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Bergen County Bites: Nine New Must-Try Restaurants Opening Near You Bergen County Bites: Nine New Must-Try Restaurants Opening Near You
Bergen County Bites: Nine New Must-Try Restaurants Opening Near You Two sushi spots, a Cajun hot pot eatery, and a cozy family-owned café. These are just a few of the exciting new restaurants that have recently opened — or are about to debut — in Bergen County. Here’s the lineup: Carlstadt: Meet Hot Pot, 508 Route 17, an authentic hotpot and cajun seafood/grill, now open. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MeetHOTPOT (@beijinghotpotnj) Closter: Sookae's Kitchen, 211 Closter Dock Road, artisanal catering and gourmet meals. Now open. Englewood: Sko Sushi, 41 Sylvan Ave., sushi by master s…

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by Cecilia Levine
Business
Jersey Mike’s Sells Majority Stake To Blackstone, Chain's Founder Aims For 'Greater Heights' Jersey Mike’s Sells Majority Stake To Blackstone, Chain's Founder Aims For 'Greater Heights'
Jersey Mike’s Sells Majority Stake To Blackstone, Chain's Founder Aims For 'Greater Heights' Jersey Mike’s Subs, a Garden State icon that grew into a national sandwich powerhouse, is set to sell a majority stake to private equity giant Blackstone, officials said. The Manasquan-based restaurant chain has agreed to sell the stake in the company, Blackstone said in a news release on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Jersey Mike’s founder and CEO Peter Cancro will keep a significant equity share and continue leading the business. When he was 14 years old, Cancro began working at the original location in Point Pleasant that opened as Mike's Subs in 1958. At 17, he bought the restaurant in 1975 and…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
End Of An Era: Jersey Shore Bar Closes After 17 Years End Of An Era: Jersey Shore Bar Closes After 17 Years
End Of An Era: Jersey Shore Bar Closes After 17 Years A popular Wildwood staple is saying farewell after nearly two decades. Goodnight Irene’s, the iconic restaurant and bar at Pacific Avenue and East Poplar Avenue, announced that this weekend will be its last after 17 years. "AND THAT’S A WRAP FOLKS!" the owners shared on Facebook. "We appreciate you all more than you know." The final days of service, running through Sunday night, Nov. 17, promise to be filled with goodbyes and nostalgia. "We hope to see as many of you as possible," the Irenes family wrote, signing off with "LOVE." For countless locals and visitors, Goodnight Irene’s ha…

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by Cecilia Levine
Business
Red Lobster Launches Revamped Menu With 7 New Items After Exiting Bankruptcy Red Lobster Launches Revamped Menu With 7 New Items After Exiting Bankruptcy
Red Lobster Launches Revamped Menu With 7 New Items After Exiting Bankruptcy Two months after exiting bankruptcy, restaurant chain Red Lobster is unveiling a revamped menu. It features these seven new items: Lobster Pappardelle Pasta Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops Lobster Bisque Lemon Basil Mahi Simply Prepared Mahi Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Roasted Asparagus In addition, a pair of old fan-favorites that had been discontinued are back:  Popcorn Shrimp, Hush Puppies  Red Lobster is now giving guests the ability to customize their seafood favorites with the launch of "Create your Own Ultimate Feast." Customers can mix and match two premium picks such as …

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Popular Bergen County Brunch Spot Expanding With New Location Popular Bergen County Brunch Spot Expanding With New Location
Popular Bergen County Brunch Spot Expanding With New Location A favorite among Bergen County foodies is expanding its reach with a brand-new location. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Willow & Whisk (@willow.and.whisk) Willow & Whisk, a Wyckoff-based eatery known for its stellar brunch menu, has announced it will open its second location in Millburn later this month. Since its debut over four years ago, Willow & Whisk has become a go-to spot for brunch enthusiasts, earning an impressive 4.5 stars on Yelp from more than 500 reviewers.  The new location, set to open at 35 Mai…

