40 popular N.J. restaurants that have closed for good due to COVID-19 – NJ.com

It was clear in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic that the restaurant industry was in serious trouble. While many restaurants that were shuttered for months during the height of COVID-19 have since reopened and are offering dining outdoors and even indoors, many were forced to close for good.

Data from the food review website Yelp showed back in July that nearly 16,000 restaurants across the country had closed because of COVID-19, and that number has only increased. Dozens of New Jersey restaurants have closed for good because of the economic crunch of coronavirus. The months of relying on takeout and delivery in an industry that already operates with razor-thin margins was too much for many to survive.

Even a return to outdoor, and then indoor dining, wasnt enough to save others. The list is likely to get longer as temperatures drop and indoor dining is less desirable. Here is the list.

If you know of any restaurants in New Jersey that have closed permanently because of COVID-19, please send a note to jschneider@njadvancemedia.com.

Alfonsos Pastry Shoppe, Red Bank

A Staten Island-based bakery that opened its Jersey location in 2019 in the space that once held Cake Boss Buddy Valastros Carlos Bakery Shop, the shop closed in June after just 17 months of business. Their Staten Island bakery is still open.

A Toute Heure, Cranford

An American bistro with a menu that changed monthly, it announced in August it was closing its doors after 13 years. It is with a heavy heart that we have to say goodbye, the restaurant said in an email to customers. We are in deep gratitude for the years of your patronage and humbled by your love and support as we navigated through these last few months.

Bisque Restaurant, Ship Bottom

While the Jersey Shore did its best to salvage its most important season, its no surprise that many restaurants in the area struggled despite it being summer. Bisque, an upscale BYOB seafood restaurant that opened on Long Beach Island in 2005, was one of them.

Bistro 18, Montclair

Billed as New American cuisine with European and Asian influences" with burgers, pasta, seafood and steaks among their offerings, Bistro 18 opened in 2008 and was part of the towns rich downtown restaurant scene before shutting down because of the pandemic.

Brickwall Tavern and Dining Room, Burlington City

While Brickwall Taverns original location is still open in Asbury Park, the Burlington County outpost that opened in an old firehouse in 2015 announced in July it wouldnt be reopening.

Unfortunately, in this incredibly difficult time for restaurants across the country, we can no longer keep going, the restaurant announced on Facebook.

Brio Tuscan Grille, Cherry Hill

The Italian chain shut 71 of its locations down during COVID-19 and only the 21-best performing restaurants stayed open. The Cherry Hill location, which had been open for more than 10 years, didnt make the cut. The chains Marlton location eight miles east is still open.

Buddakan, Atlantic City

The New American Asian chain with locations in Philadelphia and New York City announced in October it had closed its Atlantic City location inside Playground Pier on the Atlantic City boardwalk.

It was a nice run, but we had to say goodbye, Philadelphia restaurateur Stephen Starr told The Associated Press. We couldnt continue in this environment with the coronavirus and the current state of the pier. There was barely anyone left there except us.

Caf Fiori, Randolph

If Italian chains are hurting during this, you know family restaurants are as well. Caf Fiori announced in August it was closing after 11 years of service.

The epidemic and financial struggles associated with it have decimated the restaurant business as a whole and the effects have finally become too much for our family to bear anymore. We want to thank the entire town and community for their support during these trying times, the restaurant said in an Instagram post.

The Cassidy Bar + Kitchen, Maplewood

A town favorite that opened in a former post office in 2017, The Cassidy said at the end of July it would not be able to endure the economic impact of this pandemic." Owners Jennifer and Tom Carlin are still operating The Gladstone Tavern

Charlie Browns Fresh Grill, Chatham, Denville and Wayne

Charlie Browns has changed a lot in the past decade, rebranding in 2010 from Charlie Browns Steakhouse to Charlie Browns Fresh Grill. While its locations in Scotch Plains, Edison and Lakewood are still open, its a far cry from the dozens of locations it once had throughout the state.

Cucharamama, Hoboken

Maricel Presilla is the only chef in New Jersey to win two prestigious James Beard awards. And even her highly regarded South American restaurant couldnt survive the pandemic, closing in March after more than 16 years in the Mile Square City.

Pandemics have the insidious ability to disrupt much more than peoples health. Just as thousands of lives have been taken, peoples dreams and their hard work of years have been shattered forever too," Presilla said in a Facebook post. "And thats exactly what happened to me and my business partner Clara Chaumont.

El Cocotero, Jersey City

Plenty of New York eateries have made the jump across the river to Jersey Citys downtown neighborhood. El Cocotero took its Venezuelan cuisine to less heralded but still up and coming McGinley Square in 2016. Unfortunately it closed down in April.

