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Restaurant Industry

Winning $1M Lottery Scratcher Sold At Severn Liquor Store Winning $1M Lottery Scratcher Sold At Severn Liquor Store
Winning $1M Lottery Scratcher Sold At Severn Liquor Store An otherwise mundane day turned into a memorable one for a Maryland man who had a hunch, made a pit stop at an area liquor store, and picked up a winning $1 million scratcher. The man told Lottery officials in Baltimore that he was driving past Severn Liquors in the 8200 block of WB&A Road in Severn when he had a hankering to try his luck on a scratch-off ticket. "I just had a hunch," he mused. That urge turned out to be fortuitous for the Anne Arundel County man, who purchased a $20 Millionaire's Club ticket, because he "liked the look of the game" and because it was relatively n…
Newark Restaurant Fined $168K For Failing To Pay Workers In Overtime Newark Restaurant Fined $168K For Failing To Pay Workers In Overtime
Newark Restaurant Fined $168K For Failing To Pay Workers In Overtime A New Jersey restaurant owes more than $168,000 after failing to pay employees for overtime labor, federal officials said. According to the U.S. Department of Labor,  Swahili Village Bar and Grill in Newark willfully failed to pay 84 servers, cooks, and bussers overtime pay when they worked more than 40 hours in a workweek, in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act. “Restaurant industry workers too often fall victim to employers who shortchange their wages and deprive them of their hard-earned wages,” said Wage and Hour District Director Paula Ruffin in Mountainside, New J…
Popular Italian Restaurant Chain Files For Bankruptcy, Closing Multiple Locations Popular Italian Restaurant Chain Files For Bankruptcy, Closing Multiple Locations
Popular Italian Restaurant Chain Files For Bankruptcy, Closing Multiple Locations Buca di Beppo is Buca di bankrupt. The popular Italian eatery chain announced it had filed for Chapter 11 this week and would close several underperforming locations, including restaurants in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland.  Like many other restaurant chains, Buca di Beppo said the business hadn't bounced back since the COVID-19 pandemic. Customer spending is lower than expected, and supply costs remain high, according to court documents. It's a common tale for several "fast-casual" dining restaurants that have failed to thrive in recent years.   Revenue for…
'And That Is Long Enough:' Family Announces Plans To Sell NJ Restaurant After 75 Years 'And That Is Long Enough:' Family Announces Plans To Sell NJ Restaurant After 75 Years
'And That Is Long Enough:' Family Announces Plans To Sell NJ Restaurant After 75 Years A Sussex County restaurant is celebrating its 75th year in business — "and that is long enough," the owners said. The owners of the Walpack Inn, located in Walpack Township, are working toward selling the restaurant as they work toward retirement. We are taking reservations for Father’s Day, Sunday June 19th! Visit www.walpackinn.com/reservations to book your table... Posted by The Walpack Inn on Sunday, June 12, 2022 In a statement posted to Facebook, Jim Heigis, his wife, Lee, and their daughters Lara and Jenny said:  "We would like to thank our many friends and l…
High School Teacher, Coach In Maryland Accused Of Sexually Abusing Minor, Police Say High School Teacher, Coach In Maryland Accused Of Sexually Abusing Minor, Police Say
High School Teacher, Coach In Maryland Accused Of Sexually Abusing Minor, Police Say A 38-year-old teacher in Maryland has been arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a minor, police announced on Sunday. On Friday, Carlos Arroyo was arrested by detectives with the Baltimore County Crimes Against Children Unit following allegations of sexual misconduct involving a juvenile, according to authorities. Arroyo is a teacher at Randallstown High School, police noted. Randallstown High School Google Maps street view He has been charged with two felonies, which include sexual abuse of a minor and third-degree sexual offense, as well as two misdemeanor offenses. …
Closed Jersey Shore Pizzeria Returning In New Location With 'Some Insane Upgrades' Closed Jersey Shore Pizzeria Returning In New Location With 'Some Insane Upgrades'
Closed Jersey Shore Pizzeria Returning In New Location With 'Some Insane Upgrades' A recently shuttered Jersey Shore pizza shop is getting a second chance at serving slices a few miles down the coast. Bakeria 1010 will reopen at 955 Asbury Avenue in Ocean City, owner Mike Fitzick posted on Instagram on Friday, Apr. 19. The pizzeria was located in The Exchange on New Road in Linwood and closed in February 2023. Fitzick, who also goes by the nickname "The Pizza Jew," said he's excited to revive the restaurant from a "pile of ashes." "The new venue will be in a local spot, yet slightly seasonal as well," wrote Fitzick. "Expect all your old favorites and clearly so…
CT Restaurant To Close After 10 Years In Business: Here's When CT Restaurant To Close After 10 Years In Business: Here's When
CT Restaurant To Close After 10 Years In Business: Here's When A Connecticut restaurant that has been a fave of many has announced it plans to close this week due to financial issues. New Haven County's Eli's Orange, located on Boston Post Road, has served American-style pub food and drinks for the past 10 years. The restaurant says it is "sad to announce we will be leaving this wonderful community." The restaurant, known for its wings, quesadillas, and craft cocktails, will celebrate its last day on Sunday, April 28, with customers from 3 to 6 p.m. with a special "thank you celebration." The restaurant said owners, managers, and employees will be pre…
Asian Restaurant Closes 3 Locations In Somerville, Boston, Woburn: Report Asian Restaurant Closes 3 Locations In Somerville, Boston, Woburn: Report
Asian Restaurant Closes 3 Locations In Somerville, Boston, Woburn: Report Grainmaker, a popular chain of Asian restaurants has closed all of its locations, according to a new report.  Boston Restaurant Talk said they received a tip about the closures in Somerville's Davis Square, Downtown Crossing in Boston, and Woburn Village in Woburn on Monday, March 25.  Calls to the restaurants go unanswered, the social media accounts for each location have been removed, and the websites no longer exist.  Google and Yelp list all of the locations as permanently closed as well. It's unclear what led to the closings, or what day they shuttered.  …
Iconic Atlantic City Pizzeria Mourns Loss Of Former Owner: 'True Character' Iconic Atlantic City Pizzeria Mourns Loss Of Former Owner: 'True Character'
Iconic Atlantic City Pizzeria Mourns Loss Of Former Owner: 'True Character' Michael Tarsitano, a former co-owner of the restaurant claiming to be "Atlantic City's oldest pizza joint," has died, the pizzeria said. Tarsitano died on Monday, Jan. 8 at 67 years old, according to a Facebook post by Tony's Baltimore Grill.  "There is an incredibly high chance that if you ate a pizza at Tony’s, it was under the direction of Michael and his family," the Atlantic Avenue restaurant said on Facebook. "We send love and light and healing from all of us at the Baltimore Grill." It is with profound sadness that we announce the following. On Monday, January 8th, Mic…
Popular Restaurateur Opening Englewood Tequila Bar With 'Modern Twist' Popular Restaurateur Opening Englewood Tequila Bar With 'Modern Twist'
Popular Restaurateur Opening Englewood Tequila Bar With 'Modern Twist' A North Jersey restauranteur is expanding his empire with a tequila bar in Englewood. Ariel Espejo is opening Mexcal Tequila Bar at 24 N Van Brunt St. in the city sometime in February. Espejo, who runs Bent Hospitality with his partner, Michele Bittan, also runs Vida Garden, El Tango, Hidden Garden in Englewood and Tengo Steak in Moonachie.  Mexcal Tequila Bar will offer almost 80 different kinds of tequila, along with Mexican cuisine like tacos, enchiladas while a DJ will be on hand during the weekend. Espejo felt Englewood was missing an establishment like Mexcal. "It's a convenient loca…
$4.3M 'Iconic' Mansion, Former Restaurant Among Capital Region's Priciest Homes On Market $4.3M 'Iconic' Mansion, Former Restaurant Among Capital Region's Priciest Homes On Market