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by Cecilia Levine
Business
Advance Auto Parts To Close Over 700 Stores Advance Auto Parts To Close Over 700 Stores
Advance Auto Parts To Close Over 700 Stores A nationwide auto parts retailers says it will close over 700 stores as part of “a strategic plan to improve business performance.” Advance Auto Parts, which has about 4,800 total stores, and locations in almost every state, made the announcement on Thursday, Nov. 14. The affected outlets will close by May 2025 and are made up of 523 corporate stores, and 204 independently owned locations. In addition, four distribution centers will also close. Specific locations to be closed have not yet been announced. In announcing the move, President and Chief Executive Officer Shane O’Kelly said…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Look Inside NJ's First Eataly: Sprawling Store, Restaurant Open At High-End Mall Look Inside NJ's First Eataly: Sprawling Store, Restaurant Open At High-End Mall
Look Inside NJ's First Eataly: Sprawling Store, Restaurant Open At High-End Mall Eataly is now open in the Garden State. The Italian marketplace opened its first New Jersey location at The Mall at Short Hills on Wednesday, Nov. 13. The 17,000 square foot store aim to give patrons a taste of the "authentic Italian lifestyle," according to a release. Eataly Short Hills features a 230-seat restaurant and bar, Eataly Ristorante, which offers traditional antipasti, pasta dishes, Pizza Napoletana, and main courses like chicken Milanese, alongside an extensive wine list. The store also hosts several quick-serve counters that offer grab-and-go items including coffee, pastries,…

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by Sam Barron
Business
Massive Hotel Proposed To Replace Shuttered Jersey Shore Amusement Park: Reports Massive Hotel Proposed To Replace Shuttered Jersey Shore Amusement Park: Reports
Massive Hotel Proposed To Replace Shuttered Jersey Shore Amusement Park: Reports A developer is planning to bring a new purpose to a shuttered and iconic amusement park on the Ocean City boardwalk, according to reports. Wonderland Pier owner Eustace Mita said he wants to create a 252-room hotel on the site of the theme park that closed in October, abc6 Action News reported. Mita is also the developer and CEO of ICONA Resorts. The $135 to $155 million proposal would preserve Wonderland's famous Ferris wheel and carousel. "Our thought was we will rehab it, keep it, and actually raise it by 10 feet," Mita told abc6. "That will be a $1.5 million project." A renderi…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Shuttered NJ Stop & Shop Replaced By New Grocery Store Facing Multi-Million-Dollar Revamp Shuttered NJ Stop & Shop Replaced By New Grocery Store Facing Multi-Million-Dollar Revamp
Shuttered NJ Stop & Shop Replaced By New Grocery Store Facing Multi-Million-Dollar Revamp A brand-new grocery store has replaced Stop & Shop in Passaic County, which was among 32 of underperforming stores in the region, and 10 in New Jersey, that closed. The Fresh Grocer, a division of Wakefern operated by the Inserra Family, opened to an enthusiastic crowd at Ringwood’s Fieldstone Park Shopping Center on Friday, Nov. 8.  The supermarket’s grand opening saw a strong turnout from the community, who gathered to welcome the new addition to the neighborhood just two weeks after Stop&Shop closed its doors. The Fresh Grocer is set to undergo a multi-million dollar r…

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by Cecilia Levine
Business
Upscale Champagne, Caviar Bar Brings Luxe Dining To American Dream Mall Upscale Champagne, Caviar Bar Brings Luxe Dining To American Dream Mall
Upscale Champagne, Caviar Bar Brings Luxe Dining To American Dream Mall A chic champagne and caviar bar has opened at the American Dream in East Rutherford, giving guests a luxurious new spot to relax between high-end shopping.  Isola Bella opened on Thursday, Oct. 31 inside The Avenue. The bar offers an elegant menu filled with fresh seafood and sparkling drinks. The menu features jumbo shrimp cocktails, oysters, caviar selections, pastrami smoked salmon, and smoked sea bass, among other upscale bites. Alcoholic options include champagne and sparkling wine, along with a selection of wines by the glass or bottle and hand-crafted cocktails.  Non-alcoh…

