Marino’s of Mullica Hill to close temporarily for expansion

Upscale New Jersey pizza joint Marino's of Mullica Hill will close temporarily as the restaurant undergoes construction for a significant expansion, owner Anthony Marino announced this week.

The restaurant, which opened in the Mullica Hill Commons Shopping Center in 2011, will be closed for one month beginning Saturday, Aug. 20. There will be a grand re-opening on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at noon, featuring a ceremonial "pizza-cutting," as well as deals on slices ($1) and pies ($5).

Marino's expansion plans include doubling the square footage of the restaurant by taking over a vacant neighboring space, and increasing the restaurant's seating capacity from 40 guests to 90 inside and from 12 to 24 outside. Additional improvements, such as an upgraded kitchen with larger spaces for food prep and refrigeration, are also planned.

In addition to increasing the space's size, Marino's will also turn its attention to to-go options with a "grab-and-go" cold case, which the restaurant plans to tock with its sandwiches and salads. The restaurant's menu itself, however, will not be altered.