$4.3M 'Iconic' Mansion, Former Restaurant Among Capital Region's Priciest Homes On Market House hunters have a rare opportunity to own a piece of culinary history. Saratoga County’s Villa Balsamo – located in Saratoga Springs at 2255 Ballston Avenue – is currently the county’s most expensive home on the market at $4.3 million. Built in 1929, the 14-acre estate was opened to the public as a restaurant in 1976, regularly welcoming in hungry travelers heading to Saratoga Race Course on Route 50. The restaurant closed after the 2017 season and the property has been for sale since July 2023. The main staircase at Villa Balsamo. eXp Realty “Nestled in the picturesque Saratoga S…
Biggest Food, Beverage Trends Revealed In 2023 Grubhub Delivered Report Biggest Food, Beverage Trends Revealed In 2023 Grubhub Delivered Report
Biggest Food, Beverage Trends Revealed In 2023 Grubhub Delivered Report An analysis of orders from diners across the US in 2023  by Grubhub has uncovered the biggest food and beverage trends of the year. Spoiler alert: Spice is nice. In 2023, over 53 million items were ordered with added spice, the report on deliveries says.  Classic favorites like Sriracha (a sauce made from chili peppers) were added over 91,000 times, and buffalo chicken wings came in first as the most ordered wing flavor followed by lemon pepper, BBQ, teriyaki and garlic parmesan. The report notes that in 2023 diners enjoyed stepping out of their comfort zones and break…
'Thanks For Your Business': Restaurant In Needham To Close After 4 Years 'Thanks For Your Business': Restaurant In Needham To Close After 4 Years
'Thanks For Your Business': Restaurant In Needham To Close After 4 Years A restaurant that has brought Mediterranean and South American flavors to Needham will shut its doors after four years. Latina Kitchen and Bar at 30 Dedham Ave. will pour its last drinks and serve its final dishes on Sunday, Dec. 17, according to a post on social media.  Thanks for your business! We hope you've enjoyed your time with us as much as we've enjoyed serving you.Thanks team for your hard work and resilience. You inspire us and keep us going through tough times. The restaurant opened just before the pandemic, which caused serious issues throughout the restaurant industry.  But ow…
Englewood Vegan Kosher 'Kind Of Chinese' Eatery Spotlighted On New Show Englewood Vegan Kosher 'Kind Of Chinese' Eatery Spotlighted On New Show
Englewood Vegan Kosher 'Kind Of Chinese' Eatery Spotlighted On New Show An acclaimed Bergen County restaurant known for its new take on old favorites is being spotlighted on a new show. Fat Choy, a kosher vegan, also "kind of Chinese" restaurant at 52 E Palisade Ave. in Englewood is profiled on "Schmoozing and Cruising," streaming on ChaiFlicks, which celebrates the best in kosher cuisine.  The episode, hosted by CW Silverburg, premiered on Thursday, Dec. 14. ChaiFlicks describes itself as the leading streaming service for Jewish storytelling. Fat Choy was recently named one of the best restaurants in America by the New York Times. Pete Wells raved about the r…
Country Cafe Finds New Home In Wyckoff Country Cafe Finds New Home In Wyckoff
Country Cafe Finds New Home In Wyckoff Exactly 20 years ago, Gail Corbo bought Country Cafe. Well, back then it was called Franklin Lakes Deli. It was on Pulis Avenue in Franklin Lakes, and Corbo had been working there since her teens. "It had a hometown feel," Corbo, of Mahwah, tells Daily Voice. "The nice part for me was that when I was working there in high school, I had people bringing their kids in, and then those people started bringing their kids in." Corbo says, "It was a fun little spot in Franklin Lakes that a lot of kids grew up on." And so, when Country Cafe lost its lease in July 2023, Corbo was heartbroken. Sayin…
Support Pours In For Beloved Restaurant Co-Owner In Mamaroneck After Brain Tumor Removal Support Pours In For Beloved Restaurant Co-Owner In Mamaroneck After Brain Tumor Removal
