Family-Run Café Closes In North Jersey, And It's Part Of A Trend

NORTH JERSEY — After seven years, a chef-driven, healthy café and juice bar in Bergen County called Rockin Roots served its last dishes on Sept. 26.

"To our family, friends, and our customers who have become friends, we must share some news with you," the restaurant posted on social media on Sept. 21. "We have made the difficult decision to close our doors at Rockin Roots. Diana and I opened Rockin Roots with one goal in mind: to serve healthy, chef created food at a fair price in the community that we live in.

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"Over the last seven years you have all supported Rockin Roots continuously. We have enjoyed sharing in your lives, watching your children grow and having class after class of PV students work the counter up front, including our own daughter."

They had a request: "Continue to support local businesses, eat clean food and laugh with friends over a great cup of coffee."

The café in Hillsdale joined a growing number of family-run restaurants that have had to close in North Jersey this year.

In addition, some chains have closed locations. At the end of last week, Chip City Cookies closed shops in New York and New Jersey, including in Hoboken. The sudden shuttering came days after the former CEO filed suit against the company.

Money And Time

Over the past few months, restaurant owners have given Patch a variety of reasons for their closures, including rising rent and supply costs. But some just said it was time to retire.

(Know of a restaurant pening or closing in North Jersey? