The Ampersand Inn is proud to honor Mark Avondoglio, an outstanding restauranteur as well as a dedicated philanthropist. When I opened the Ampersand in 2022, I was told “you have to meet Mark Avondoglio, the eldest of the fourth generation of Perona family leaders — Perona is the jewel in the catering crown for both corporate clients and discriminating wedding couples. “As if I were not sufficiently intimidated, his son Bryant was slated to host his wedding lodging on my second weekend as an Innkeeper. I met some of Mark’s friends on that weekend, who smiled as they described him as “a character,” “humanitarian,” “civic leader,” “mensch,” “prankster,” “funster,” “comic “and “all around nice guy!” This was a man whom I wanted to meet!

I’ve learned a lot about Mark over the last four years. He has been involved in the restaurant since he was seven, bread cutting and butter cup filling. After attending Newton High School and the University of New Hampshire, he dedicated his career to Perona and now oversees a 70,000+ square foot facility that hosts 600+ parties and weddings annually . Mark is a member of both the National and New Jersey Restaurant Associations, In conjunction with his two brothers and a sister, the entire fourth generation was honored as Restauranteurs of the Year by the New Jersey Restaurant Association (November 1999) and as Legends of the Industry (2010).

Mark’s ability to “do well and do good” is demonstrated by his extensive philanthropy throughout Sussex County. He serves on the Board of the Newton Medical Center Foundation where he is currently Chairman. He is co-founder of the Redfern Golf Outing and chairman of the Wine and Roses annual fundraiser, which raises over $900,000 for the hospital. Mark has co-chaired and been involved in numerous “Capital Campaigns” and social events which have raised over $60 million dollars for the Hospital since the 1970’s.

Mark is a trustee of the Patriots Path Council Boy Scouts of America and has chaired the Distinguished Citizens Dinner for four years – this annual dinner raises close to $200,000 for Scouting! Mark has spent time in Camp Yagoog in Rhode Island and is an ongoing supporter of all Scout fundraising events. He was named the Distinguished Citizen by the Patriots Path Council (1999) and earned a “Silver Beaver” (the highest civilian award in scouting) in 2001.

Mark’s extensive philanthropic work includes fundraising events for SCARC, serving as Past Chairman of the board of trustees of the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce, co-chair of the Capital Campaign for Centenary College, and he is now on his second tour of duty with the Centenary Board of Trustees. Mark was also past president of the Skylands Tourism Council and the Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce.

Mark is a proud recipient of the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce “Humanitarian” Business Award and “Business Person of the Year” Award (2002). Centenary College recently honored the entire Avondoglio family with its highest distinction— the “Gold Dome Award” for philanthropic endeavors on behalf of the College. “The Barn at Perona Farms” was recently awarded the Business Expansion Award by the Sussex County Economic Development Partnership and was previously honored by NJ Monthly Magazine.

Mark’s children, Bryant and Marley, work together today in leading Perona Farms as the 5th generation of family ownership and leadership. Mark recently became a grandfather as Bryant and his wife, Ellie, welcomed their son, Leo, in June 2025. Mark lives on Perona Lake in the house originally built by his great grandfather! He enjoys golf, traveling, tending to the flower gardens at Perona Farms and eating at the world’s finest restaurants both here and abroad.

Someone close to Mark summed him up well: “Mark is a man of many faces: a son, a father, a grandfather, a co -parent, a brother, an uncle, a cousin, a businessman, a humanitarian, a dedicated member of his community, a friend. He has always been one of the hardest working people I know. If you ever have a problem and need help, Mark is your guy! He continuously goes above and beyond to get the job done!”

I consider it an honor to have gotten to know Mark and am thrilled to give him a room in which to relax whenever he may need a change of pace or scenery!

Irene Dorzback, April 2026