Food Tour, Free Totes: Small Business Saturday On Jersey City's Central Avenue

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Small Business Saturday is just around the corner on Nov. 27 and businesses across Jersey City are gearing up to entice shoppers with holiday deals and treats, but retail stores aren't the only businesses that get a cut of the fun.

The Central Avenue Special Improvement District has put together a special "Heights Food Tour" to showcase some of the neighborhood's delicious eateries on Small Business Saturday. Participating Central Avenue businesses will either be part of the “Heights Food Tour” or helping to distribute 5,000 reusable tote bags to their favorite shoppers or both.

CASID partnered with Beyond the Plate Food Tours and Hola Doctor, at 353 Central, an exclusive partner of Horizon Blue Cross/ Blue Shield of New Jersey, for the tour. Since 2014, Beyond the Plate Food Tours has held guided culinary tour experiences to cities like downtown Jersey City, Somerville, and Red Bank. The Heights district will be their first expansion within Jersey City since they started.

"What better way to celebrate Small Business Saturday then by supporting the local restaurants on Central Avenue and experience a variety of flavors," said Sanford Fishman, CASID President and longtime Heights businessman.

Participants will enjoy six stops with generous samples including Birria Tacos, Chauffa, Poke, and more - all while taking in the eye-popping murals around.

“This is a great way to meet the local chefs behind the dishes you love and discover the stories that inspire the food.” said Executive Director Alexa Lima. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and good walking shoes. Eat a light breakfast, as there will be plenty of food on the tour for a filling lunch. It is also suggested not making an early dinner reservation on the day of your tour. Tours occur rain or shine. The Central Avenue Food Tour hopes to fill your belly as well as cover a little history about our main street. Tickets are required and purchasing information is available on www.JCHeights.com.

Along the tour, 26 participating local businesses will be distributing 5,000 reusable tote bags to customers and will continue the giveaway throughout the holidays. Anyone who would like a reusable bag should request one during their next Central Avenue visit. The bags will be given away while supplies last.

Here's a list of businesses giving away free totes:

• Angel Azul: 460 Central Avenue 201-386-1770
• Angel's Recipe Ice Cream: 312 Central Avenue 201-360-2399
• Bond Drugs: 371 Central Avenue 201-656-3900
• Boost Mobile: 283 Central Avenue 201-239-5777
• Central Bistro: 403 Central Avenue 201-798-6798
• CFS Services: 518 Central Avenue 201-553-2996
• Dulce De Leche Bakery: 376 Central Avenue 201-626-1888
• El Sabroso Resturant: 414 Central Avenue 201-216-1497
• Eye Contact Vision Center: 368 Central Avenue 201-659-2774
• Fresh Central: 252 Central Avenue 201-216-8690
• Ginos Pizzaeria: 380 Central Avenue 201-659-6464
• Griot Café: 398 Central Avenue 201-420-9444
• Hauptmans Floor: 307 Central Avenue 201-659-5195
• Jang Star Taekwondo: 299 Central Avenue 201-792-0797
• Jersey Drugs: 286 Central Avenue 201-656-4392
• Joe Nachbuar, State Farm: 501 Central Avenue 201-222-8866
• Lava Hair Studio: 261 Central Avenue 201-763-6241
• Mendez Agency: 263 Central Avenue 201-792-4188
• Novicks Hardward: 302 Central Avenue 201-659-0044
• Pampita's Meat Shop: 393 Central Avenue 201-656-5555
• Renato's Pizza Master: 278 Central Avenue 201-659-2232
• Sabor a Peru: 280 Central Avenue 201-272-6424
• Salerno Deli: 453A Central Avenue 201-653-8595
• Valley Bank: 348 Central Avenue 201-222-2626
• Vegan AF: 291 Central Avenue 201-420-8656
• Wonder Bagel: 331 Central Avenue 201-659-5300