Friends' Guest Column: New Boulevard Restaurant Hits 'The Spot'

Editor's note: As part of their fundraising efforts for this year, the Friends of
the Hasbrouck Heights Library is asking area businesses to offer
discounts to library supporters who join their Friends Merchants
program. Friends' Justin Watrel has prepared profiles of
participating businesses, which Patch has agreed to publish one to two times per month throughout the year. Patch plays no role in selecting the
businesses or writing the profiles.

“I like to serve things that I enjoy eating,” said Martin Basner, the owner of the  Boulevard restaurant “The Spot.” “I like to keep food simple, with the best ingredients and priced for today’s economy.”

The Spot restaurant is one of the newest eateries to open in Hasbrouck Heights, catering to customers who want a quick snack, reasonable lunch or light dinner before or after a game. When time is a factor, The Spot accommodates people who are on tight schedule.

Basner was born and raised in Manhattan and his family moved to New Jersey while he was attending college. He and his wife, Robyn, a therapist and student assistant councilor, live with their two sons in Paramus. When asked why he chose Hasbrouck Heights to open a business, Basner responded, “I wanted to stay in Bergen County and was looking for a ‘Main Street’ type of environment. This is what I liked about the Boulevard in Hasbrouck Heights. I liked the main street, hometown appeal and a walking downtown. This is very different from Paramus that is mainly malls and has no core downtown. It’s nice to be able to walk from business to business and see the different shopkeepers.”

“I also like that there are many different way to get involved with this downtown community,” Basner explained. “Thanks to the Hasbrouck Heights Chamber of Commerce, we were able to participate in the Halloween painting contest, which was a lot of fun. The best part was one of our students won a prize. We also participated in the Holiday Parade and ‘The Spot’ gave out complimentary popcorn and hot chocolate to the parade goers.”

Basner is new to the restaurant business.

“I had spent most of my career in the banking and finance fields.” The financial crisis of 2008 left the industry in turmoil and after caring for elderly parents, it seemed like a good opportunity to explore the restaurant field.

“I decided to base my restaurant on classic American foods that everyone enjoys. I use the highest quality ingredients, such as Hebrew National hot dogs, as well as quality brand condiments. I am often told by my customers how delicious everything was.”

Basner is also a good neighbor, going out of his way to be kid friendly to the community younger residents. The Spot has also participated in many school events.

“We’ve run a promotion called “Report Card Week”, where we have given special prizes to students who have gotten A’s and B’s on their report cards.”

Pointing to a football jersey signed by the Aviator football team, Basner added, “We are also trying to get more involved with Hasbrouck Heights sporting events. I would like to fill our walls with items from all sports teams in town. It’s a great place to come after a sports practice or game. We would like to be known as a restaurant where you can come and relax. That’s why we have popcorn and hot chocolate promotions, to get more involved in the Hasbrouck Heights community.”

The restaurant has contributed gift certificates to several local causes, including the High School and Middle School PTSA as well as being a part of the Friends of the Library’s Merchant Program.

Basner feels the restaurant is a perfect place to have birthday parties and will help customers plan the menu for any special occasion. He is also working on a “Guitar Hero” contest for customers that like the simulated game.

The menu at ‘The Spot’ is selective with high quality fast food items. Most of the menu items are priced at around $5, perfect for  customers seeking great food and value.  Some of the featured items are Sliders with bacon and cheese, Chicken Wings with different levels of hot sauce (including the Bravest of the Brave, finish and get a free t-shirt), Grilled Chicken Wraps, plus standbys as grilled cheese, peanut butter and jelly and even fluffernutters. French fries, onion rings and mozzarella sticks can be added to any meal.

Delicious shakes are made with an old fashioned blender. Specialty hot dog toppings are creative such as the ‘The Aviator, a hot dog with ketchup, onion, bacon and pickle and the ‘Rt. 17 South’, a hot dog with mustard, jalapeno, onion and bacon.

Basner has a promotion to specialize the hot dog for you. The slogan is ‘Want it named after you? Be Creative and we ‘ll make it special!”

Basner said, “Food should be shared and enjoyed. I think service is important as well. I feel you should treat customers like they are guests in your home. I always like people to feel welcome.  We fill the niche between a fancy restaurant and the fast food franchises.”