6 New Businesses To Check Out In The Princeton Area

PRINCETON, NJ — Last year, many local businesses faced challenges due to COVID-19 restrictions. Several were forced to shut their doors as they failed to survive.

However, things are looking a little different this year. Just in the past few months Princeton and the surrounding areas have seen new businesses open.

From restaurants and bakeries to prescription glasses stores, here are three new businesses that recently opened, and three that are expected to open soon:

Sweet Gourmet: Local bake-to-order bakery, Sweet Gourmet, has opened its first storefront at Princeton North Shopping Center. The store was earlier run from The Cucina, a commercial kitchen available for rent that also offered cooking and baking classes. Founded in 2017, all baked goods are created by Chef Karen Ambrose.

Delizioso Bakery + Kitchen: This new eatery serves Italian fare and specialty foods. Delizioso Bakery + Kitchen recently opened at 205 Witherspoon Street. There’s so much to choose for breakfast and lunch. They are open Mondays to Saturdays 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on weekends until 4 p.m.

Ani Ramen: Ramen lovers, rejoice. Ani Ramen is bringing its signature dishes to Princeton in the fall. The restaurant is known for its signature craft ramen featuring custom-made noodles including bao buns, kurobuta sausage, chili charred edamame among other delicacies. They will be taking over 140 Nassau Street which was formerly a Qdoba restaurant. So keep an eye out for this one.

Halal Guys: Our neighbors in Lawrenceville will be hosting New York Street food icons, The Halal Guy. Unlike New York, patrons won't have to line up outside at a food cart for gyros or falafel – the group is opening a restaurant at 3371 US 1 43B, between Chipotle and Bonefish Grill. Opening date is just around the corner. The group said they hope to announce an official date “within the next few weeks.” We’ll keep you updated.

Warby Parker: Bringing their signature prescription glasses and sunglasses to Princeton is Warby Parker. And their new store is opening in Palmer Square on Saturday. To celebrate the opening, the store is will be offering customers a voucher for a complimentary scoop of ice cream from The Bent Spoon. Also check out their book - "The Alphabet of Art," a compilation of artwork by over 100 artists.

Grocery Outlet: Okay, this might not be in Princeton, but who doesn’t want offers on brand-name groceries? The California-based discount supermarket chain is opening its first New Jersey store in neighboring Hamilton Township at 1061 Whitehorse Mercerville Road. Company spokesperson confirmed that the store is expected to open in the Fall.

Are there any new stores opening in the neighborhood? Is there a business you would like to see featured on Patch? Let us know. Send an email to sarah.salvadore@patch.com.

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