Dining news:
- Widespread vineyard damage caused by prolonged overnight freezing temperatures in April has dealt a major blow to New Jersey’s wine industry, with growers across the state reporting severe damage to grape buds across multiple varieties and raising concerns for both the 2026 harvest and the 2027 growing season. As a result, the Garden State Wine Growers Association—the primary trade organization and marketing coalition for more than 60 New Jersey wineries and vineyards—has canceled its “Sips, Stars & Stripes: A NJ Wine Revolution” event.
- Byrdcage in Atlantic City is pushing back on rumors of financial trouble and impending closure, stating that the restaurant remains open and is operating smoothly. While Byrdcage is listed for sale, current ownership says the move is part of a strategic effort to raise capital for the brand’s expansion. Current ownership is seeking a qualified buyer interested not only in acquiring the existing location but also in partnering on future growth opportunities.
- The Office Tavern Grill—which has locations in Morristown, Ridgewood and Summit—is tying its 76¢ Wings Special to a charitable campaign ahead of National Chicken Wing Day, aiming to sell 1 million wings by Wednesday, July 29, across its three locations. If the goal is met, the restaurant group will donate $5,000 to JBWS (previously known as Jersey Battered Women’s Service), a nonprofit that supports those impacted by domestic abuse. Guests can track the running total via counters in the restaurants.
- Chris Farella, a Fort Lee native and co-owner of Brothers Smokehouse in Ramsey, is a contestant on the latest season of Food Network’s BBQ Brawl, featuring Bobby Flay, Maneet Chauhan and Brooke Williamson. Farella joins a team of barbecue “brawlers” facing off in a series of high-stakes cooking challenges. Across the nine-episode season, judges will eliminate contenders until one competitor earns the title of “Master of ’Cue.” Episodes stream on HBO Max the day after airing.
- Pura Vida Miami, the popular Florida-based health-conscious café brand, is expanding its footing with a second New Jersey location, in Hoboken, expected to open by the end of the year. Known for its all-day breakfast, salads, bowls, wraps, sandwiches, superfood smoothies, cold-pressed juices and specialty coffees, the concept debuted in the Garden State this April at the Mall at Short Hills.
Openings:
Coniglio’s, Asbury Park
Brooklyn-born Nino Coniglio—a 10-time world-champion pizza maker, Food Network Chopped winner and owner of Coniglio’s in Morristown—is expanding his pizza empire. Last week, Coniglio’s revealed further details on its impending second location, coming to Mattison Avenue in Asbury Park. While an official opening date has not yet been announced, the team says the new outpost’s doors will be opening “very soon.”
Chapters & Coffee, Pompton Plains
This bookstore-themed coffee shop is now open in Pompton Plains, serving traditional café drinks and light bites alongside a lineup of creatively themed specialty lattes like the Storyteller, Cozy Chapter, Plot Twist and Book Mark.
Toastique, Montclair
This fast-casual café chain, known for its gourmet artisan toasts, smoothie bowls and cold-pressed juices, is set to open in Montclair by the end of May.
Gourmand, Point Pleasant Beach
Following its grand opening on May 13, Gourmand is dishing up New American cuisine inside the historic Gottlieb Building in the heart of Point Pleasant Beach.
Closings:
D’Oro, Chatham
This cozy restaurant, known for its Northern Italian cuisine, has closed its doors after more than a decade in business. Taking its place is Chatham Steak House, a new concept with dry-aged steaks and a seafood raw bar.
Union Hall, Hoboken
After a decade in business, this bar and restaurant closed its doors on April 26. The owners of Hoboken’s Metropolis are expected to take over the space with a new concept. Union Hall’s sister restaurant in Hoboken, Brass Rail, will remain open.
The Chart House, Weehawken
Chart House will permanently close on May 14 as the space undergoes a major rebrand. Following renovations, the restaurant—known for its waterfront views of the Manhattan skyline—is slated to reopen in 2027 as Mastro’s Steakhouse with a new menu.
Brunello Trattoria Restaurant & Bar, Flemington
The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development permanently shut down operations at this Flemington restaurant following allegations that it owed more than $14,500 in back wages to employees and had violated multiple labor laws.
Elio’s Bakery & Deli, Jersey City
The family-run Italian bakery in Jersey City has permanently closed after 46 years on West Side Avenue. The longtime neighborhood staple was known for its Italian breads, pastries, sandwiches, deli staples, cookies, cakes and other classic bakery favorites.
