Muscle Maker Grill Offering Ridgewood Healthy Alternatives

Promising a healthy, feel-good meal, Muscle Maker Grill flexed its muscles and opened its doors to the Ridgewood public on Tuesday.

The franchise, one of 200 nationally, serves a mix of salads, sandwiches, wraps, protein smoothies, and entres encompassing everything from Tex-Mex to Asian. Many options on the menu are vegetarian, and you'll find more gluten-free choices than anywhere else in Ridgewood. None of the products have MSG, and hard as you might look, you won't find a deep fryer on premises.

"We looked at franchises of all kinds but this fit our healthy lifestyle," said Paul McManaman, who opened the store with his wife Erica. The two-hour round-trip commute is worth it for the couple given the opportunities in Ridgewood.

"I love the town of Ridgewood and I've heard a lot of good things about it," said Paul. "It's a nice walking town and we really like the atmosphere."

The pair plan to do a formal grand opening in a few weeks but for now they're focused on gaining more traction in the community.

"The response has been good," Paul said Wednesday. "We really think we have a nice niche here."

The new kids on the block said they've been serenaded with well wishes and much support from fellow business owners, which somewhat surprised the couple.

"Everybody is glad to see we're finally open," Paul smiled.

The store, located at 40 Chesnut Street, is open from 11-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Though it's currently slated to close on Sundays, if business is robust enough the couple say considering a seven-day-a-week business will be a good dilemma to have.