Hoboken Chef Closed Restaurant Due To Overseas Move

HOBOKEN, NJ — When the lauded Hoboken restaurant Byrd, next to the Ninth Street Light Rail Station, shut down mysteriously in March — with no explanation from the owner/chef — fans were confused. But now that the chef's other restaurant, Common Lot in Millburn, has closed, he has revealed his reason.

Chef Ehren Ryan, who won praise for Common Lot it opened in Millburn in 2016, said on social media this week that he had closed the New American eatery because he wants to raise his children in Australia.

On Thursday, he confirmed for Patch that this was the reason he closed his year-old Hoboken restaurant, as well.

"Yes we closed Byrd because we are relocating back to Australia," he said.

On social media he shared more, saying that he once planned to stay in the U.S. indefinitely, but it makes more sense now to raise the kids in Australia.

FURTHER READING: New Restaurant Byrd Opens Near Hoboken/Jersey City Light Rail Stop, Adds Brunch

"It is with mixed emotions that we are writing this post," he wrote. "Friday, May 9, was Common Lot’s last service. Nadine and I have made the difficult decision to relocate back to Australia. We had always believed we would stay in the US indefinitely given we have built businesses, had a family and rescued a dog here. But circumstances have changed, and we feel it is now the right decision for us to raise our children in Australia, especially our daughter."

He thanked his suppliers, whom he said he used since opening nine years ago, saying, "Your commitment to our vision really helped us create a special dining scene in New Jersey."

He added, "To our customers, thank you so much for your support in helping us thrive and grow over these past 9 years. We have loved creating dishes that we feel best represent Common Lot and the seasons. We thank you for your loyalty and all the conversations we enjoyed together at the pass."

He thanked the staff and said, "We set out to create a great restaurant in the state and we believe we achieved that and are proud of our legacy... We hope that Common Lot has left a lasting and meaningful impression on everyone who has walked through its doors."

In an interview with New Jersey Digest, Ryan shared that he had hoped New Jersey liquor laws would change as well, as he had championed a reform making it easier for small businesses to get a license to serve just beer and wine.

Last year, he told Patch that he was glad to serve cocktails at the Hoboken spot because he didn't have a liquor license for the Millburn eatery.

Ryan's menu in Hoboken was a mix of comfort food, Australian favorites, and his own creations, such as sweet, sesame encrusted "Yum Yum Fries."

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