia and I as a school librarian in NJ. Once we reconnected, we felt a strong need to guarantee we would never again let our busy lives keep us from regular contact. We made a resolution to lunch together once a month. Since my favorite lunch was the Greek Salad at Ponzios, we agreed that would be our monthly meeting spot. So almost every month for 21 years we've lunched together at Ponzio's. My friend has come to love the Greek salads almost as much as I do! We are grateful to Ponzio's for the part it has played in our 45 year long "best friends" relationship!0{ts '2009-01-13 16:18:10'}{ts '2009-01-16 08:22:42'}
17113AileenCwangeraileenpc23@gmail.comCherry HillNJP.S. I was so preoccupied counting spaces that I forgot to mention that Al and I had our first kiss in the Ponzios parking lot at the end of that first date on June 17, 1975!! (Edit our story any way that you would like!)1{ts '2009-01-06 01:14:45'}
18112AileenCwangerThe Blind Dateaileenpc23@gmail.comCherry HillNJJune 17, 1975. I ran into the ladies' room at Ponzios to change my clothes after working all day as a special education teacher in Camden. I was a little nervous & afraid that I was going to be late.A few days before,I had spoken on the phone with a young man with a very pleasant voice named Al, who was a teacher in Cherry Hill. Months before,we both had paid a $2.00 fee & filled out questionaires from a new computer dating service-one of the first of its kind- sponsored by the Jewish Exponant newspaper.Al was just one of the fifteen names that appeared on my computer dating list that I had received in the mail the previous week.After a really great phone conversation,we decided to get together for a "blind date." But where should we meet? Of course, Ponzios- a convenient place mid-way between our two schools.I ordered a fruit salad & lemonade;Al ordered a fruit salad & iced tea.(We both weighed a lot less then!)Well, here it is 33 & 1/2 years later.In July, after many more fruit salads,huge pieces of strawberry cheesecake (We're not as thin as we used to be!), & wonderful memories with our 2 daughters,we will be celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary!And it all began at Ponzios!0{ts '2009-01-06 00:20:46'}{ts '2009-01-16 08:21:27'}
19107bobbyeliThe Best Time of My Life!phillysoulman@verizon.nethavertownPAThose were the best times of my life!!0{ts '2008-12-29 19:58:25'}{ts '2008-12-31 10:33:17'}
20105BobWolfMe, My Daughter and the French Frywolfjewelers@verizon.netCherry HillNJI took my daughter, who was 25 at the time, to Ponzio's for breakfast. We took our seats at the back counter, where I always sit. She sat between me and Terry Horgan, who she did not know. After exchanging morning pleasantries, my daughter ordered eggs with French fries. As we were enjoying our meal, Terry reached over and, with his fork, took a French fry from my daughter's plate, dipped it in her ketchup and ate it. Not realizing he was joking, I thought my daughter would explode. I finally convinced her it was all a joke. Before we left, Terry and my daughter became friends. 0{ts '2008-12-29 13:44:11'}{ts '2008-12-31 10:32:49'}
21101JosephTarsiaThe Breakfast Clubsigmatsop@verizon.netHaddonfieldNJIt was the 70s when a group of regulars arrived each morning to sit at the far counter. No one knows for sure why the same people came at the same time to sit at the same place. Maybe it was Carol, our waitress who had coffee for Ted, the sports page for Matt and a toasted bagel for Cecelia and me almost before we sat down. What ever the cause, what began as strangers stopping for a bite grew into a morning social. Sports, politics, and whos getting married was the chatter that ran along the counter, Ron reported the entertainment news and Terry always had a joke. If all the seats were taken, the late comer would stand and wait for one and if a regular missed a couple of days, someone found out why. We even had T shirts printed with the words Ponzios Breakfast Club. On Christmas Eve Ponzios allowed us to close off the area and decorated it with lights and tinsel, gifts were exchanged (Pollyanna style) and the Ravits family and Shoprite provide, a complete lox and bagels breakfast. And a good time was had by all! That was many years ago, thing change and people move on, fortunately what hasnt changed is Ponzios and its good food, friendly atmosphere and warm hospitality0{ts '2008-12-28 03:46:22'}{ts '2008-12-28 15:03:38'}
