A brick-and-mortar build-out is a terrible thing to waste.
Which is one reason why the former Joe’s Crab Shack on Cedarbridge Avenue in Brick, is in the early stages of being converted into not just one, but two new independent restaurants.
The national chain has been having economic woes, shuttering its Brick and Eatontown outposts this year.
But there is good news for residents of the large and sprawling township in northern Ocean County. Two established restaurants plan to make second homes at the Brick site: Tre, a popular pizza and Italian restaurant in Freehold, is looking to make its pies and classic entrees in one half of the former Joe’s, while Rosalita’s Roadside Cantina, a Tex Mex spot in Englishtown, is hoping to make its beloved tacos and more in the other half.
Determined industry veterans are working on plans for the dual use of the now-fallow space. Stay tuned.
Speaking of plans, a bevy of casual-eats places are currently in the works. Keep a lookout for the following:
Mother’s, 1400 Anderson Avenue in Fort Lee. Asian. In the former Callahan’s Hot Dogs locale.
Melanie’s Caribbean Cuisine, 661 Scotland Road in Orange. In the old Consolation Classic space.
Muteki Ramen, 533 Washington Street in Jersey City. Yup, another BYO ramen house will open for lunch and dinner
And, right next door: Picky Bowls at 535 Washington Street in Jersey City. Hawaiian poke bowls. (Ramen and Poke: Perfect Together—right?) Also BYO; also will be open for lunch and dinner.
Doyla Cafe, 128 Newark Avenue in Jersey City, will veer from Asian themes and serve Eastern European and Russian fare. BYO; lunch and dinner service expected. 201-433-5200; doylacafe.com.
Garden Shabu Shabu, 1 Valley Road in Little Ferry. Asian; BYO; lunch and dinner.
Kofi Cafe, 526 Main Street in Avon. Coffeehouse with pastries.
Closed:
GrabbaGreen has closed its location on Halsey Street in Newark.