The restaurant industry is notoriously tough, with razor-thin profit margins and unpredictable customer bases. But 2020 was a year unlike any other for food and dining, with the COVID-19 pandemic creating restrictions for restaurants and quelling business in a way that crippled the industry.
Countless restaurants throughout the United States closed because of the coronavirus economic crunch, and New Jersey was not spared. Many cherished eateries, diners, delis, bistros and even chains closed in the Garden State in 2020. Some closed for reasons other than the pandemic.
Here is a list of some of the most beloved and significant restaurants to close in 2020, for coronavirus-related reasons or otherwise.
Alfonso’s 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 Valastro’s Carlo’s Bakery Shop, the shop closed in June after just 17 months of business. Their Staten Island bakery is still open.
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.”
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 Tavern’s original location is still open in Asbury Park, the Burlington County outpost that opened in an old firehouse in 2015 announced in July it wouldn’t 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, didn’t make the cut. The chain’s Marlton location eight miles east is still open.
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 couldn’t continue in this environment with the coronavirus and the current state of the pier. There was barely anyone left there except us.”
If Italian chains are hurting during this, you know family restaurants are as well. Café 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.
Caneda’s White Rooster, Toms River
After serving Cuban food to the Jersey Shore for a year and a half, Patty Caneda closed up shop in March. The closure came after an appearance on “Gordon Ramsay’s 24 Hours to Hell and Back” restaurant makeover show.
“As of today, Caneda’s White Rooster will be closed and will not reopen,” Caneda posted on social media. “I ask that you continue to support small businesses and buy local because you are keeping someone’s dream alive.”
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
A Charlie Brown's Steakhouse, once a massive chain in New Jersey that is now down to one location.
Charlie Brown’s has changed a lot in the past decade, rebranding in 2010 from Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse to Charlie Brown’s Fresh Grill. It once had dozens of locations throughout the state and is a surprisingly significant chain in New Jersey food culture, but is down to just one location in Scotch Plains.
Cheeseburger in Paradise, Secaucus
Once a chain with 18 locations, the last standing restaurant was in Secaucus before it shuttered in September.
“Thank you for supporting Cheeseburger in Paradise,” the restaurant’s website read. “All of our restaurant locations are now permanently closed.”
The Peruvian restaurant on Montclair’s busy Bloomfield Avenue was set to close before COVID-19 before two employees stepped in and bought it. Unfortunately, COVID-19 stifled their revival.
“We shut down at the end of March,” Juan Placencia told NorthJersey.com. “I had never seen such awful sales as I did the whole week prior to the shutdown.”
Maricel Presilla is the only chef in New Jersey to win two prestigious James Beard awards. And even her highly regarded South American restaurant couldn’t 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 people’s health. Just as thousands of lives have been taken, people’s dreams and their hard work of years have been shattered forever too,” Presilla said in a Facebook post. “And that’s exactly what happened to me and my business partner Clara Chaumont.”
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.
David Burke at Orange Lawn, South Orange
Celebrity chef David Burke’s restaurant in the Orange Lawn Tennis Club, which served up tennis ball-shaped doughnuts along with his signature dishes like clothesline bacon, shuttered on Oct. 25. The club made the decision.
“I’m a little disappointed but not heartbroken,” Burke told NorthJersey.com. “They didn’t think it would be worth running with 25% percent capacity indoor.”
A Long Beach Island staple for more than 30 years, it stopped serving its burgers, hot dogs and shakes this October.
“Thanks to everyone for stopping by and telling your stories of such fond memories,” the restaurant posted on Facebook. “We have been blessed with much success over the past 32 years and are so thankful for your business.”
Customers at the Double S Diner in Wantage in 2015Amanda Marzullo | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
The Sussex County diner that opened in the 1960s closed in October, saying business during COVID-19 dropped as much as 70%.
“We don’t feel the diner business is a good business going forward,” Co-owner Keith Yodice said. “With COVID, we don’t think people are going to come out in droves, which is what a diner needs.”
