Autumn Years Fall 2024

Robbery In March 1973, a teaser ad ran in the newspaper, saying only, “Get ready to dock at Pier 17 Paramus.” Soon, the popular “land yachts” of the 1970s were filling the parking lot, and one of those large cars would be taken in a brazen robbery. The nautical-themed Nico’s Pier 17 opened in June 1973, at 464 Route 17, just two buildings north of the Paramus Skating Rink. The well-known seafood restaurant was located in the former Bustraans’s restaurant. As to “Nico,” patrons could take their pick, as it was owned by both Nick Christo and Nick Miltiaes. They also owned the Her itage Diner in Hackensack, and all of the desserts for Pier 17 were made at the diner and delivered daily. Pier 17 was described as a lovely dining spot with stained glass windows, Tiffany lamps, warm wood, carpeting, fireplace and a separate step-down lounge and bar— and it was popular. When Pier 17 first opened, diners could expect an hour’s wait on week ends (the restaurant did not accept res ervations). There were about 20 appetizer options, including Little Neck or cher rystone clams ($1.85), blue point oysters ($2.25) and linguine with red or white sauce. The broiled seafood combination platter ($7.50) included a full lobster tail, scallops, fish fillet and shrimp. The large platter of Alaskan King crab legs was $6.50. A pianist performed six nights a

found the next day in Paterson. The res taurant closed after 2004, and a Capitol One bank was built on the site in 2008. Suspicious blaze Italian restaurants are one of the coun ty’s most popular types, and Jerry’s Villa was likely the first one in northern Bergen County. Located in Montvale, it was first located on the southwest cor ner of Summit Avenue and Spring Val ley Road. Later, the restaurant relocated to the northwest corner. Both versions of the restaurant met a fiery end, but one fire was suspicious (if not criminal). The original restaurant was constructed in 1932 by Jerry Della Bella, but by the late 1950s, Jerry’s sons Pasquale and Sal took it over. A new building was constructed in 1959 in the then-very-popular mid century modern architectural style. It opened just in time for the Thanksgiving rush. The restaurant was known for “superb Italian American cui-

week, and local singer-bandleader Tony Saxon entertained there for extended gigs. As a landlocked maritime-themed restaurant, Pier 17 was not the target of pirates—however, in 1975 two masked gunmen followed the manager inside the building at 8:30am, tied him up and took $10,000 from the safe. The crooks stayed for three hours as the other 17 employees, and two utility workers, ar rived. In turn, each was tied up and robbed of whatever cash they had. The thieves jumped ship in a new Oldsmo bile, owned by a waitress, from whom they grabbed the keys. The car was

40 AUTUMN YEARS I FALL 2024