22100HerbertYoungA Consistant Companionherbyoung12@verizon.netCherry HillNJMy family moved to Cherry Hill 45 years ago. A native of Phila. and a personal history of being a young married adult, successful business owner, salesman, senior citizen and semi retiree. From the beginning to the present day, Ponzio's has been a consistant companion destination for both family & friends. I can remember a young couple with their 3 children enjoying the old diner style restaurant, in the company of parents and friends. As a business owner and in the company of associates and their wives. We always marveled at the warmth generated by first rate service, reasonably priced menue selections and deliciously prepared food. The expansion of the original original building was tasteful and appealing. Now in our senior years, the appeal of Ponzio's has not diminished. The sheik, in restaurants, of Cherry Hill and neighboring communities abound and are distinguished by glitzy interiors, fancy food stacked high and menu items that are frankly out of this world in price & content. Keep up the good work. You will always be number one with us.0{ts '2008-12-27 13:08:10'}{ts '2008-12-27 16:50:16'}
2398RonnieSMy Husband's Affinityjunkmailron@comcast.netVoorheesNJIt was a snowy Christmas Eve, 1967, in Philly and some friends and I decided to venture over the bridge to Ponzio's, the only restaurant we knew to be open. Right before getting to the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge, our car got stuck in the snow and the four of us spent the evening digging ourselves out instead of eating. We never got to Ponzio's that night, but a few years later, I married and, in 1972 moved to Cherry Hill where Ponzio's soon became our second home. Ponzio's has always been my husband's favorite restaurant. And, it was the only place where our picky-eater son would eat as a little boy. One night over dinner there, we actually tried to figure out what percentage of our annual income we spent at Ponzio's. My husband, whose affinity for the restaurant was well known, once received a Ponizio's hat and sweatshirt for his birthday. It is still his favorite place to eat, he longs for the cheese rolls, and requests to go there every year on his birthday. 0{ts '2008-12-25 18:25:55'}{ts '2008-12-26 08:28:03'}
2493TedSotlandGrandpa, me and the # 3sotland@aol.comMoorestownNJ Every Sunday, my grandfather and I come to Ponzio's for breakfast. Every Sunday, my grandfather picks me up at nine o-clock at my house and drives to Ponzio's. Every Sunday, my grandfather and I order the same thing from the menu. My grandfather orders a #3 and I order a waffle. Our routine has become a weekly tradition. It is a special time for me to catch up with my grandfather on recent events and news. Many a Phillies player has been critiqued over our delicious breakfast. Whatever we do, it has become enjoyable to the point where we keep coming back. Maybe it is the food, or the friendly setting. We never go to another diner and have no desire to switch our Sunday tradition elsewhere. Ponzio's is the place for us. 0{ts '2008-12-23 18:25:42'}{ts '2008-12-23 20:30:43'}
2591JenniferWeissFamily Milestonesjweiss3147@aol.comVoorheesNJGrowing up in Cherry Hill, Ponzio's was both my kitchen (soemtimes 2 meals/day) and my emergency contact for school. My mother, the late Ellen Dubrow ate lunch every day at the same booth. I know the soups offered every day of the week and Thursday nights were always chicken pot pie nights, but you had to get yours early before they sold out. My husband asked me to marry him over a strawberry fruit tart in a booth at Ponzio's also. So many of my family milestones have been celebrated at Ponzios, my 18th birthday surprise party, my father's 50th surprise party...Ponzios has always been and will always be an integral part of the Dubrow & Weiss families and our "stories".0{ts '2008-12-23 15:17:50'}{ts '2008-12-23 18:17:30'}
2680violettafifisvioletta.fifs@yahoolumbertonNJLOVE UR DINER1{ts '2008-12-18 14:35:53'}
2777PearlFriedmanIn Memory of Davidlaperlamf1@aol.comCherry HillNJ25 years ago our son David was made manager of a "7-11", his entry into the really adult world and it was his great pleasure to mix with other "business people" at Ponzio's for lunch or breakfast. Ponzio's was really the center of town for our business and local government officials at that time and probably still is. David felt very privileged to be in the same company as all of these prominent people and loved to tell us of his time spent in Ponzios's. These memories are important to us as he is no longer with us but we can still remember his pride in being included in this group, in spite of his young age, his just entering this world of accomplished and "important" people.0{ts '2008-12-14 15:07:41'}{ts '2008-12-14 19:05:27'}