The Continental, Atlantic City

Also owned by Stephen Starr, The Continental was for Brussels sprouts, wasabi mashed potatoes and massive martinis, but was unable to survive the month of no business during the coronavirus crisis.

The occupancy in Atlantic City, for sure, would not have been there, not being able to host the large conferences and concerts that enable us to be profitable, Executive Chef Kris Neff told The Associated Press.

Flaky Tart, Atlantic Highlands

The New York Times called The Flaky Tarts chocolate chip cookies pure buttery bliss. Owner Marie Jackson was a James Beard semifinalist. But being one of the most beloved bakeries in New Jersey doesnt make it immune from COVID-19. The slowdown in business from the pandemic closed The Flaky Tart at the end of September.

The decision to close our bakery was extremely difficult and saddening, the bakerys website now reads. We are humbled by all your kind words and well wishes and are in hopes you follow us on our next ventures.

Freelance Bistro, Newton

James Young bought the bistro that opened in January 2019 back in November and added comfort food to the Italian-heavy menu, according to NorthJersey.com, but sadly had to close the restaurant on June 1.

There was no surviving COVID, Young told NorthJersey.com.

Fromage Grill, Cranford

The name doesnt quite translate to grilled cheese, but thats what the Union County restaurant served gourmet takes on the classic sandwich. The restaurant announced in September it was closing its doors for good.

We will miss the many familiar faces and loyal customers weve had over the last four years," the restaurant said on its Facebook page. "We wish the best to our fellow Cranford businesses during these trying times.

Front Street Trattoria, Red Bank

Valerie and Michael Aufiero ran Front Street Trattoria for 35 years and already were planning for retirement. But the COVID-19 pandemic sped up that plan, and they ended their multi-decade run in July.

The Greek Flame, Haworth

Chef Tricia Vanech greek restaurant closed after nearly three years in Bergen County in mid-July, deciding to not renew its lease based on what COVID-19 was doing to the restaurant industry.

With the COVID-19 situation and the unknown we decided it was time to focus on our next chapter, the restaurant said in a Facebook post.

The Jackson Diner, Jackson

There is no type of restaurant more synonymous with New Jersey than the diner. Unfortunately, the pandemic was too much for The Jackson Diner to stand.

We apologize for this news, as we are deeply saddened by this decision as well. We would like to extend a special thank you to the employees, whom we consider family for all of their hard work and dedication," The Zimmermann Family, which owned the diner, said on Facebook. "It has been an honor to be apart of the Jackson Community and serve every patron that walked though the doors over the past 12 years, we are truly grateful.

Jakes Restaurant & Bar, Flemington

Jakes had 15 beers on tap, more than 50 types of bottled beers and even a revered wine list. But even so, after 30 of years of serving Hunterdon County, the restaurant that balanced upscale and no-frills sports bar closed for good in April.

We want to sincerely thank you, our beloved guests, and the local Flemington community that we have been so proud to be a part of for these past 30 years," the restaurant wrote on Facebook. "You all have been the heart and soul of Jakes. And youve made this an unforgettable ride. Thank you.

La Campagna Ristorante, Morristown

After 25 years as a staple of Morristowns restaurant scene, La Campagna Ristorante closed its doors this summer.

As a result of the financial challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic we regret that we can no longer operate, The restaurant wrote on its website. It saddens us that we will no longer be part of the Morristown restaurant scene. We want to thank all our employees and loyal guests that supported us during better times.

Laurel & Sage, Montclair

Its hard to stand out in Montclairs vaunted restaurant scene, but Laurel & Sages modern American cuisine with international flair did just that and New York Times gave it an Excellent rating in 2016. But even so, the 5-year-old restaurant closed during the pandemic.

Le Bon Choix, Ridgewood

Rotisserie chicken may be simple, but Le Bon Choix (French for the right choice) did it so well that The New York Times took notice. Opened in 2014, it closed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Libbys Lunch, Paterson

New Jersey has a rich hot dog history, especially in North Jersey. Part of that history was lost when Libbys Lunch, a no-frills joint that served Texas Weiners deep-fried hot dogs topped with chili right by Patersons Great Falls closed after 90-plus years.

Paterson is home and family to our family. You all have a special place in our heart. Thanks for all of the great memories for myself and my family," Libbys wrote on Facebook.

Modine, Asbury Park

One of the first big names to close during the coronavirus pandemic, but sadly not the last. Popular southern restaurant Modine, beloved for its fried chicken with honey, closed in June after COVID-19 exacerbated the already struggling restaurants financial issues.