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by Cecilia Levine
Business
Cybersecurity Issue Hits Stop & Shop, Other Supermarkets, Parent Company Says Cybersecurity Issue Hits Stop & Shop, Other Supermarkets, Parent Company Says
Cybersecurity Issue Hits Stop & Shop, Other Supermarkets, Parent Company Says A cybersecurity “issue” has led the parent company of a supermarket chain to disconnect some systems to protect them. Ahold Delhaize USA said it recently detected a cybersecurity issue within its US network. "Immediately upon detecting the issue, our security teams began an investigation with the assistance of external cybersecurity experts," the company said. "We also notified law enforcement." The move affects: Stop & Shop, which has around 400 locations in New England, New York, and New Jersey; Hannaford, with stores in eastern upstate New York and New England; Giant Company, with…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Newly Re-Elected Ridgewood Mayor Steps Down As 30-Year Owner Of Greek Restaurant Newly Re-Elected Ridgewood Mayor Steps Down As 30-Year Owner Of Greek Restaurant
Newly Re-Elected Ridgewood Mayor Steps Down As 30-Year Owner Of Greek Restaurant After nearly 30 years at the helm of It’s Greek to Me, Ridgewood Mayor Paul Vagianos has announced his decision to step away from the restaurant. Vagianos shared the news with mixed emotions, reflecting on the deep connection he has fostered with Ridgewood since moving his family to what he calls “the most wonderful town in America.” “It’s been an incredible ride,” Vagianos expressed. "Little did I realize that when I moved my family to the most wonderful town in America that I would be in a business that became my passion for almost 3 decades." Vagianos was re-elected as mayor alongside&n…

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by Cecilia Levine
Business
Hackensack Restaurant To Close, Set For Fresh Start Under New Ownership Hackensack Restaurant To Close, Set For Fresh Start Under New Ownership
Hackensack Restaurant To Close, Set For Fresh Start Under New Ownership A Hackensack restaurant that opened in 2022 will be closing and reopening under new owners. The Aura team shared the news with patrons on Friday, Nov. 8, thanking each of them for the laughter, support, and unforgettable moments that have filled their space on Main Street over the years.  From regulars who made Aura part of their weekly ritual to newcomers who stumbled upon it and became instant fans, each guest helped make the restaurant a vibrant, welcoming spot that felt like a second home. “Our last day of service will be November 9th,” the team wrote. “We hope you’ll come by, sha…

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by Cecilia Levine
Business
Restaurant Visionary Brings Luxe Dining Experience With NYC Skyline Views To North Jersey Restaurant Visionary Brings Luxe Dining Experience With NYC Skyline Views To North Jersey
Restaurant Visionary Brings Luxe Dining Experience With NYC Skyline Views To North Jersey Renowned restaurateur Jeremy Casilli is bringing his latest venture, DRIFT Restaurant & Bar, to Weehawken’s thriving Lincoln Harbor district. Promising an immersive dining experience that combines culinary artistry with captivating views of the Manhattan skyline, DRIFT is taking reservations and is set to open on Wednesday, Nov. 13.  Casilli, a leading figure in the restaurant industry and mastermind behind popular hotspots like Hudson & Co. in Jersey City and Pier 115 in Edgewater, designed DRIFT to create a unique, unforgettable experience for guests.  The 17,000-square…

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by Cecilia Levine
Business
Amazon Fresh Opens In Woodland Park Bringing High-Tech Grocery Shopping To Route 46 Amazon Fresh Opens In Woodland Park Bringing High-Tech Grocery Shopping To Route 46
Amazon Fresh Opens In Woodland Park Bringing High-Tech Grocery Shopping To Route 46 Shoppers in Woodland Park have a new grocery destination: Amazon Fresh. The high-tech grocery chain opened its 59,000-square-foot store on Thursday morning, Nov. 7 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Plaza 46 shopping center on Route 46.  The location, taking over the former Fairway Market that closed in 2020, brings a fresh approach to grocery shopping, blending convenience with innovation in a store designed for a seamless shopping experience. From fresh produce to gourmet items and everyday essentials, Amazon Fresh promises quality and affordability. But it's the store’s cutting-…

