Muscle Maker Grill Opening in Montclair

Calling all foodies! At least three new restaurants have opened—or are just about to open—in Montclair.

The much-anticipated Muscle Maker Grill is set to open its doors on Tuesday, May 29 at 10 Park Street in the space formerly occupied by Mexicali Rose.

The owners are encouraging people to stop by on opening day to pick up a free t-shirt.

In addition, Indigo Kitchen has just opened at 615 Bloomfield Avenue, bringing a unique blend of Kansas City BBQ and soul food to the Montclair restaurant scene.

And, in Upper Montclair, Tuesday at 622 Valley Road, with patrons already raving about the freshly made cannelloni and other pasta dishes.

Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the national Muscle Maker Grill chain founded by Rod Silva in 1995 promises to serve "freshly prepared Italian and Tex-Mex wraps, pastas, Asian entrees, salads, burgers and more."

Only last January, signs in the window said that the Mexicali Rose property had been seized by law enforcement officials and that the restaurant was for sale.

The Muscle Maker Grill—with about 40 restaurants in New Jersey and countless more in other parts of the country including several in Florida and Texas—quickly swooped in to take its place.

The chain's motto: "We're serving great food with your health in mind."

Meanwhile, Executive Chef Lance Knowling—who opened the original Indigo Smoke in Montclair about a decade ago—is excited to be back with Indigo Kitchen.

His restaurant has opened in the space formerly occupied by The Southern Belle restaurant.

Indigo Smoke previously operated at 381 Bloomfield Avenue but closed in 2010.

Finally, Tuscany is wowing customers with its fresh pasta.

The BYOB restaurant—across the street from Angelbeck's—is open every day for lunch and dinner.

What do you think? Have you checked out any of these restaurants? Tell us in the comments section below.