Mahwah Steakhouse Owners Announce Opening Of Second Location In Bergen

MAHWAH, NJ — The owners of a Mahwah steakhouse are opening a second location in Bergen County, the pair announced on social media.

Frank Gashi and Patriot Gjonbalaj, proprietors of RP Prime on Ramapo Valley Road, said another location is opening in the space formerly occupied by a Fair Lawn steakhouse.

"We want to thank all of our customers for all of your continued support," the two said. "Thank you."

Gashi and Gjonbalaj purchased the former River Palm Terrace in Mahwah in 2019, according to the broker for the sale, and is now opening a second steakhouse at the site of another RPT in Fair Lawn.

The RP Prime owners, realtor Bielat Santore & Co. said at the time of the 2019 sale, intended to continue to operate the River Palm Terrace as a classic New York steakhouse and "enhance the business through strategic and timely changes."

"(Gashi and Gjonbalaj) are both very familiar with New York City high-end restaurants, having spent a good part of their 20+ year careers training and working in them," said Bielat Santore & Co. sales associate David Alvarez, who found the buyers and introduced them to the River Palm Terrace.

Though River Palm's Fair Lawn location is closed, the restaurant's Edgewater location — which is celebrating its 40th year — will remain open for years to come, the eatery said on its website.

"Congratulations to (Gashi and Gjonbalaj)," a commenter said on RP Prime's Instagram announcement on Wednesday. "Wish you both all the success. Thank you for your hospitality."