2875TinaLamarPonzio's And The Other Guytina.lamar@maritz.comMaple ShadeNJI have many great Ponzio's memories. I used to go there with my boyfriend Sam for breakfast on Sundays after church. The food was always great. I love the homefries with green pepper & onion. I also love those little jelly packets. It drove Sam crazy that I always wanted the flavor that wasn't in the filled holder. He said I was too high maintenance. We decided not to date any more. If jelly drove him crazy we propably wouldn't make it a lifetime. We are much better friends. I met a new guy. We started to go to Ponzio's on Sunday after breakfast, too. It was nice. We would get the paper. He would read the sports page and I would browse the sale. We got married, but it didn't last. Too much individual reading and no communication, but the breakfast was still good. I met a new guy. We had our first movie date on a bitter and cold night in January of 2007. Alfred and I went there after our first date for coffee and dessert. I wasn't too sure on the date, but you know what happened after dessert...... Fell in love, got married, and the rest is sweet history. 0{ts '2008-12-11 16:28:50'}{ts '2008-12-12 07:57:39'}
2973RobertaIsraelskyThe Schwartz Familyroberta719@aol.comCherry HillNJWe moved to Cherry Hill in 1972. The Schwartz family...Julian, Sylvia, Bobbie and Tammi.....it was a dream come true. Our realator took us to Ponzios for lunch before closing on our house. We were so impressed with the delicious culinary delights. The Schwartz family visited Ponzios at least once a week after that. Whenever there was something to celebrate, we went to Ponzios. We always saw friends and neighbors and just being there was such a comfort and we felt like we belonged. Julian and Sylvia are gone now....we lost them 2 years ago, but the very last place that my mom and dad ate at before they were too sick to go out, was Ponzios. I will always have a special place in my heart for this wonderful restaurant. I continue to eat and enjoy the treats at Ponzios and so do my children and soon I hope to bring my grandson or daughter into Ponzios. Three generations of Schwartz's have made Ponzios a big part of their lives. Thank you for the good times, the great cuisine, the laughs and the memories. Bobbie Schwartz-Israelsky and family: Erica, Evan, Brad, Dave, Tammi, Maris, Ben and Dan0{ts '2008-12-11 10:14:59'}{ts '2008-12-11 10:20:43'}
3066DaveDoughertyGrowing up with Ponzio'sdaviddougherty1@earthlink.netHaddonfieldNJEvery Saturday morning, my 3-year-old and I visit Ponzio’s on our way home from music class. At the end of class, she knows what’s coming and cheers, “We’re going to Ponzio’s!” Our first stop is the bakery counter to pick out a cupcake for dessert. They change with the season, so it’s always a surprise to see the choices. Bunnies, spiders, reindeer - she’s tried them all. A visit to the bakery is like looking at a toy store window, but even better because she gets to eat what she sees! Each week as I look at my menu and she draws on her placemat, I ask her what she wants to eat - though her answer is always the same: “Grilled cheese and French fries and milk and a cupcake and a pickle!” The food is great and the staff is always friendly, and to top it off she gets to take home a balloon. We’ve been doing this since she was a year old. Back then, she sat in a high chair, drank from a sippy cup, and ate the tiny pieces of grilled cheese that I cut for her. Watching her move up to a booster seat then a regular seat, learn to drink from a big kid cup, and be able to eat the sandwich all on her own, I realize how quickly she’s growing up and I’m glad we have this time together each week.0{ts '2008-12-06 16:53:58'}{ts '2008-12-07 20:55:19'}
3163PhyllisSt. OngeAunt's Favorite Dinerskierj27@hotmail.comHaddonfieldNJPonzio's reminded me of my uncle's very successful restaurant, Greene's in Chicago, where I grew up. My father and uncle came from Greece and their original name was Ougrinis. When I came to NJ, I was introduced to Ponzio's. I felt at home. We take my aunt to Ponzio's when she visits from D.C. She never lets us take her to another NJ restaurant. She always orders a steak and never finishes it. She takes home most of her meal and then buys the cheese rolls, bread and some sweets of course. My husband always laughes as we are loaded down with boxes and leftovers. However, the next day our treasured boxes reminds us of our very enjoyable evening. My aunt's visits are not as frequent, but now our children are able to visit Ponzio's on their own. 0{ts '2008-12-05 00:40:00'}{ts '2008-12-05 09:26:17'}
