Demolition Work Begins To Clear Former Pub In Parsippany

PARSIPPANY, NJ — A long-standing building in Parsippany has been torn down as part of a new construction project approved by the Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board last year.

The building, which is located at 285 US-46 in Parsippany, was the home of the since-closed Inn Crowd, a local pub that was once beloved by the community.

The property is currently being converted into a new Taco Bell location.

TriCore Construction, a family-operated firm with over 42 years of experience, is in charge of the construction of the project.

Last summer, the Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board unanimously approved the application to replace the former Inn Crowd with a Taco Bell, calling it a "very good application." The applicant was granted permission to build a 2,500-square-foot structure with 50 indoor seats, 36 parking spaces and a drive-thru lane.

James Thaon, the project's engineer, said that the goal of the development is to enhance the site and provide the community with a new "tasteful" design. As part of that goal, the application also included the addition of various shade trees in order to block out any potential light from the drive-thru and parking lot.

One of the board's main concerns was the fact that another Taco Bell is located approximately three miles west at 1560 Route 46 West. Several board members questioned whether the addition of another location so close would have a negative impact on the amount of business at the current location.

According to project planner John McDonough, because the other Taco Bell location is on the opposite side of the highway, it is not likely to affect potential business traffic.

"The brand is over on the other side of town, on the other side of the highway, so we think it makes good planning sense to provide this popular name brand on this side of town as well. I think there is a good balance here," McDonough said.

Following the full testimony, board member Nick Napolitano expressed reservations about the proximity, stating that he hoped both locations could remain open but was not confident.

The application was unanimously approved, with construction expected to begin later this year.