Hayek’s celebrates expansion

By Laurie Gordon
NEWTON — When you mention Hayek’s Market to them, you can see the pride in Dan and Denise Hayek.

The long-time Newton landmark, located on the corner of Mill and Water streets, started as a small deli/store had grown into a local icon.

“My grandfather opened Hayek’s in 1939,” Dan Hayek said. From there, his father and uncle took it over until the late 1980s when Dan took the helm.

In 2001 he married Denise, who helped him mold it into what it is today. “It was time for an expansion,” Dan said. “We felt putting the money into the business would be worth it to build the market,” Denise added.

So, In effort to expand on what was already selling well, bring in more local vendors and grow the market’s bakery, produce, deli and prepared foods departments, Hayek’s recently finished a huge renovation project.

Now, with the addition of an ice cream stand, a patio and a whole lot more, the new Hayek’s celebrated its grand re-opening with a ribbon cutting a couple of weeks ago.

Residents of Fredon, the Hayek’s own and manage the market which takes up a lot of their time.

They said they are fortunate to have employees such as butcher Dave Howard, of Lafayette, and baker Michael Florentine, of Frankford.

In addition to cheesecakes and pies, Florentine has become locally famous for his breads. Local and Jersey products that are sold at the market include Seven Acre Bakers’ cakes and confections, Clove Market’s baked goods, Gerardo’s Marinara sauce, and Cliff’s ice cream. and Tate’s Bake Shop products.

Hayek’s also carries wines from Hopewell Valley Vineyard as part of the state’s program which allows vineyards to sell at a select number of locations.

Associated Wholesalers Inc.(AWI) representative Gary Lauer, said “The enhancement they’ve done is tremendous.” Based in Robesonia, PA, AWI provides some of the market’s grocery, dairy, meat and deli products. “We’ve been supplying Hayek’s since Dan’s dad ran the business. They’ve do a great job with the business.”

The ceremony began with Dan Hayek thanking all those involved in the expansion ending with special thanks to Hayek’s customers and dedicated employees. Reverend Brian Sullivan, the Pastor at the Roman Catholic Community of Saint Joseph, in Newton, then blessed the market prior to the ribbon cutting.

Three generations of Hayeks were on hand to celebrate, including the Hayek’s children, Julie and Josh.

Hayek’s Market is located at 1 Mill St. in Newton and offers ample parking in its lot which is accessible from either the Mill St. or Water St. (aka Route 206/94) side.

the market now even has a Facebook page. “I wasn’t brought up with all this technology, but hey, it’s time to do it,” Dan said. The page is up and running and contains pertinent information about the market, specials, hours and customer comments.

Hayek’s is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and on Sundays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. For further information, 973-383-1640 or www.hayeksmarket.com.