3262FrankStamatocmstamato@comcast.netCherry HillNJOur whole family has regularly enjoyed both snacks and celebrations at your restaurant, since we moved here 37 years ago. As we have in the past, this summer we visited during the week, for brunch with our young grandaughter and we requested a table and highchair. We were asked to wait, and we did so with no problem. After awhile, we asked the hostess how much longer it would be, after other patrons arrived and were seated. I was told that nothing was available, and probably wouldn't be since the the back room was being used. We were very disappointed, and left . A week or so later we went for breakfast, and once again requested a table and highchair. We knew that there would be wait, and we were fine with it. After what seemed like another 15 minutes, we felt like we were being ignored, and decided to leave. The rudeness of the hosts made us feel like we were in the way, and we haven't been back since. Frank Stamato 1{ts '2008-12-04 14:44:41'}
3359SusanRyanAunt Alice from Woodburysryan@mjra-architects.comMedfordNJWhen my husband and I moved to South Jersey nine years ago, we became the relatives nearest his great aunt in Woodbury, who had lost all of her immediate family. In her early eighties, she didn't get out much, but when we visited she always wanted to go to Ponzio's where she had been a regular for years. She always ordered the ham...Aunt Alice passed away in 2003 but a visit to Ponzio's or just driving by always reminds me of her and makes me smile.0{ts '2008-12-03 13:09:12'}{ts '2008-12-05 09:25:41'}
3454LoisMarcolongoA Journey to Ponzio'sloismarcolongo@netscape.netClementonNJAt thousands of miles in the air, en route for my annual trip home to New Jersey from working overseas in Europe, the experience still stayed with me. After 34 years, nothing could diminish or fade the memory of a family meal at Ponzio's in Cherry Hill. Each year, usually at Christmastime, my 8-hour flight was made more enjoyable knowing that, upon arrival, the beautiful, joyful faces of my family would be waiting to greet me and whisk me off to a "Welcome Home" dinner at our favorite diner in Cherry Hill. My eyes closed on the plane, in complete reverie, as the warmth and excitement of Ponzio's filled my senses -- wonderful welcoming staff and fabulous, unmistakable aromas. I felt the excitement I always did as a child and young adult, knowing the treat awaiting me. Even as I would savor and appreciate all of the fine cafes, trattorias and restaurants in Europe, one memory could always warm my soul when homesickness set in -- that my friends at Ponzio's, greeting me and serving me their renowned, fresh and excellent cuisine in a warm, clean atmosphere of delight, followed by eye-popping and delicious, fanciful pastries and desserts, would always be there, celebrating me home0{ts '2008-11-25 14:10:58'}{ts '2008-12-05 09:25:32'}
3538SusanLevyBisque Bettingoro21k@hotmail.comManalapanNJWell, it's 12 years later and we still speak fondly of "Bisque Betting".On Saturday night, 3 types of bisque used to be offered...shrimp, lobster or crab. We never knew wich one it would be....so we would each pick one and see which one "won".(only one was served) The "winner" got bragging rights! Now we do all of our betting in A C or at Philly Park, but we still come back to Ponzios for their outstanding soups!0{ts '2008-11-13 19:07:25'}{ts '2008-12-05 09:25:20'}
3631CarolynMessiascmessias@verizon.netCherry HillNJI have the fondest memories of Ponzio's. Growing up in Cherry Hill, we always went to Ponzio's after high school dates and dances. A big thing was1{ts '2008-11-07 15:55:40'}
3730HeidiRoistacherHROIST@AOL.COMMoorestownNJAs a child my entire family would gather at Ponzio's for Sunday dinner. We would meet in front of the bakery window. My cousins and I would steam up1{ts '2008-11-05 15:01:55'}
3826JohnFordjohn.r.fore@earthlink.netCherry HillNJBack in the late 60s, the Woodstown High School band sponsored trips to see the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Academy of Music. A bunch of us "boys" 1{ts '2008-10-30 20:33:41'}
3922ElisaSimkovitzNot Your Typical Diner!elisasimkovitz@gmail.com8564261552Cherry HillNJ333 Tuvira Lane08003 I am from Philly and we never went to diners too much so when I moved to Cherry Hill and my now husband suggested we go to Ponzio's for dinner on a Saturday night date, I was appalled! &quot;A diner??!!&quot; I thought, &quot;What kind of date is that?&quot; <br> But to my surprise, Ponzio's was not your typical diner! There were so many good dinners on the menu and the portions were excellent! The dinners came with a huge salad and the best dinner rolls (mmm....that cinnamon bread and cheese roll!) around. And the desserts were not to be believed!<br> You can bet I changed my mind about Jersey diners (although none is quite like Ponzio's.) We not only go for dinner, but weekend breakfasts are also on our list! And our 14 year old son always compares everyone else's french onion soup; none is as good as Ponzio's.<br> Thanks, Ponzio's! <br>Friend0{ts '2008-10-24 12:33:20'}{ts '2008-10-24 12:33:23'}
