Lenny's in B'ville was open while town remained dark
Nov 9, 2012
BERNARDSVILLE – Ramy Ibrahim came to the United States from Egypt and through hard work, including long days and nights, established a successful business.
When Super Storm Sandy landed on Monday, Oct. 29, and the damage it left behind was evident, Ibrahim knew he had to do what he could to help.
So he garnered a generator and opened his Lenny's Trattoria in the Bernardsville Plaza Shopping Center in Bernardsville, which for nearly a week was the only place where one could buy something hot to eat.
"I slept on the counter most nights," Ibrahim said as customer after customer queued up to pick up pizza pies or to sit down at one of the tables to have a brief respite from the aftermath of the storm.
"I wanted to keep an eye on the generator, make sure it had gasoline and be able to open each day,'' he said. "I've been here for 17 years so it's the least I could do."
Flour, fresh rolls and tomato sauce was plentiful and mozzarella cheese was kept fresh but Ibrahim had to turn away a large supply order because he couldn't keep all of the fresh food refrigerated under the circumstances.
The Warren Township resident also had a generator at home to enable him to catch a brief nap, take a hot shower and check on his family.
"I was here most of the time though because you have to keep an eye on things. I had to send my men for gasoline, I ran for supplies and then had to come back to keep track of the bookkeeping and the kitchen."
Bookkeeping reverted to the old fashion way: "Cash Only" read the sign on the open door.
Lenny's was the only eating establishment open in the borough for several days.
Sunday night, power was finally restored to the downtown section while residents still struggled with no power or heat in their homes.
The buzz of generators could be heard in dark neighborhoods as some fortunate homeowners managed to obtain generators and help hooking up temporary power to their homes.
But the pizza and hot sandwiches kept flowing from the ovens at Lenny's Trattoria as appreciative customers thanked Ibrahim and his employees for being open.