Restaurant of the Month

The Square Meal | 211 W Clinton Ave. Oaklyn, NJ 08107

Meet the owners:

Power couple, Dan and Jackie Walther, launched The Square Meal in 2013 with the simple goal of delivering fresh, sustainable foods to locals in a convenient way. Before they could successfully open their vegan-friendly eatery, Dan and Jackie decided it would be best to start making a name for their brand. They first set up shop as a humble concession stand at the Crystal Lake Pool in 2014. 

For the next year, Dan and Jackie would develop new complex and delicious dishes available to the public. The Square Meal really took flight in 2015 when Dan and Jackie moved to the Factory in Collingswood. There they grew the environmentally conscious brand and spread awareness at festivals, markets and even starting regularly selling food at Revolution Coffee Roasters. On the subject of the move, Jackie quipped, “We want to provide responsibly sourced food. To us, that means local and minimally processed. We want to give people stuff that’s accessible to them; start from a familiar base, and give it our own touch.”

Hard work paid off big time in 2017 when Dan and Jackie opened their own store in February. Over the past two years, business has been booming; Jackie and Dan are even moving into the catering realm and meal planning because of a steady following of clients. The Square Meal proprietors would love to expand their catering business, especially into schools where they can offer healthy lunches for students. Partnering with community business to give back to youth is a big part of their two-year action plan. “In two years I [Jackie Walther] see us having built a large catering market, and even partnerships with companies and schools so that people can enjoy healthy and clean food during work and school!” 

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About the food:

The Square Meal meets an abundance of dietary needs. Whether you are an omnivore, pescatarian, vegetarian, paleo or vegan The Square Meal offers a variety of choices to satisfy your hunger. “The idea grew that there needs to be more food places that cook like this, using clean, whole foods to make meals, and knowing where your food is coming from,” Jackie Walther said. “That’s when we started developing the business plan.”

Dan Walther describes The Square Meal culinary aesthetic as “New American Deli,” which translates as humanely and responsibly sourced organic meats and produce native to the tri-state area.

NJ Pen First Look: Square Meal Comes Full Circle in Oaklyn by Matt Skoufalos

What do other people have to say about The Square Meal? 

“Had the roast beef sandwich and was not disappointed.  By the time I inhaled my food I realized the horseradish was homemade and the beef was roasted there too.  Eating here is always a good break from the usual food I eat.  I am not a vegetarian or vegan so there were some foods on the menu that I did not recognize.  I settled by getting some meat and a healthy soup.  Every time I come to the area, I will come here… and the brewery next door.” –

Ricky Lange

“My husband and I have picked up food here a few times now. You can also eat in or sit outside, weather permitting. If you order food and walk down to Tonewood Brewery for a beer, they will run your food over when it’s ready. There are vegetarian and vegan options available always and everyone there is knowledgeable about different dietary options. Food is delicious and prepared with lots of love. Always feel welcome when I walk in and always leave smiling!”

-Happy Cow User, Phenixk

“Such an exciting find near my work place. Although I’m not vegan, I eat mostly plant based food. I am gluten and dairy free and its great to walk into somewhere and have choices. The owner is very knowledgeable about vegan and other diets. Have a hot or cold meal, a smoothie or a healthy snack.”

Happy Cow User, KarenMazisKurtz

Want to see some mouth-watering photos of The Square Meal’s delicious bites? Follow them on social media! 

Instagram: @thesquaremeal

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesquaremealoaklyn/

Website: https://squaremealnj.com

Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Saturday from 11am to 9pm
Phone: (856) 942-4325
Order: doordash.com
Downloadable catering menu below!