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Mayor Patricia Gerra Frasier helps open De Shark Coffee; owner says name came from his pit bull
Summary
Mayor Patricia Gerra Frasier joined owner Miguel and his family to cut the ribbon at De Shark Coffee’s grand opening near Union’s train station. Miguel said the café’s name was inspired by his deaf pit bull, and officials encouraged commuters and residents to stop by.
Mayor Patricia Gerra Frasier joined owner Miguel and his family onstage to celebrate the grand opening of De Shark Coffee in Union on [date not specified]. The mayor introduced Miguel, his wife Janette and their daughter Gabriella Marino and invited the community to support the new local business.
Miguel said the café’s unusual name comes from his pet. "It comes from the star here, my pitbull. He was born deaf and when he was a puppy, he used to lay on his back and ... I took a picture of him. It resembled the poster for the movie Jaws ... I started nicknaming him Shark and I came up with the name Dev Shark," Miguel said, introducing the dog as the shop’s mascot.
Scott Casalenos, visiting from nearby Roselle Park, praised the new business as a convenient local option and urged residents to "support local businesses in today's economy." "I encourage everybody to stop by, have a coffee, have a sweet treat," he said.
A community supporter who identified himself as Manny congratulated Miguel and his family and said he had already sampled the Salvadoran coffee on offer. "The coffee is great ... come out and get some great food and enjoy and support local communities," Manny said.
Township administrator Don Travisano said the café’s storefront sits adjacent to the train station and predicted the location would benefit from commuter traffic. "If you hear the background noise, it's the train going by," he said, adding that the site is a growing commercial spot and wishing the owners well.
Miguel provided practical details for customers: the address is 900 Greenlane and the business is on social media under the handle Def Shark Coffee on Instagram and Facebook; the phone number was not provided. Janette thanked attendees and said the family plans to "work with the community" and host local events.
The event closed with an invitation to area residents and commuters to stop by De Shark Coffee for drinks and events. Organizers encouraged visitors to bring pets to meet the café mascot and to follow the shop’s social pages for updates.
