Cheesecake Factory Opens Monday at Bridgewater Commons

With a warm welcome from the township council, and the hope that it will add tax revenue to Bridgewater, the Cheesecake Factory is poised to open its newest branch Monday.

The popular nationwide chain is set to open at Bridgewater Commons Mall, with its extensive menu and generous portions of food served in a casual atmosphere.

"The menu complements the other restaurants in the mall, such as McCormick & Schmick's and Maggiano's Little Italy," said Bridgewater Township Administrator Jim Naples.

Naples said there has always been a desire to open a free-standing restaurant at Bridgewater Commons Mall, and representatives from the Cheesecake Factory have been discussing this idea with mall management since 2008.

"The restaurant fits into central New Jersey demographically, and there was a need for its food concept in a sit-down restaurant," he said.

In early August, a representative with the restaurant came before the Bridgewater Township Council to request a liquor license, which was granted unanimously.

"We are excited to be here in Bridgewater," said Rich Nasca, attorney for the restaurant, before all members of the council welcomed the chain to the town.

Construction began earlier this year on the 8,765 square-foot building, which will seat up to 315 people, Naples said. The building, located next to McCormick & Schmick's, is set apart from the mall, and offers access to a full bar and an outside patio.

"And it is not attached to the mall itself, and therefore is not next to any stores," Naples said. "It has direct access from outside the mall, which makes it less dependent on the mall hours of operation."

Those looking for a meal, Naples said, can visit the mall just for the restaurant, or to both eat and shop. The restaurant will allow shoppers to take a break and enjoy a great meal in a comfortable environment, he said.

"The restaurant will provide a sit-down destination so that shoppers who wish to take a break from shopping do not have to leave the mall or move their cars to go elsewhere to eat," he said. "They can go back to shopping after a nice break or, at the end of their shopping at the mall, take a well-needed rest for a meal and a drink in a comfortable pleasing environment."

Naples said the restaurant is set to create about 300 part-time and full-time jobs, and has opened a hiring office to fill such positions as cooks, servers and hostesses in its new location.

'The restaurant will add additional tax revenue by itself, and hopefully its presence will increase attendance at the stores in the mall, he said.

"This type of restaurant will help the mall to continue to attract stores, and will help to keep the high level of value of the mall," he said.