Grocery Chain Expands, L.L. Bean Opens New Store: NJ Business News

Several new dining options are available, LL Bean has a new New Jersey location, and a coffee shop has expanded. Here's a recap of some of the recent business news across the state:

Community Stakes Its Claim As 'Happy Hour Capital' Of South Jersey

Haddon Township is declaring itself as South Jersey's epicenter for happy hour and starting a new initiative to prove it. "Almost Friday" boasts food and drink deals every Thursday across town, touting Haddon Township as South Jersey's "happy hour capital."

The Haddon Township Business District can be found along Haddon Avenue, Cuthbert Boulevard, and the White Horse Pike (Route 30). Voted as one of the top 20 towns to live, work, or play by South Jersey Magazine, Haddon Township is one of the premier communities in the metro-Philadelphia region. The 14,000 residents of Haddon Township enjoy a nice balance of work and recreation

Newly Renovated Applebee's Hosts Ribbon Cutting In Bridgewater

The neighborhood got an uplift in July, with new light fixtures, enhanced booth and bar availability and newly designed aesthetics around the restaurant. "This makeover is designed to celebrate the spirit of this town," said Michael McKee, director of operations, Doherty Enterprises.

Applebee's opened its first New Jersey location in 1980, and now has 55 locations across the state. The chain began in Decatur, Georgia, and now has more than 1,500 locations in 11 countries and territories.

Organic Coffee Cafe Expands To Open New Location In Somerset County

A local coffee shop, Ambee Coffee, held a ceremony at its new Bound Brook location that will be open in the fall.

After starting in Somerville at its first location in 2018 and three rebrands later, Ambee Coffee has built itself into a Somerset County favorite for quick drinks and food offerings. The name Ambee is a word Steven Chiocchi, the shop's owner and a Bridgewater-Raritan High School graduate, made up as a play on the word ambient. He launched Ambee on Amazon and online before opening his first shop in 2018. Read More: Somerville Coffee Shop Rebrands Itself Again, This Time For Good

The name also aligns with his organic coffee line that is light- or ambient-themed. The coffee product names include Aurora, Orion, Eclipse, and more.

Ambee also has a location in Warren at 61C Mountain Blvd.

New Halal Restaurant Opens In Burlington County

Gyro Spot, located in Delran, celebrated its grand opening on July 18.

Amidst a group of early Yelp reviews, the spot ranks at 3.2 out of five stars, and also serves cheesesteaks and chicken wings.

L.L. Bean Opens New NJ Location

Outdoor lifestyle brand L.L. Bean opened its first store in Somerset County in late July. The store is located at Chimney Rock Crossing in Bridgewater. The location was formerly home to Cost Plus World Market, which closed at the end of December 2020 due to the impacts of the coronavirus.

"Customers will find everything they need to make the most of every season, from warm weather essentials like lightweight sun-protection shirts and moisture-wicking shorts to the classics that established L.L.Bean’s reputation for quality and durability like the Bean Boot, Boat and Tote, Field Coat and flannel shirts," according to L.L.Bean.

As part of its entrance into the community, L.L.Bean will also make a $10,000 contribution to the Bridgewater YMCA to provide summer camp access for underserved youth, reinforcing its commitment to helping people enjoy the restorative power of being outside.

L.L.Bean’s Chimney Rock Crossing store is just minutes from trails, rivers and parks in Central Jersey.

Grocery Store Chain 'Lidl' Expands In Bergen Co.

A German grocery chain is adding to its more than 180 stores throughout the East Coast with a new Hackensack location. The grocer employs more than 360,000 people around the world in 31 countries.

"From imported cheeses to fresh meats and seafood, you’ll get to experience the quality we’re famous for in Europe — without using your passport," the company said in a statement.

This will be the grocer's 25th location in New Jersey.