HomeFeaturesFoodSummer and Autumn Cafe Brings Brunch to Lodi

Summer and Autumn Cafe Brings Brunch to Lodi

A new chef-driven cafe is using local ingredients to create a unique brunch experience in Lodi. Summer & Autumn Cafe is a cozy, 450-square foot spot that seats 32 guests indoors. In addition, their dog-friendly sidewalk seating fits 12 guests. Co-owner Marisa Sudol describes the space as “rustic, floral, and simple.”

Co-owners Chef Chris Paolello and his fiancé, Sudol, are Bergen County natives, born and raised; growing up in North Arlington and Wallington, respectively. This makes Lodi an ideal location for Summer & Autumn Cafe, as both are familiar with the area.


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The Origin of Summer and Autumn Cafe

Paolello is an Institute of Culinary Education alumni. His experience in kitchens ranges from fine dining at STATE Grill & Bar in New York City to pub-style gourmet at Cowan’s Public in Nutley. He also owns his own healthy meal prep company, Summer & Autumn Meal Prep.

Summer and Autumn Cafe is the result of Sudol’s stage 3 cancer recovery and their second child’s birth; both serving as inspirations to follow their dreams and live for the moment. “Throughout the journey of my cancer—diagnosis, chemotherapy, side effects—we both learned that not only does everything happen for a reason, but it’s important to live every day as if it was your last,” Sudol says. “Chef Chris has always dreamed of opening up a brunch cafe. So, when the opportunity presented itself to him, he had to jump on it.”

Summer and Autumn Cafe Family Photo

Brunch Menu Faves

So far, guests are loving the grilled cheese and tomato soup from Summer and Autumn Cafe. But Paolello is also proud of the popular Brunch Board; this platter features pancakes as well as thick-cut bacon, sausage, fried chicken, and a waffle with syrup and butter. Meanwhile, the “BLAT” option includes thick-cut bacon, lettuce, avocado slices, and tomato. Then there’s the Starvin’ Marvin’ chef specialty; which includes pancakes or brioche French toast, thick-cut bacon and sausage, and two eggs any style.

Summer and Autumn Cafe is BYOB, but they do provide mixers. You’ll also find pitchers of brunch punch, a “fruity juice blend with chopped fruits,” according to Sudol. “It’s delicious even if you’re not using it to mix,” she adds. Likewise, they serve a mimosa mixer and Bloody Mary mixer.

You can visit Summer & Autumn Cafe at 17 Summer Street in Lodi. The spot can host private dinner parties, and will soon offer private chef dinners as well; during this, Chef Chris will create multi-course meals in front of guests. Look for them online to find the full menu, hours, and other info.

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Summer and Autumn Cafe FAQs

Do you accept Reservations?

Yes, they accept reservations.

Are there Gluten-free options?

They have gluten-free items, yes.

Are there Vegetarian options?

Yes, there are vegetarian options.

Do you offer Takeout?

Yes, they offer takeout.

Can you offer Delivery?

They offer delivery, yes.

Do you have a Liquor license?

No, they are BYOB.

Is there a Kids’ menu?

Yes, there is a kids’ menu.


All Photos: © Summer and Autumn Cafe

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