Support Pours In For Beloved Restaurant Co-Owner In Mamaroneck After Brain Tumor Removal A community in Westchester is pulling together to raise tens of thousands of dollars for the family of a beloved restaurant co-owner who faces a long recovery process after having a brain tumor removed.  Just after announcing that he and his wife Nikole would be having their fourth child, Carmine Durso, who co-owns 25 North Ristorante in Mamaroneck on Route 1, learned that he would have to have a brain tumor removed.  Luckily, the operation to remove the tumor was successful. However, Durso will now have to endure a long recovery effort that will incur many medical bills, accordin…
Chef Arrested In Montco's Bar Lucca Stabbing: Police Chef Arrested In Montco's Bar Lucca Stabbing: Police
Chef Arrested In Montco's Bar Lucca Stabbing: Police The chef at a Montgomery County bar has been arrested in a stabbing that sent another employee to the hospital on Saturday, Nov. 11, police said. The Bar Lucca chef was arrested a block from the restaurant in the late afternoon hours, and a knife was recovered, Whitemarsh Police Chief Christopher Ward tells Daily Voice. The victim was taken to Lankanau Hospital with stab wounds considered non-life-threatening, Ward said. The chef was expected to be "charged appropriately," Ward added. Brian Pieri, the owner of the East Hector Street bar, said only that there was an altercation between two …
'Not An Easy Decision': Veteran-Owned Restaurant In Capital Region Shutting Its Doors 'Not An Easy Decision': Veteran-Owned Restaurant In Capital Region Shutting Its Doors
'Not An Easy Decision': Veteran-Owned Restaurant In Capital Region Shutting Its Doors A struggling, veteran-owned restaurant in the region serving breakfast and lunch is shuttering after just over a year in business. Rensselaer County eatery Cafe Twelve 04, located in Rensselaer at 1204 Washington Avenue, will serve its last guests on Sunday, Oct. 29, the business announced on Facebook. “Whelp… Not a post I want to be posting but it’s only right, Sunday will be my last day open at the cafe,” owner Chris Phelan said. “Definitely not an easy decision by any means.” After launching the restaurant in August 2022, Phelan, a US Army veteran, spent “countless dollars and hours” t…
‘Time To Say Farewell’: Popular Restaurant In Capital Region Closing ‘Time To Say Farewell’: Popular Restaurant In Capital Region Closing
‘Time To Say Farewell’: Popular Restaurant In Capital Region Closing In the half decade since opening her restaurant in the region, Grace Thompson has met plenty of strangers - as well as a regular cast of “characters” - who have stopped in for a bite to eat over the years. Her Albany County eatery Gracie’s Kitchen, located in Voorheesville at 39 Voorheesville Avenue, will say goodbye to those characters on Sunday, Oct. 8, when the restaurant permanently closes. “Since the pandemic, the restaurant industry has tackled historic inflation, a virtually empty labor pool, a volatile supply chain, and incredible disruption that has made it impossible for many res…
Architect That Makes Jersey Shore Dream Homes Come True Opens Shiny New HQ Architect That Makes Jersey Shore Dream Homes Come True Opens Shiny New HQ
Architect That Makes Jersey Shore Dream Homes Come True Opens Shiny New HQ Ship Bottom has new neighbors, and soon lots more as a home-building and architectural firm has opened its new headquarters in the area. Walters is putting the finishing touches on the newly-built Ship Bottom location which it moved into over this summer. The headquarters will eventually include a realty office and restaurant. The two-story, 5,000-square-foot building at 701 Central Ave. houses two divisions of the development firm: Walters Homes, including a sales and design center, and Walters Architecture.  A grand opening is planned for next spring, a spokeswoman said on Friday, Sept.…
Popular North Jersey Burger Joint Hits The Streets With Food Truck Popular North Jersey Burger Joint Hits The Streets With Food Truck
