Closings
Common Lot, Millburn
One of the Garden State’s top chefs has closed the doors to his restaurant. Ehren Ryan and his wife, Nadine, opened New American restaurant Common Lot in 2016, and it soon became a popular spot known for its refined dining.
Ehren explained on social media that he and Nadine made the “difficult decision” to relocate to his native Australia. “We had always believed we would stay in the US indefinitely given we have built businesses, had a family and rescued a dog here,” he wrote.”But circumstances have changed, and we feel it is now the right decision for us to raise our children in Australia […].” He thanked customers for their patronage and expressed pride in the restaurant’s legacy, adding, “[…W]e are confident that the innovation, dedication, and passion of our team over the years will continue to inspire and enrich the culinary scene in New Jersey for years to come.”
Torna’s Pizzeria, Hoboken
This iconic pizza spot, tucked away on a side street, has announced that it is closing after 64 years. The last day of business will be Thursday, July 24.
Openings
Coniglio’s, Morristown
This popular pizza spot—one of NJM‘s favorite restaurants in Morristown—is expanding, taking over the space at 13 South Street and reportedly opening a restaurant and bar this year. It has purchased a liquor license.
Abramzon & David’s Delicatesse, Old Bridge
David Viana and Neilly Robinson, partners behind the nearby Lita and Judy & Harry’s, will open their newest concept, Abramzon & David’s Delicatesse, on Wednesday, May 21. The counter-service sandwich shop will offer a small but hearty menu of gourmet sandwiches with pairable sides, coffee selections, pastries and more.
Located next to the hospitality group’s original concept, Heirloom Kitchen, Abramzon & David’s will be helmed by chef de cuisine Zachary Abramzon, head chef Jack Cunningham and Viana.
The menu will include sandwiches like a meatball parm (housemade charcuterie and beef meatballs, mozzarella and marinara on a French roll), chopped Italian (Genoa salami, soppressata, mortadella, onion, lettuce, tomato, olives, vinegar) and Italian beef (French roll, giardiniera, aged provolone, beef jus). Slightly more adventurous options will include a Cubano with mojo pork and guava jam, a Thai tuna melt with scallions, coconut cream cheese, cilantro and carrots, and a veggie melt with braised collards, cheddar and coleslaw.
Playa Bowls, Belmar
Playa Bowls, which currently has more than 300 locations nationwide—is heading back to where it all began, with a grand reopening of its original Belmar shop on Friday, May 17.
Before it became a national name, Playa Bowls started as a roadside stand on the Belmar boardwalk in 2014. The small storefront at 803 Ocean Avenue was the first official location, and the grand reopening marks a full-circle moment for the brand and co-founder Abby Taylor, who grew up in Belmar and credits the town and its people for launching Playa into what it is today. The fully renovated shop reflects Playa’s evolution while honoring its roots.
The opening celebration will include free bowls for the first 50 guests, plus retro Playa merch featuring the brand’s original logo.
Woosmash, Verona
The former Korean/French restaurant Bloom closed and has been revamped into a Korean-inspired smashed-burger spot. Eastern-inspired ingredients, like miso and pickled veggies, are on the menu.
Vitality Bowls, Hackensack
This superfood-café concept, specializing in filler-free acai bowls, smoothies and more, recently opened its latest location in Hackensack. It’s the second Vitality Bowls location in New Jersey; both are owned by local residents Amit and Tuhina Patel.
