Our History Pomptonian's history of excellence in food service dates back 60 years.
    1950's
  • Nicholas and Marie Russo (1st generation) begin construction of the Pomptonian Steak House
  • The Pomptonian was established in 1959 by Michael and Giovina Coscia (2nd generation), founded as a restaurant, in Cedar Grove.
    • 1960's
  • Cedar Grove completed construction of its high school and needed someone to run the cafeteria. The Board approached Pomptonian, asking for some temporary help, and we are still thriving in that district today. The first Manager was Marie Russo.
    • 1970's
  • The company was managing four school cafeterias and had another two coming aboard early the next year. The restaurant was sold and Pomptonian’s efforts were devoted entirely to quality school service.
  • Candy Vidovich (3rd generation) joins the company while still in grade school.
    • 1980's
  • Opened Pastatime Restaurant in Ramsey - later sold to Café Panache.
  • The first annual Pomptonian employee picnic
    • 1990's
  • Mark Vidovich takes over as President
  • Relocated corporate headquarters to Fairfield
  • The annual Pomptonian employee picnic
    • 2000's
  • Pomptonian grows to 50 Accounts
  • Lodi School District named as Kickoff school for the USDA Eat Right, Move More contest in partnership with the NY Jets
  • The annual Pomptonian employee picnic.
  • Pomptonian gains 75th Account
    • 2010's
  • Mark and Candy Vidovich received the prestigious Above and Beyond award, presented to them by the New Jersey Association of School Business Officials (NJASBO).
  • Bobby Green retires after 54 years! Bobby was one of the very first employees, dating back to the restaurant.
  • Cathy Penna is promoted to Vice President. She was the first non-family member to have earned this position based on exceptional service.
  • Named one of the Top 250 Privately Held Companies by NJBIZ
  • NJASBO names Pomptonian Associate Business Member Partner of the Year – Honorable Mention
  • NJBIZ Business of the Year Honoree
  • Pomptonian is awarded 100th Account
  • Food Management magazine ranks Pomptonian #29 in Top 50 Contract Management Companies in the country. Also named one of FM’s 6 COMPANIES TO WATCH, one of half a dozen under-the-radar companies from the 2019 Top 50 to keep an eye on this year.
  • 4th generation of family joins the Pomptonian Management Team
  • Named one of New Jersey’s Top Women-Owned Businesses by NJBIZ
  • Pomptonian celebrates its 60th anniversary
    • Today

The Pomptonian was established in 1959. Founded as a restaurant, The Pomptonian, in Cedar Grove, New Jersey was located across the street from the popular Meadowbrook Dinner Theater. In 1961, the town of Cedar Grove completed construction of its High School and needed someone to run the cafeteria. The Board members approached The Pomptonian restaurant, asking for some temporary help, and we are still thriving in that district today.

The restaurant flair The Pomptonian brought to school food service spurred commendations and recommendations. In 1970, the company was managing four school cafeterias and had another two coming aboard early the next year. The restaurant was sold and Pomptonian’s efforts were devoted entirely to quality school service.

The reputation of quality and innovative service earned by each Pomptonianite encouraged more and more districts to join the family of Pomptonian cafeterias.

Throughout the years, the company has enjoyed diversified experiences in food service, including restaurants, catering, corporate dining, and school service. For many years our single focus has been on school service. Pomptonian serves over 100 school districts throughout the state of New Jersey and has over 2,000 employees. The excellent service we provide to our valued customers has enabled us to enjoy successful relationships with our existing accounts while fueling our growth.