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by Cecilia Levine
Business
Italian Deli, Bakery Closing After 50 Years In Hoboken Italian Deli, Bakery Closing After 50 Years In Hoboken
Italian Deli, Bakery Closing After 50 Years In Hoboken It's the end of an era for a deli in Hoboken. Losurdo Brothers, Tony's Bakery, will be closing permanently on Sunday, Dec. 8, the deli shared on Instagram. "It has been an incredible 50 years serving the people of Hoboken and beyond," the deli wrote.   "To our loyal customers and supporters - Thank you. Your belief and trust in us have been the driving force behind our every step. We are so very proud to have been a part of your family gatherings holidays, special events and daily lives. While this chapter ends, we are grateful for the friendshi…

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by Sam Barron
Business
Starbucks Now Open At New ON3 Campus, Report Says: See The Renderings Starbucks Now Open At New ON3 Campus, Report Says: See The Renderings
Starbucks Now Open At New ON3 Campus, Report Says: See The Renderings ON3 is shaping up. A brand-new 2,500-square-foot Starbucks has opened at the mixed-use property, which spans Clifton and Nutley, purchased by Prism Capital Partners nearly a decade ago, as first reported by NorthJersey.com.  The outlet says that the Starbucks is located off Route 3 and the main highway access road to Metro Boulevard. The 118.7-acre property formerly home to Hoffmann-La Roche sits across both Clifton (67.39 acres) and Nutley (51.31 acres), according to an update on the project from Prism Capital Partners last July. "The current commercial and academic occupants of the…

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by Cecilia Levine
Business
Couple Brings Crumbl To Bergen County: How Caloric Cookie Company Became So Popular Couple Brings Crumbl To Bergen County: How Caloric Cookie Company Became So Popular
Couple Brings Crumbl To Bergen County: How Caloric Cookie Company Became So Popular Viral sensation Crumbl Cookies is opening a new Bergen County location. Crumbl is coming to The Shoppes at DePiero Farm, with a grand opening scheduled for Friday, Nov. 8. Owners Leslie and Magarin moved to New York City 11 years ago from the Wild West to chase the dream.  "The couple had no idea that dream would bring them over to New Jersey to open up their own Crumbl shops," Crumbl said in a news release. "They are thrilled to bring the Crumbl experience to Montvale — not just the endless menu of tasty treats, but the bright and energetic atmosphere as well." The company has …

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by Cecilia Levine
Business
These 10 NJ Stop & Shop Stores Have Closed These 10 NJ Stop & Shop Stores Have Closed
These 10 NJ Stop & Shop Stores Have Closed New Jersey officially has 10 fewer Stop & Shop stores. The 10 underperforming locations closed were among 32 nationwide that the grocer announced would be closing by year's end. Stop & Shop has kept 350 stores open, including 47 in New Jersey. The stores that closed on or before Nov. 2 were: 1083 Inman Ave., Edison 1049 US Highway 1 South, Edison 4861 US Highway 9, Howell 1278 US Highway 22, Phillipsburg 581 Stelton Rd., Piscataway 625 Paterson Ave., Carlstadt 1221 State Route 27, Franklin Township 130 Skyline Dr., Ringwood 505 Richmond Ave, Point Pleasant Beach 2275 West County …

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by Cecilia Levine
Business
50 Best Places To Eat In North Jersey In 2024: Yelp Elite's Top Recommendations 50 Best Places To Eat In North Jersey In 2024: Yelp Elite's Top Recommendations
50 Best Places To Eat In North Jersey In 2024: Yelp Elite's Top Recommendations Yelp Elites have released its list of best places to eat in North Jersey for 2024. The user review site used several factors to rank area restaurants, including total volume and ratings by Yelp Elite Squad members from August 2023 to August 2024. Topping off the list at No. 1 is Tops Diner in East Newark, which has 4.4/5 stars and more than 4,700 reviews. No. 2 is Razza Pizza in Jersey City and No. 3 is Kurly Kurtosh, a Hungarian eatery in Nutley known for its chimney-like desserts. Click here for the full list of Top Places to Eat in North Jersey according to Yelp Elites.

