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Lower Cape May Grad Helps Lead Award-Winning Student Film to National Recognition

Issue #315

April 12, 2025

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In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather 

🍽Lower Cape May Grad Helps Lead Award-Winning Student Film to National Recognition

‍ 👮‍ ‘Every Night Is Family Night’: Wildwood Ramps Up Summer Curfew Patrols

 🎡 Ocean City's Castaway Cove Braces for Crowds as Sole Boardwalk Amusement Park

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Shop Local

👇 Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇  

 April 12

OUR NEW EVENT SUBMISSION FORM

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Bernardo, Aurea Hernandez and Valentina Tapia

Local Favorite: A Sit-Down with Bernardo Tapia of Bruni’s Pizzeria

 Bernardo Tapia is the owner of Bruni’s Pizzeria on Rio Grande Avenue, located in the same strip mall as Canal’s and Dairy Queen. Bruni’s pizza is some of the best in the area, they have an extensive menu and a very friendly staff.

So, Bruni’s was originally part of a franchise, right?
Yes, it still is. The original location is in Hammonton, and this is the second one.

Do you own both?
No, I just run this one — the Rio Grande location. I’ve had it for about a year and a half now, so this is my second year as owner.

Were you involved before taking over?
Absolutely. I’ve worked here for about seven years. I started as an employee, so I know the place inside and out. Since taking over, I’ve kept the classics the same — the recipes, the pizza, everything. But I’ve added some new items too: wings, chicken tenders, things like that. We keep expanding the menu slowly.

What’s your top seller?
The pizza, no question. People love the thin crust. It's crisp, not floppy — especially if you eat it here, fresh out of the oven.

Aside from pizza, what do you think sets Bruni’s apart?
We’re all about family now — me, my wife, the kids. We’ve made the vibe more welcoming, more community-focused. I tell my staff all the time: customer service comes first. We’ve got music playing now, the place feels good, the energy’s always positive. We want people to feel at home here.

Do you get a lot of regulars?
Yes, especially on Fridays. It’s like a weekly meetup — same faces, same orders. If someone misses a Friday, we notice. It’s that kind of place.

What are your current hours?
Right now, it’s Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays we stay open until 9. In the summer, we’ll extend to 10 p.m. on weekends.

I heard from one of your staff that police officers stop by a lot.
They do! We get a lot of support from local law enforcement — Lower Township, Middle Township. Sometimes even the SWAT team shows up on Thursdays, like 30 guys at once. We love serving first responders. They protect us, so we do what we can for them.

And sometimes they bring some local gossip too?
[Laughs] Yeah, sometimes. It's nice to hear what’s going on around the area.

I once came in at closing and was offered a slice of BLT pizza. It sounded odd but was amazing.
That one’s a summer favorite. People love it even though it sounds strange. Another hit has been the mango habanero chicken pizza — fried chicken, sweet heat from the sauce, and a little ranch. It blew up after we added it. Took off way faster than we expected.

What would you say to someone who hasn’t tried Bruni’s yet?
Start simple. Try a plain slice fresh from the oven. The thin crust is crisp, not soggy. I’m picky about how our pizza comes out — it has to be just right. Once people try it, they usually come back.

Anything else you want people to know?
Just that we’re here, and we’re all in. My wife Aurea and I are always around. Our kids — Mateo (7) and Valentina (3) — are often here too, running around. It’s a real family business. Come in, say hi to Dayna or Brielle up front, grab a slice. Give us a shot — you won’t regret it.


Have a Merchant You Want to see Featured?

Lower Cape May Grad Helps Lead Award-Winning Student Film to National Recognition

 

 Montclair State University students, including Lower Cape May alumna Aylin Alvarez Santiago, won first place in the news category of the 44th College Television Awards for their documentary Arizona Stories: Border, Water & Politics. The film also received the Seymour Bricker Humanitarian Award for its social impact. Santiago helped produce a segment on cowboy culture. The project was part of a field reporting course and aired on local TV in 2024. Out of 232 entries, 22 were nominated, and Montclair’s film triumphed over entries from UNC and the University of Miami. The experience fueled Santiago’s passion for storytelling and documentary work.

 

Cape May’s Lafayette Street Park Moves Forward With Summer Upgrades

 Cape May’s Lafayette Street Park project is advancing with new features including bocce courts and a relocated dog park expected by July 4. The city council also introduced rules for new nature trails and a raised boardwalk near the marsh. The park has faced years of delays due to environmental remediation and coordination among various agencies. A land swap recently approved by the DEP allows for a new police station while protecting additional green space elsewhere.

Crabs, Crushes, and Comebacks: Two Mile Landing Sets Opening Date

 Two Mile Landing Crab House and Crush Bar in Wildwood Crest is reopening for the 2025 season on Friday, April 18. Known for its fresh seafood and signature orange crush drinks, the waterfront restaurant features indoor and outdoor dining with great summer vibes. A recent joke about repainting their red tables green turned out to be an April Fool’s prank. They’re also hiring seasonal staff with job fairs scheduled for April 12, April 19, and May 3. Applications are available on their website.

Cape May is renowned for its collection of what type of architecture, which is so significant that the entire city has been designated as a National Historic Landmark?

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Answer to the April 11th Trivia Question

Which historic district in Cape May includes over 600 buildings, making it one of the largest collections of preserved Victorian structures in the United States?

A) Cape May Historic District
B) Washington Street Mall
C) Emlen Physick Estate
D) Lafayette Street Historic District

Answer: A) Cape May Historic District

The Cape May Historic District encompasses more than 600 Victorian buildings, making it one of the largest collections of such architecture in the United States. This area is a National Historic Landmark due to its historical significance and architectural beauty​l​.​

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