Borough of Kenilworth Honors Massimo Italian Delicatessen with Mayoral Proclamation

Massimo's Italian Deli earned public recognition at the Kenilworth borough council meeting on September 16 when Mayor awarded a mayoral proclamation celebrating the establishment's fourth Mutz Madness championship. The honor recognizes Massimo's as the Best Mozzarella in New Jersey, following an online competition conducted by Jersey Sandwich Joints and Jersey Pizza Joints on Facebook, communities founded by Guy Madsen.

The competition was decisive. Massimo's won first place with 1,468 votes, significantly ahead of second-place finisher Vinnie's Mootz in Lyndhurst, which received 965 votes.

Located at 532 Boulevard in Kenilworth, Massimo's Italian Deli has established itself as a cornerstone of the community. The deli makes fresh mozzarella daily and opens six days a week (closed Mondays), with the team starting preparation at 7:30 a.m. and opening doors at 8 a.m. Beyond its award-winning mozzarella, Massimo's specializes in fresh pastas, ravioli, and house-made sausage. Tuesday through Friday, the deli prepares hot foods to order. Massimo's also offers catering services for all events, including hot food and cold antipasto platters.

The Borough of Kenilworth celebrated the achievement in its official statement: "We are proud to recognize Massimo Italian Deli for earning its fourth Mutz Madness championship. Massimo's has been a special part of Kenilworth for years, known for its fresh mozzarella, incredible sandwiches, Italian specialties, and the kind of aromas that make you hungry the second you walk through the door."

The proclamation reflects not just a single award, but a pattern of recognition that distinguishes Massimo's in a competitive market. With its fourth Mutz Madness title, the deli continues to be a destination for Kenilworth residents and visitors seeking authentic Italian food and craftsmanship.

FAQ

Q: What is Mutz Madness and why is Massimo's winning important?

A: Mutz Madness is an online competition conducted by Jersey Sandwich Joints and Jersey Pizza Joints Facebook communities, where members vote for the best mozzarella in New Jersey. Massimo's won first place with 1,468 votes, earning its fourth Mutz Madness championship. This level of recognition reflects both community preference and the quality of the deli's mozzarella.

Q: Where is Massimo's Italian Deli located and when is it open?

A: Massimo's is located at 532 Boulevard in Kenilworth. The deli is open six days a week, closed Mondays. The team begins preparation at 7:30 a.m., and the deli opens at 8 a.m.

Q: What does Massimo's make besides mozzarella?

A: Massimo's makes fresh mozzarella daily, but also specializes in fresh pastas, ravioli, and house-made sausage. Tuesday through Friday, the deli prepares hot foods. Massimo's also offers catering services for all events, including hot food and cold antipasto platters.

Q: Why was Massimo's honored by the Borough of Kenilworth?

A: The Borough of Kenilworth presented a mayoral proclamation on September 16, 2026, to recognize Massimo's achievement of earning its fourth Mutz Madness championship. The proclamation celebrates the deli's role as a community landmark known for fresh mozzarella, sandwiches, Italian specialties, and its distinctive aromas.

Q: What makes Massimo's mozzarella award-winning?

A: Massimo's makes fresh mozzarella daily, which is a key differentiator. The online voting process, which included participation from Jersey Sandwich Joints and Jersey Pizza Joints communities, allowed consumers to directly compare mozzarella quality across New Jersey. Massimo's winning first place with 1,468 votes reflects community preference and customer satisfaction.

Q: How long has Massimo's been in Kenilworth?

A: According to the Borough of Kenilworth, Massimo's "has been a special part of Kenilworth for years." The deli has earned four Mutz Madness championships, reflecting a long-standing reputation for quality and craftsmanship.

Q: Does Massimo's offer catering?

A: Yes. Massimo's offers catering services for all events, including hot food and cold antipasto platters. Interested parties can contact the deli for catering details.