More Than A Dozen North Jersey Restaurants Closed Recently. It's Part Of A Trend.

NORTH JERSEY — At least a dozen longtime North Jersey restaurants have announced that they would close in the past three months. Sometimes, the rent was too darn high. Other owners said they were retiring, or they cited the economy.

They're part of a trend. A new report by RestaurantData.com said that in the New York/Northern New Jersey/Long Island metropolitan area, an estimated 491 restaurants closed during the first six months of this year. The region ranked first in terms of metropolitan areas.

However, the state of New Jersey alone recored 213 restaurant closings, ranking 12th out of all states.

One restaurant owner, Manny Suquinagua of Justin's II in Wood-Ridge, said costs were a factor. "Running two restaurants is hard with the economy, with food costs going up every single day," he told Patch. "And it's hard to find help. I decided to keep it to one place."

Here are some of the closings covered by Patch in the last three months:

Village Green, Ridgewood — The restaurant opened in 1989 and served high-end cuisine "for those with a passion for fine food," from miso garlic rubbed grouper to rigatoni ragu. Chef Kevin Potscher told Patch that the building was getting new owners. The spot was set to close June 6.

(Do you know of a restaurant opening or closing in North Jersey? Let Patch know so we can write about it.)

Davia, Fair Lawn — The family-owned Italian restaurant in Bergen County since 1998 closed over Memorial Day weekend, owners confirmed for Patch. "We're going to be with our grandkids," said Michele Villani, who co-owned the Fair Lawn spot with her husband Paul. They have no plans for another restaurant.

Shaka Kitchen, Hoboken — A restaurant on Hoboken's Washington Street closed last month, leaving a letter for customers. Shaka Kitchen, which served poke bowls, said they decided not to re-sign their lease, but will remain in their other location on the west side of town. They said that delivery has increased for restaurants in cities, so it made sense to condense the space.

Tony Boloney's, Jersey City — Tony Boloney's Pizza, a chain known for its unique pizza toppings and sandwiches, has closed its Jersey City location and is working to reopen their site in Hoboken, which closed because of a fire. "Jersey City store is closed for good," owner Mike Hauke told Patch. The Atlantic City flagship remains open.

Elio's Bakery and Deli, Jersey City — A family-run bakery on the west side of the city for 46 years, Elio's Bakery and Deli closed in late June. The shop, at 442 West Side Ave., was known for its cookies, sandwiches, and Italian bread. It was also known for old-school charm. It lacked an official website or social media. Read more: Beloved Bakery In Jersey City Will Close This Weekend After 46 Years

Johnny Pepperoni, Hoboken — The 15-year-old favorite closed at the end of June. The owners of the Italian eatery confirmed they'll debut a new concept in fall. Read more about them here.

Justin's II, Wood-Ridge — Justin's II, an upscale Italian restaurant in Wood-Ridge, closed last month, but the original Hawthorne location will remain open, the owner announced. He said it was just too hard to keep two restaurants open in this economy. Loyal customers said they'd miss the spot. Read more here.

Speedy's JC, Jersey City — This burger joint closed for good at the end of July, The New York City-based owner said that it didn't get enough foot traffic after moving from downtown to the city's interior. Read more here.

Jim Dandy's, Rutherford — The restaurant closed in June, but its 40-year-old sister eatery in Nutley will remain open. The owner gave back to the community during tough times, including the covid pandemic. The first restaurant was known as the "home of the killer ribs." Read more here.

Biscuit Babe, Hoboken — The owners of the unique eatery, open a little over a year, decided not to renew their lease. They intend to open in another town. The spot served up varieties of biscuit varieties like a chicken and waffle biscuit, cinnamon biscuit, cheddar cheese biscuit, and more. Read more here.

Mr. Pasta, North Arlington — The popular deli, open for more than 50 years, announced it would close in June. "Words cannot express how grateful we are to see all of our friends show up for us as we close this chapter of our life," the owners posted. "Over the past 52 years we have made so many amazing memories and relationships."

James On Main, Hackettstown — The popular 10-year-old eatery, known for its wood fired grill, announced it would close for good on July 11.

Cookie Connect, Morristown — This five-year-old eatery will close at the end of the month, but announced their upcoming closing two weeks ago. "We have some not so sweet news," they announced in a letter to the community.

Yuakata, Somerville — The beloved hibachi spot said it would close for good this past weekend due to lease issues. Read more here.

New Eateries Opening

All is not lost. Many new restaurants have opened in North Jersey recently, and local diners have been taken over by new owners. Read about some of these new culinary adventures here: These 5 Restaurants Opened In North Jersey In June

Know of a restaurant or popular business opening or closing in North Jersey? Let Patch know.