4021LindaLowenthalBreakfast Any Timelasl@comcast.net 8564295666Cherry HillNJ22 East Riding Drive08003Our Ponzio's story began in 1964. The family tradition of breakfast-any-time-of-day at Ponzio's proudly continues. Just last week our older son came home from a year studying overseas. His first request was of course to eat at Ponzio's for their feta cheese/spinach omelet. Grandpa recently flew up from Florida and insisted we drive directly to Ponzio's for breakfast-any-time-of-day! <br> During high school in the early 1970's my husband and I both sat &amp; sipped our &quot;Sanka&quot; way past curfew on many a date at Ponzio's. Today we are served a selection of tea from a fancy wooden box. Because Ponzio's is Not Your typical Diner, we thank you! <br> xo Linda &amp; Harvey Lowenthal and family Newspaper0{ts '2008-10-23 16:07:23'}{ts '2008-10-23 16:07:25'}
4120LarryShoreMemoriesplexi1@comcast.net8564246911Cherry Hill NJ1406 Chanticleer Dr08003When Debbie and I got married we were living in the Phila. suburbs. We got a fresh start in Cherry Hill and re-discovered an old favorite whenever we went through Jersey, Ponzios. We told our friends that we moved over the bridge just to be close to Ponzios. Not much later we found out that a baby was on the way. <br> What better place than Ponzios to go with our book of 10,000 baby names and peruse the list over their coffee. <br> We were there the night before her scheduled C section and wrote our final choice of names on a Ponzios place mat. There we were in the preparation room still going over the final choices. We kiddingly said the name Ponzio could work.<br> Alas, Randall won out!!<br> <br> From that day on, our server Elsa [now a manager] knew Randy and my ability to hold and feed him with him cradled in my arm while still being able to cut and butter my bagel on mornings I was going solo. <br> <br> Great memories. Incidentally, Randy is now 19 0{ts '2008-10-17 12:46:15'}{ts '2008-10-23 16:11:19'}
4219JoannaPotopchukChildhood MemoriesPOTOPCHUK605@COMCAST.NET8567288047WilliamstownNJ605 Wildwood Avenue08094Just wanted to share my ponzio's story. it goes back quite a few years, a little over 33 to be exact. The summer of 75'.<br> <br> We dined at your restaurant after a day of shopping w/ my great aunt & uncle. You see our mother had past away, June 30, 1975 & left behind five of us between the ages of 3 to 12. My aunt & uncle had taken us school shopping for the upcoming school year & decided to take us out to dinner. <br> <br> We were all so excited, as we had never done that before. Our parents couldn't afford to take all of us out like that. Our treat was getting pizza once in a while. So there we were all dressed up in our new clothes walking in to this fancy restaurant. I'll never forget it. We were so good our aunt & uncle treated us with dessert. <br><br> I remember talking about that dinner w/ my brothers & sisters for quite sometime after that. Since that time when we have gotten the chance to eat there, of course my mind goes right back to that summer night in 75' when I experienced my first restaurant meal.<br> <br> Thanks for the great memory. 0{ts '2008-10-07 13:27:12'}{ts '2008-10-23 16:11:21'}
4318NinaYorker (Vill)Fond Memoriesninayorker@comcast.net8568668688Mt. LaurelNJ104 Burnam Wood Court08054In 1974 as I was sitting in my math class at 9AM in CHHS [Cherry Hill High School] East. Two of my friends were at the door saying I was needed in the office. I was allowed to go. As we walked in the halls, they said &quot;lets go to Ponzios for breakfast. We left school, and went to eat. We all were having our meal, enjoying a cinnamin roll, toasted of course and reveling the fact we skipped school.<br> When we asked for a refill on our coffee the waitress had something to say. She said &quot;your father is in the booth down the aisle and he said to tell you that he would pay our bill, and to get our butts back to school. &quot;I looked up and saw my father waving to me I was mortified, I kissed him on the way out and went back to school.<br> That night he gave me a ponzios credit card. As he handed the card to me (I WAS SO SCARED) he said &quot;GET AN EARLIER START EACH DAY AND GO TO PONZIOS TO HAVE BREAKFAST. WHEW I DODGED A BULLET. <br> After that my dad and I met at ponzios at least 3 morning a week, with all of my early bird friends in tow. Those day are so dear to me, my father died 26 years ago, I miss him everyday, STILL... <br> But when I go to Ponzios today , I am Flooded with wonderful memories of him, especially the day he caught me. We were best friends after that. Mailer0{ts '2008-10-03 10:50:48'}{ts '2008-10-23 16:11:23'}
4417HarveyHowardGreat For BusinessWe've been meeting our clients and prospects here for years. The food is great and the staff treats us like family. Ponzios is good for business.0{ts '2008-10-01 12:55:34'}{ts '2008-10-01 12:55:36'}