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by Cecilia Levine
Business
TGI Fridays Files For Bankruptcy Weeks After Sudden Closures Of At Least 12 Restaurants TGI Fridays Files For Bankruptcy Weeks After Sudden Closures Of At Least 12 Restaurants
TGI Fridays Files For Bankruptcy Weeks After Sudden Closures Of At Least 12 Restaurants Casual dining chain TGI Fridays has filed for bankruptcy several weeks after at least 12 of its restaurants suddenly closed. The company filed the Chapter 11 petition on Saturday, Nov. 2, in Texas, near its Dallas headquarters. Founded in New York City in 1965, TGI Fridays has 95 restaurants in the US, 39 of which the company owns and operates. The other 56 are independent franchises not involved in the bankruptcy petition. The company said that all those locations will remain open. According to the TGI Fridays website and other reports, the following locations are now listed as permanent…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Brunch Spot Among New Tenants Coming To Bergen Town Center In Paramus Brunch Spot Among New Tenants Coming To Bergen Town Center In Paramus
Brunch Spot Among New Tenants Coming To Bergen Town Center In Paramus A host of new tenants have landed or are arriving soon at the Bergen Town Center. Brunch spot First Watch, Bath & Body Works, Crumbl and Tacoria have signed a total of more than 12,000 square feet at the Paramus shopping center, Urban Edge Properties announced. Brownie Sundae Crumbl cookie. Crumbl Cookie Media Kit Bath & Body Works and Crumbl have already opened while First Watch and Tacoria aim to open in 2025. Bath & Body Works: (4,157 SQFT), home of America’s Favorite Fragrances®, is a global leader in personal care and home fragrance. Crumbl (2,138 SQFT) bri…

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by Cecilia Levine
Business
America's First-Ever Sesame Street Experience Opening At American Dream Mall America's First-Ever Sesame Street Experience Opening At American Dream Mall
America's First-Ever Sesame Street Experience Opening At American Dream Mall A brand-new immersive Sesame Street experience is opening at the American Dream in East Rutherford. The highly-anticipated Sesame Street Learn & Play, the first-ever in the United States, opens on Nov. 16. "This groundbreaking attraction will combine learning with play, offering an immersive experience for guests of all ages through the enchanting world of Sesame Street," a press release reads. Sesame Street Learn & Play promises timeless memories for the entire family through adventures, photo opportunities, and learning experiences.  Children can explore the rainforest as t…

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by Cecilia Levine
Business
Goldfish Snack Crackers Now Have New Name: Here's What, Why Goldfish Snack Crackers Now Have New Name: Here's What, Why
Goldfish Snack Crackers Now Have New Name: Here's What, Why One of America's favorite snacks has just gotten a more upscale rebranding. Goldfish, the popular cheddar-flavored catch launched in 1962 and known for a special appeal to kids, now has a new name. For a limited time, at least. And there's nothing fishy about why it's made the change. To try to get more adults to reel in the product. Out from the familiar orange-and-white packaging is the iconic "Goldfish Baked Snack Crackers" name, and in is this: "Chilean Sea Bass Baked Snack Crackers." It's a big switch, but the crackers are made with the same ingredients, says Connecticut-based p…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Bloomie's, Smaller Bloomingdale's Store, Opening In Central Jersey Shopping Center Bloomie's, Smaller Bloomingdale's Store, Opening In Central Jersey Shopping Center
Bloomie's, Smaller Bloomingdale's Store, Opening In Central Jersey Shopping Center Bloomingdale's is bringing one of its smaller curated stores to Shrewsbury, officials said. Bloomie's will open in The Grove at Shrewsbury on Thursday, Nov. 14, Bloomingdale's said in a news release. It's the fourth location for the concept shop curated with special selections of fashion, jewelry, and beauty products. The store will be the first of its kind to carry an all-women's collection with "contemporary ready-to-wear" clothing and complementary accessories, among other products. "Bloomie's is a perfect example of how our brand continues to evolve with our shoppers' ne…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Fingerz And Wings: Zaxbys Expanding To NJ With Southern Fast-Food Classics Fingerz And Wings: Zaxbys Expanding To NJ With Southern Fast-Food Classics
Fingerz And Wings: Zaxbys Expanding To NJ With Southern Fast-Food Classics A popular fast-food chain in the South is bringing its chicken fingers and wings to the Garden State. Zaxbys is planning to open six restaurants across New Jersey, the company said in a news release. The first two locations were expected to open in the summer of 2025. GSP Group will operate all six Zaxbys in the state. "We started looking into Zaxbys about a year ago," GSP Group co-owner Premanand Gupta said. "We have always been interested in the growing chicken market, and Zaxbys stood out with its exceptional product and strong business model. We're confident that it will…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Denny's To Close 150 Restaurants Denny's To Close 150 Restaurants
Denny's To Close 150 Restaurants Restaurant chain Denny's plans to shut down as many as 150 of its locations. The company said half of the underperforming outlets will close by the end of the calendar year and the others will go out of business in 2025. Specific restaurants slated for closure have not yet been announced. In announcing the move, Denny's said customers have been ordering from restaurants less often. In addition to the closures, Denny’s will trim the number of items on its menu from 97 to 46 and no longer require outlets to be open 24/7, according to a CNN report. Founded in 1954 in California as Dann…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Ramen Shop Replacing Turkish Bakery In Bergen County Ramen Shop Replacing Turkish Bakery In Bergen County
Ramen Shop Replacing Turkish Bakery In Bergen County After nearly seven years in business, a Bergen County Turkish bakery will be closing and will be replaced by a Ramen shop. Merve's Kitchen and Bakery announced the news on Facebook. Signage hanging at the Rock Road storefront says the new eatery is called Kokoro. "This journey has been filled with unforgettable memories, laughter, and connections that we will cherish forever," Merve, the owner of Merve's, wrote on Facebook. Dear Glen Rock Family, It’s a wrap! And not a whole wheat one but a special kind :) I wanted to share some important... Posted by Merve's Kitchen and Bakery on&nbs…

