07/28/2026
We hope to continue to make The Netta family proud by continuing Rocco’s legacy of food and family on LBI! Thanks Jo Ann LaBrutto Netta for trusting us 8 years ago!! We look forward to many years to come!
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Sometimes, the most powerful stories are told in just a few words. Today, I’m sharing a bench story from JoAnn, about her husband. In her words...
Our Bench Story
In honor of my husband—a devoted father, grandfather, friend, and proud owner of the Black Dog Café/Deli in Beach Haven—this bench tells a story of love, dedication, and community.
Rocco Netta founded the Black Dog Café/Deli in 1996. He not only loved the town of Beach Haven, but also the wonderful community that supported him from the very beginning. Rocco found great joy in sharing his cooking with others, always greeting customers with a warm smile. The deli truly was his happy place.
In 2012, the business was sadly washed away by Superstorm Sandy. Shortly thereafter, Rocco passed away in 2014. Honoring his final wish, our family kept the spirit of the business alive.
Today, the space is proudly operated by another wonderful family-owned sub shop—Lenny and John’s. The Antinozzi family now runs the former Black Dog Café/Deli location and continues to honor Rocco with every order they serve, always delivering it with a smile—just as he did.
Though Rocco and the Black Dog Café are no longer with us, his warmth lives on every smile, every sandwich, and every bench tells a lasting story of love.