Popular North Jersey Burger Joint Hits The Streets With Food Truck One of North Jersey's most popular burger joints just got itself a sweet set of wheels. Steve's Burgers, which first opened in Garfield in 2009, announced on Instagram that the restaurant is rolling out a food truck: Steve'z on Wheelz. Owner Stephen Chrisomalis said the move is a partnership with Zilpa Rizzo, of Zilpa's Desserts. Zilpa's products are sold at Steve's. View this post on Instagram A post shared by STEVE’Z ON WHEELZ (@stevezonwheelz) In addition to its burgers that draw customers from across the country, Steve'z will have a sma…
27 NJ Boston Market Stores Issued Stop-Work Orders By Labor Department 27 NJ Boston Market Stores Issued Stop-Work Orders By Labor Department
27 NJ Boston Market Stores Issued Stop-Work Orders By Labor Department Boston Market stores across New Jersey owe its workers thousands of dollars in back wages, and the state's labor department is taking action. The NJDOL issued 27 stop-work orders to Boston Market locations throughout the state on Monday, Aug. 14 saying the rotisserie chicken franchise owes more than $600,000 in back wages to 314 employees. The investigation began after the NJDOL received a complaint from an employee at a restaurant in Hamilton last November. Since then, almost three dozen people have come forward, naming several other locations. Citations were issued for unpaid/late pa…
5 Fairfield County Restaurants Ordered To Pay Over $858K To Employees: Feds 5 Fairfield County Restaurants Ordered To Pay Over $858K To Employees: Feds
5 Fairfield County Restaurants Ordered To Pay Over $858K To Employees: Feds Following a federal investigation, a total of six Connecticut restaurants and their owners have been ordered to pay over $858,000 in back wages and liquidated damages to employees, officials said. The restaurants, including five Fairfield County establishments and one in New Haven County, were ordered to pay back wages, withheld tips, and liquidated damages to 105 employees following an investigation and litigation conducted by the US Department of Labor, which announced the order on Tuesday, July 25.  The six restaurants included in the case are:  Scena Wine Bar and Restaurant,…
Flatbread Company Puts Out Fire On Bedford Location After 18 Years Of Service Flatbread Company Puts Out Fire On Bedford Location After 18 Years Of Service
Flatbread Company Puts Out Fire On Bedford Location After 18 Years Of Service A pizza restaurant chain that used to heavily populate the Greater Boston Area now has no traces to the region.  Financial troubles have caused Flatbread Company to close their Bedford location after 18 years in business on Monday, June 26, according to the restaurant's website. The company said the location is "no longer viable" as the restaurant industry has drastically changed.   "We regretfully reach out to let you know that unfortunately our fires are out and will not be relit," a statement on the restaurant's website reads. "We can no longer continue to keep our fires burning to see …
NJ Italian Restaurant Owner, 75, Faces Prison For Pocketing $500,000 In State Sales Taxes NJ Italian Restaurant Owner, 75, Faces Prison For Pocketing $500,000 In State Sales Taxes
NJ Italian Restaurant Owner, 75, Faces Prison For Pocketing $500,000 In State Sales Taxes The 75-year-old owner-operator of a New Jersey Italian restaurant faces up to three years in prison after admitting he stiffed the state out of nearly a half-million dollars in sales taxes over a period of nearly seven years. John Garofalo Sr. of Union Township – who owns Mario’s Tutto Bene restaurant in the township -- paid the outstanding $496,374.99 to the state as part of a plea deal that he hopes will get him leniency, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said. His assistants will recommend that Superior Court Judge Sherry L. Wilson send Garofalo to state prison for three years …
With 1,152 Avocados A Day, Guac Time Opens First CT Location In Norwalk With 1,152 Avocados A Day, Guac Time Opens First CT Location In Norwalk
