New Local Restaurant 'Fortezza' Possesses Italian Flare

What type of business is Fortezza?

Shirley Humala: "We are a family restaurant that specializes in Italian cuisine."

How long has your business been in the township?

Luis Humala: "Three months, we opened on Aug. 25."

What is your signature item or an important feature of your business?

Shirley Humala: "Our signature dish is Pollo Fortezza. It is chicken breast, Italian sausage, potatoes and onions mixed together in a hot, spicy lemon white wine sauce. That meal is also served with the vegetable of the day"

What are some of the positives and negatives of owning a small business?

Shirley Humala: "A positive of our small business is that we handle everything and we make sure all of our food is fresh. All of the food my husband and Luis prepare is fresh and made to order. We have had regular customers and they have noticed that element about us and have come back.  A negative is that we have started from the ground up and it has been tough to advertise our restaurant."

What is the best thing about owning a small business in West Orange?

Luis Palaguachi: "We all live in West Orange and know the area very well. We also know a lot of the customers very well and I like bringing people I know to my hometown and the restaurant I own."

Fortezza is located at 320 Main St. Check out the restaurant on Nov. 30 to celebrate Small Business Saturday. The restaurant will be giving away gift bags provided by American Express for SBS and will be first come, first serve.