It wasnt like we were super profitable, and then COVID happened, co-owner Steve Mignogna told NJ.com. We went from just scraping by to now in a deep hole that you cant really get out of, and we didnt see anything changing in the next couple months.

Morristown Pancake House, Morristown

While the breakfast restaurants locations in Maywood and Rutherford are open the Morristown eatery closed its doors in July.

We are not able to keep our doors open with sales from take out alone (it accounts for less than 5% of our business) and our location does not allow for any outdoor seating that will meet the governors requirements, the restaurant posted on Facebook.

Nunzios Dolce Vita, Morristown

Nunzio Cassara was born in Sicily and came to the United States at the age of 10, and his Italian restaurant in Morristown was open for four years before COVID-19 closed it at the end of July.

Unfortunately due to coronavirus our business has not made the money it takes to pay rent and so Friday July 31 will be our last day open, Cassara wrote on Instagram. Thanks to all our followers for your patronage, feedback and support over the last 4 years.

Pairings Palate + Plate, Cranford

With an ever-changing menu filled with plates like pineapple guacamole with an olive oil crisp and red velvet cake topped with mascarpone ice cream, Pairings Palate + Plate opened in 2011 and was another New Jersey restaurant that garnered New York Times attention. But the acclaimed spot closed at the end of June.

We have been honored to know you all and be a part of your daily dining and family celebrations and nothing would make us happier than to keep doing so," the restaurant wrote on Facebook. "However, due to the Covid 19 pandemic, it is untenable for us to continue. It is with heavy hearts that we have to cease all operations at Pairings at this time.

Paolos Gourmet, Westwood

Part cafe and restaurant, part tiny grocery store, Paolos Gourmet opened in 2018 and served up Italian specialities, coffee, and delectable plates of pasta in a bright space painted all white. But the shop closed this summer amid the COVID-19 slowdown.

Plum on Park, Montclair

A classy take on a diner loved for its ricotta pancakes and gluten-free treats, owner Natalie Lee decided to use the COVID-19 shutdown as an opportunity to pivot into a Jewish deli.

I had a choice, Lee told NorthJersey.com. Im either going to close up the business and walk away, or I try what I wanted to do four years ago in that spot." The space is now home to Mikki & Als Noshery.

Six Brothers Diner, Little Falls

One of North Jerseys cherished diners right on Route 46 and a late-night go to for students from nearby Montclair State University, it was struggling because of nearby construction for years but COVID-19 finally closed its doors after years of service.

"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent closing of Six Brothers Diner after over twenty years of proud service to our community, the diners said on Facebook. We will be forever grateful to our customers for their support and allowing us to be a part of so many special memories.

Square 1, Jersey City

A cozy cafe in Jersey Citys health food-starved Journal Square neighborhood, Square 1 served sandwiches, salads, coffee and more for nearly four years before COVID-19 shut it down in early August.

We are sending a huge hug and thank yous to all our friends, loyal customers, and staff who contributed to our double-digit year-over-year increases until COVID-19, the restaurant wrote on its website.

Stewarts Root Beer, Hazlet

The drive-in joint known with 30 locations in the U.S. and 20 throughout New Jersey known for burgers and root beer floats closed on Sept. 8 because of the COVID-19 slowdown.

We have served our community well and unfortunately its time to move on, Stewarts Root Beer said on Facebook. I hope everyone gets a chance to come in one more time before we close.

Technique, Westwood

After a year and a half of serving French food like escargot, coq au vin and duck confit, the COVID-19 pandemic led Technique chef and owner Ross Goldflam to close his restaurant in June, saying the situation forced him to reevaluate his priorities.

In some ways the coronavirus had nothing to do with this, Goldflam told NorthJersey.com. In some ways, the coronavirus had everything to do with it.

Tiffin, East Hanover

An Indian restaurant with a huge lunch buffet that was also BYOB, it unfortunately did not survive the COVID-19 pandemic and closed its doors.

Tuckerton Beach Grille, Tuckerton

Tuckerton Beach Grille, a restaurant known for hosting live music, opened briefly for indoor dining before deciding to close its doors on Sept. 10.

After much deliberation we came to a decision to PERMANENTLY CLOSE operations at Tuckerton Beach Grille. WE ARE SO VERY SADDENED about this decision," the restaurant wrote on Facebook. "As TBG restaurant owners, Romeo and Valerie are devastated by the prolonged pandemic and the effects of the continued shut-downs of businesses in NJ.

Via45, Red Bank

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40 popular N.J. restaurants that have closed for good due to COVID-19 - NJ.com