With 1,152 Avocados A Day, Guac Time Opens First CT Location In Norwalk With a name like Guac Time, you’d expect the growing chain of restaurants would go through a lot of avocados. It does.  Up to 1,152 avocados a day are used at all six restaurants — including the latest (and first) in Connecticut in Norwalk.  That number will go up to 1,344 when the seventh Guac Time opens in Queens in the fall. Five of the six current eateries are either in New York City or on Long Island. Guac Time is the brainchild of a Stratford couple, Harmeet and Subodh Marwaha, and their two New York-based partners Akash Marwaha and Manny Singh. View this post …
It's Taco Time In Northern Valley It's Taco Time In Northern Valley
It's Taco Time In Northern Valley Elias Itzep was driving around Bergen County craving some Mexican food and he couldn't find any. So he decided to take matters into his own hands. Itzep, who lives in Englewood Cliffs, recently opened Taco Time, a fast casual Mexican restaurant in Norwood. Itzep has more than 20 years of experience in the food industry and said he plans on serving up classic Mexican specialties like tacos, burritos, fajitas and tostadas. Itzep hails from Mexico and it's where most of his family is from. He said it's very important to be able to connect people with the food from his homeland.  "We're u…
Akai Lounge Teams Up With Blue Moon In Englewood Akai Lounge Teams Up With Blue Moon In Englewood
Akai Lounge Teams Up With Blue Moon In Englewood Fans of Mexican food and Japanese restaurant have their ultimate dream concept in Bergen County. The owners of Akai Lounge, which has locations in Englewood, Westfield and Westchester County, NY, have purchased the Blue Moon Café, a Mexican restaurant that has been an institution in Englewood for 27 years. James Du and Lillian Pien, who purchased Blue Moon, plan on keeping the restaurant open, while also combining it with Akai Lounge, creating two restaurants in one, with one room serving Japanese food and the other serving Mexican food.  While Blue Moon remains open, the Akai Lounge …
Five Longtime Friends Are Making Speakeasy Cool Again In Bergen County Five Longtime Friends Are Making Speakeasy Cool Again In Bergen County
Five Longtime Friends Are Making Speakeasy Cool Again In Bergen County A group of longtime friends and Bergen County natives are teaming up to make the speakeasy cool again.  The Roosevelt, at 356 Paterson Ave. in East Rutherford, is named in honor of President Franklin Roosevelt, whose administration oversaw the repeal of prohibition. In keeping with the old school vibes, the speakeasy requires patrons to go through a special door into a room that looks like a library. The restaurant is a labor of love from five Bergen County natives, who combined have more than 75 years of experience feeding the community. Their portfolio includes Redd's Restaurant & Bi…
Hard Work Pays Off For Bergen Brothers Expanding 'Mob Pizzeria & Burgers' Hard Work Pays Off For Bergen Brothers Expanding 'Mob Pizzeria & Burgers'
Hard Work Pays Off For Bergen Brothers Expanding 'Mob Pizzeria & Burgers' A pair of Bergen County brothers are expanding their award-winning mob-themed pizzeria and burger restaurant. Waldy, 29, and Kevin Salinas, 25, who own "Mob Pizzeria & Burgers" on Hackensack Street in Wood-Ridge, are opening their second location Main Street in Hackensack sometime in March. The brothers' parents moved their family to Hackensack from El Salvador when they were young. Kevin and Waldy both graduated from Hackensack High School, and went on to work in the restaurant industry right after graduation: Waldy in the kitchen at Oak Ale House in Maywood, and Kevin down the street…
Hawthorne Bar Temporarily Closes After Owner Dies Hawthorne Bar Temporarily Closes After Owner Dies
Hawthorne Bar Temporarily Closes After Owner Dies A bar in Northern Westchester is temporarily closed as it processes the loss of its owner.  Unionville Tavern, located in Hawthorne at 415 Commerce St., announced that it would close for a period of time after its owner, Gordon Krueger of Ossining, died peacefully on Friday, Jan. 13 at the age of 78.  Krueger, also affectionately known as "Gordo," died at home with his wife, Candice, at his side, the bar announced in a post on social media.  According to his obituary, Krueger was in the restaurant business for more than 50 years, and also owned establishments such …