BBQ Restaurant In Montclair Is Closing Its Doors After 16 Years

MONTCLAIR, NJ — For more than 16 years, the corner of Chestnut and Forest streets hasn’t just been their business location – it’s been their home. That was the message from Ruthie's BBQ and Pizza last weekend, when its owners dropped a bittersweet announcement about their eatery at 64 ½ Chestnut Street.

The local restaurant’s proprietors shared a social media message about their closing on Sunday.

“For over 16 years this corner has been not only our business, but our home,” Ruth Perretti and Eric Kaplan wrote. “Yes, we are closing Ruthie’s in Montclair, but our journey as creators continues. We might not be running a daily restaurant, but we are on a new mission to give back to our community.”

The message continued:

“In recent years we have been cultivating naturally grown regional grains at Ruthie’s Farm and established Marksboro Mills in conjunction with River Valley Community Grains to create a market for other growers in NJ. Our vision goes beyond simply feeding you; we aim to restore a healthy local grain economy and that nourish both people and the earth. And we will invite you, when we are ready, to come see us as there is no way we will stop supporting live music! We plan on having events with the roots music we love and locally sourced food.”

The pair added:

“It has been very difficult to make the final call on when to close our business here in Montclair, but the night we finally did, July 29th, 2023, it was a typical scene, outdoor music about to start, rain moving in, are we inside – are we outside? We scrambled a bit, and when the rain moved out, a vibrant rainbow emerged above our beloved building. It seemed to confirm that our commitment to creating meaningful experiences goes beyond our restaurant’s walls.”

“We’re sorry to have made this decision without a heads up to all of you, but it was the only way that felt right to us,” Perretti and Kaplan concluded. “We will be offering our place back to the universe for the next person to create a new story, just as we did when we purchased this magical corner building those many years ago.”

The unexpected message inspired bittersweet replies from several people. As seen online:

• “We will miss you in the neighborhood! Your beautiful energy… fabulous music…. A meeting place for friends… and delicious food. Thank you for everything you’ve shared with us over these years, and we hope to see you again in the next chapter of your journey. Best of luck.”
• “Thank you for letting us know. It’s bitter sweet and very excited and inspired by your vision and what’s to come. You guys are movers and shakers! Wishing you heaps of success with this. Keep us updated!”
• “Thanks for letting Black Lace Blues be part of the Ruthies Blues scene. We loved the outdoor stage and playing into the Montclair night! Great memories.”
• “We’ve had so many amazing memories at Ruthie’s, and moments of appreciation for your hospitality, your talented family, great eats, and community support. My wife and I are so happy we had the times you helped create and look forward to what’s next!”
• “Ruthie’s was the beating heart on this community. Thank you for being a gathering place for friends and families. It was like an extension of our homes. Wishing you a joy and fulfillment in your next chapter. Keep playing the music! We will miss you.”

The restaurant has seen itself in other news headlines over the past few years.

In 2021, the restaurant rolled out a COVID-19 vaccine policy, asking diners to provide proof of vaccination. The next year, a grease fire damaged the restaurant's ceiling, smoker and sound system, forcing a temporary shutdown.

The fire didn’t extinguish the passion that Perretti and Kaplan had for Ruthie’s BBQ and Pizza, however. According to Kaplan:

“This is a ... decision that I’ve been thinking about for some time. I’m saddened, and sorry that Ruthies is closing after 16 years. Ruth and I are proud of what we accomplished, and love what we created. To all our community and all the great musicians, I wish we could keep going, but the time has come to move on.”

The restaurant is closing its doors on a high note, its owners said Sunday, sharing a photo of their beloved eatery against a background of a bright, cheerful rainbow.

“What a sign,” they commented.

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