Business & Restaurants In Essex County: 2023 Year In Review

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — What new spots opened (and closed) in Essex County last year? Catch up with some of 2023’s comings-and-goings below.

BUSINESS OPENINGS

New Target Store Coming To Essex County: Some Love It, Others Less Enthusiastic

The new Target store will replace a former Kmart, which served as a vaccination center during the pandemic. Here's what people are saying about it.

Wu-Tang Clan Rapper Gives Peek Inside His Newark Weed Dispensary

Raekwon says that Hashstoria's newest location in Newark will have "the finest greenery on the planet." (Read the update here)

'Best Pizza Ever': Legendary 1955 Pizzeria Reopens In Livingston

Livingston residents have waxed poetic about Bonvini's Pizza: "The pepperoni and sausage circles intermingling like suns and moons."

Wife-And-Husband Team Open Hair Salon, Coffee Bar In Caldwell

Mane.Lobby in Caldwell is a dream come true for an up-and-coming hairstylist from New Jersey, its owners say.

Essex County Dad Will Open New Bookstore

He's an Essex County dad, author, musician, and teacher – but now he's making good on a longtime dream to open a bookstore.

Bloomfield Restaurant Owners Will Open 2 New Eateries In Town

The owners of The Brookdale will get two new eateries: an Italian restaurant with cocktails and wine, and a dessert bar/bakery.

Paris Baguette Is Coming To Montclair; Bakery Expands NJ Footprint

A global bakery café chain is growing its footprint in New Jersey with a new store in Montclair.

Rush Bowls Restaurant To Open Its First NJ Location In Livingston

A father and son will open the fast casual store in Livingston, offering healthy eats.

Electronics Company Sees Rise In Profits Since Moving To Essex County

Bel Fuse Inc. recently moved its headquarters from Jersey City to Essex County.

New Caribbean Restaurant Gets Warm Welcome In East Orange

East Orange officials recently welcomed a new restaurant to the city's growing culinary lineup.

West Orange Cannabis Dispensary Eagerly Anticipates Opening Day

"The Library" continues to hold community outreach programs, including an upcoming school supply giveaway on Labor Day weekend.

Opening Day Nears For NJ Town’s First Microbrewery

Varitage Brew Works has unveiled the "first beer to ever be proudly brewed in Bloomfield."

BUSINESS CLOSINGS

Say Goodbye To The Manor: Iconic West Orange Wedding Venue Is Closing

Another wedding hotspot in West Orange is closing. Here's when – and what lies ahead for anyone who has an event booked there.

NJ's First Weed Dispensary May Be Leaving Montclair: Report

Ascend Wellness plans to move its cannabis dispensary out of Montclair, a report says. Nearly two dozen of its workers unionized last year.

Popular Restaurant In Newark's Ironbound Closes Its Doors

A well-known eatery in Newark that specializes in Portuguese and Spanish cuisine has served its final meal: Iberia Tavern & Restaurant.

Montclair Restaurant Will Move To Belleville After Scam Drains Funds

Coffee & Cornbread in Montclair will be moving to Belleville and relaunching with a "takeout and delivery-only model," its owners say.

Colmont's Deli In Essex County Closes Its Doors Permanently

Colmont's Deli at 220 Hoover Avenue has closed, a message on its social media profiles said.

Sushi Restaurant In North Jersey Is Closing After 35 Years In Business

Daikichi will be closing its doors. "Our family is ready to move on to its next chapter," a goodbye message said.

Last Chance To See 1745 Historic Site In Livingston Before It Closes

The Old Force Homestead in Livingston will close for several years for restoration. It'll be open to the public before the closure.

Essex County Gelato Shop Known For Its 'Jersey Attitude' Is Closing

APEM Creamery and Sorbetteria is closing. And its co-owner is giving an unflinchingly honest explanation about the reasons why.

OTHER BUSINESS NEWS

Amazon Fresh Is Lackawanna's New Supermarket, Montclair Official Says

An unexpected twist has been revealed in the saga of a long-maligned "food desert" in Montclair.

Campbell Soup Plans To Buy NJ-Based Pasta Sauce Company

Campbell Soup is acquiring Sovos Brands, parent company of the popular Rao's Homemade line of sauces, for $2.7 billion.

Landscapers Sue NJ Town Over Leaf Blower Ban

The plaintiffs include companies based in Montclair, Verona, Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Essex Fells, Nutley, Livingston and West Orange.

Nutley ShopRite Owners Plan To Buy Kearny Store From Tully Family

The planned sale of the Kearny store and Tully ShopRite Liquors comes as longtime operator Richard Tully retires from the business.

Viral Meme About $78 Meal At Newark Airport Stirs Up The Internet

"This is why Americans think the economy is terrible," someone posted. The internet begged to differ.

NJ Town Bans Any New Smoke, Vape Shops From Opening

The local ordinance doesn't affect existing vape/smoke shops.

Belleville, Bloomfield Businesses Earn Chamber Of Commerce Awards

The Suburban Essex Chamber of Commerce thanked several local businesses and groups for always "going above and beyond."

Essex County Restaurant Makes List Of 'Top 100 Places To Eat In US'

A restaurant in Essex County made the cut for a Yelp list of the "Top 100 Best Places To Eat In The U.S." for 2023.

A Meme Made This East Orange Teen Famous. Now, He's Cashing In

You probably know him as the "Popeyes Kid." Now, his internet fame has earned New Jersey's Dieunerst Collin an advertisement deal.

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