Plenty of New York eateries have made the jump across the river to Jersey City’s 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.
Flaky Tart, Atlantic Highlands
The New York Times called The Flaky Tart’s 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 doesn’t 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 bakery’s 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.”
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.
The name doesn’t quite translate to grilled cheese, but that’s 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 we’ve 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.
Golden Dynasty, Hillsdale and Franklin Lakes
The Chinese restaurant with two locations in Bergen County closed in the fall, unable to overcome the slowed business that came with COVID-19.
“We can’t afford the rent, same as so many other restaurants,” manager Jack Chen told NorthJersey.com.
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.
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.”
Jake’s Restaurant & Bar, Flemington
Jake’s 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 Jake’s. And you’ve made this an unforgettable ride. Thank you.”
La Campagna Ristorante, Morristown
After 25 years as a staple of Morristown’s 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.”
It’s hard to stand out in Montclair’s vaunted restaurant scene, but Laurel & Sage’s 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.
New Jersey has a rich hot dog history, especially in North Jersey. Part of that history was lost when Libby’s Lunch, a no-frills joint that served Texas Weiners — deep-fried hot dogs topped with chili — right by Paterson’s 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,” Libby’s wrote on Facebook.
Liberty Park Diner, Jersey City
New Jersey diners are taking a major hit during the pandemic, and Liberty Park diner is no exception. The diner near Liberty State Park closed in September.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the closing of our beloved Liberty Park Diner. We are absolutely heartbroken to be closing after 20 years of servicing the Jersey City community,” the diner wrote on Instagram. “From our family to yours we want to thank everyone for your love and support.”
An Italian standby in Passaic County, Lorenzo’s shuttered shortly before Thanksgiving.
“Lorenzo’s is closing its doors. Thank you for 35 years of loyalty. Sam and Nico,” the restaurant’s website now reads.
The falafel chain with locations in East Rutherford, Hoboken, New Brunswick, Paramus and Princeton closed its Wall location early in the pandemic.
“Due to the current climate due to COVID-19, the franchisee made the difficult decision to remain closed,” a company spokesperson told APP.com.
The upscale American Bistro shuttered in August after reopening for to-go service in May, according to NorthJersey.com.
The fried chicken at Modine in Asbury Park. The popular low country restaurant closed its doors for good because of coronavirus. (Michael Persico)
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 restaurant’s financial issues.
“It wasn’t 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 can’t really get out of, and we didn’t see anything changing in the next couple months.”
Morristown Pancake House, Morristown
While the breakfast restaurant’s 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 governor’s requirements,” the restaurant posted on Facebook.
Nunzio’s 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.”
Part cafe and restaurant, part tiny grocery store, Paolo’s 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.
Paul’s Bar and Bowling, Paterson
A bar and bowling alley that opened 1929 during Prohibition when it served as a speakeasy, Paul’s Bar and Bowling closed its doors in September. It wasn’t COVID-19 related, according to NorthJersey.com.
Running the business was “just too much for the boss,” manager Roger Ghafour told NorthJersey.com. “It’s been a long time coming.”
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. “I’m 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 & Al’s Noshery.
The River Market, Point Pleasant Beach
A BYOB serving New American cuisine with market-driven ingredients, The River Market closed up shop in October.
“14 years or so. The River Market. That’s a wrap. A job well done. We left on top. Covid-19 has nothing on us,” the restaurant posted on Facebook in October. “John and I can’t wait to see what is next for us. Hard work and passion. Thank you for all your support!”
Ruby Tuesday, Toms River, Eatontown, Freehold, Neptune and Lakewood
Goodbye, Ruby Tuesday? The casual chain closed two of its New Jersey locations during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are four left in the Garden State, but those could close soon as well as the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October.
Six Brothers Diner, Little Falls
One of North Jersey’s 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.”
Patrons outside South House on Sunday, June 14, 2020.
