Check out these recent restaurant openings and closings around New Jersey.
RESTAURANT OPENINGS
Pop Empanadas • Park Ridge
Owners Tommy Greco and Chris Tanno have opened a fast-casual spot in their hometown. Pop Empanadas opened in early September, serving authentic empanadas with an array of fillings. Options include chicken, beef and their best seller, spinach and cheese, among many others. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.
Pop Empanadas, 7 Hawthorne Avenue, Park Ridge; 201-746-0000
1776 by David Burke • Morristown
Chef David Burke is about to open his sixth restaurant in New Jersey. In October he’ll debut 1776 by David Burke. It will feature a Topgolf Swing Suite, bringing simulated golf and entertainment to Morristown. The space will accommodate up to 290 guests with a view of the historic Morristown Green. Burke’s menu is still in development, but he promises some signature items, including his clothesline bacon, lobster dumplings, pink-Himalayan-salt-block steaks and more. The restaurant will offer cocktails, wine and beer.
1776 by David Burke, 67 East Park Place, Morristown; 973-829-1776
Pancheros Mexican Grill • Cherry Hill
This popular chain is adding its sixth location in the Garden State. The agreement was signed with Mike Yurcho and Jim Kolzow, who are beginning to work on the space to ready an opening in the near future. The restaurant will be located off I-255, next to the Penn Medicine Hospital.
Pancheros Mexican Grill, Heritage Square Shopping Center, Cherry Hill
RESTAURANT CLOSINGS
Circolo • Waldwick
After 30 years, Circolo is shutting down. Owner George Kalivas released a statement listing the struggles the restaurant has faced over the last year or so, including loss of key staffers and rising expenses. Circolo was known for its Italian menu, including pizza, fresh pastas and favorites like calamari and mussels.
Circolo, 53 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick; 201-882-1818