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by Cecilia Levine
Business
Buybuy Baby Closing Stores Again — Including Bergen County Location Buybuy Baby Closing Stores Again — Including Bergen County Location
Buybuy Baby Closing Stores Again — Including Bergen County Location Buybuy Baby is closing all of its physical stores as the company transitions to a digital-first approach, according to a statement on its website. Last summer, the company announced it would be closing all stores amid parent company Bed Bath & Beyond's bankruptcy liquidation. Months later, some stores reopened under a new parent company. But, those stores will be closing, again. They are located at: CONNECTICUT 1433 New Britain Ave., West Hartford DELAWARE 501 W Main St., Christiana MASSACHUSETTS 160 Granite St., Braintree MARYLAND 1683 Rockville Pike, Rockville NEW JERSEY …

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by Cecilia Levine
Business
Frozen Waffle Listeria Recall Expands To 14+ Grocery Store Brands Frozen Waffle Listeria Recall Expands To 14+ Grocery Store Brands
Frozen Waffle Listeria Recall Expands To 14+ Grocery Store Brands A massive voluntary recall has been issued for frozen waffles sold by over 14 different grocery store chains nationwide due to the potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, TreeHouse Foods, Inc. announced on Friday, Oct. 18. Over 500 varieties of frozen waffles manufactured by TreeHouse Foods and sold with the branding of major retailers such as Walmart's Great Value and Target's Good & Gather have been recalled because of possible Listeria.  As stated in the release: "Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections …

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by Jillian Pikora
Business
Family's Bergen County Italian Restaurant Closing After 46 Years: 'Time To Enjoy My Life' Family's Bergen County Italian Restaurant Closing After 46 Years: 'Time To Enjoy My Life'
Family's Bergen County Italian Restaurant Closing After 46 Years: 'Time To Enjoy My Life' After 46 years, Vitale's Restaurant in Teaneck is closing its doors. The Queen Anne Road restaurant started as a family business when Tony LaMorte, the current owner, was 22 years old. He ran the place alongside his siblings, Felicia Roveda, Vic LaMorte, and Debbie Sadowski. "I'm still here," LaMorte said on a call with Daily Voice. Not for long. Tony, of Haworth, has been the chef and owner, and is set to close on Saturday, Nov. 2. "It's time to retire," LaMorte tells Daily Voice. "Tie to enjoy my life." LaMorte is married and has two children, both of whom are professional a…

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by Cecilia Levine