The Southern-themed restaurant on Jersey City’s restaurant row with a big, warm space that felt more like it was set in Texas than New Jersey closed in November.
“it is with a heavy heart that I make this announcement,” owner David Hohensee wrote in a letter explaining the move. “Myself, and my founding right-hand team of rock star sisters, have decided to step away from the daily grind and close South House doors until a new management team is selected to carry the torch.”
A cozy cafe in Jersey City’s 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.
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 it’s time to move on,” Stewart’s Root Beer said on Facebook. “I hope everyone gets a chance to come in one more time before we close.”
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.”
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.
Township Fountain, Saddle Brook
An old fashioned breakfast joint know for hearty breakfast sandwiches and stacks of pancakes for cheap prices, NorthJersey.com reports that it closed after 40 years of business.
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.”
Umberto’s Pizzeria, Fair Haven
After more than 30 years in business, Umberto’s Pizzeria closed on March 28.
“It’s with a heavy heart that we announce that on March 28th Umberto’s will be closing its doors,” the restaurant wrote on Facebook. “It has been an absolute honor and a privilege to serve you the last 35 years. Thanks for the memories. Hanga Loose Forever!”
Risa Magid Boyer is the owner of Vanillamore restaurant in Montclair
Chef Risa Magid Boyer’s dessert-centric restaurant was a hit in Montclair, but even such a popular and innovative restaurant was unable to overcome the COVID-19 slowdown.
“Sadly, we have made the decision to close our doors at 349 Bloomfield Avenue, the location that saw our restaurant rise and thrive in Montclair — a community that celebrated us every day and extended endless support and appreciation our way,” the restaurant announced on its website. “I feel incredibly lucky for the experience that I’ve had in Montclair, bringing my passion to our space.”
From left, Lauren Phillips and Claudette Herring, owners of Via45 in Red Bank, a beloved Italian restaurant that closed because of coronavirus. (Jeremy Schneider | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
Adored by the Red Bank community for its homey feel and delicious Italian dishes that tased like your grandmother cooked them, Via45 made the tough decision to close in September, though it hopes to reopen in some other capacity.
“You start to take a look at what’s beneficial, what what’s really going to work for your future, what’s going to work moving forward,” chef and co-owner Claudette Herring said. “We really had to come and take a look and see, do we continue in this sense and hope that it works? Or do we stop what we’re doing in this brick and mortar aspect, and find a different way to provide the food that we make.”
After 33 years of serving up thin-crust slices in Haddonfield, Villa Rosa announced it was closing in August though it is hoping to find a new location and start from scratch.
“Due to the long-lasting impacts of COVID-19, we have made the difficult decision to permanently close. This Pandemic has really hit our business hard, and as hard as we tried to stay afloat, some things just aren’t meant to be,” the restaurant wrote on Facebook.
Vitarelli’s Restaurant, Cherry Hill
After 45 years of business in Camden County, the restaurant that started as a deli before expanding and becoming an Italian staple in Cherry Hill closed its doors in February.
The sign at Watchung Deli announcing it had closed after nearly 100 years of serving Montclair. The beloved delicatessen, which opened in 1926, cited the COVID-19 pandemic for its closure. (Jeremy Schneider | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
The deli known for sandwiches like The Angry Dwarf and The Benny Mac closed its doors in December after nearly 100 years of business, citing the pandemic.
“In the wake of the terrible virus that has taken our world by storm, we were forced to make the very difficult decision to close our doors permanently. We are grateful for the years we were able to serve you and your families and for the friendships we developed with so many of our customers,” the deli said in a statement. “Small businesses are the backbone of this wonderful town we live in and we encourage everyone to shop locally during this trying time.”
Editor’s note: A restaurant previously listed in this story has since reopened and has been removed.
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Jeremy Schneider may be reached at jschneider@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.
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67 popular N.J. restaurants that closed in 2020, many due to COVID-19 - NJ.com
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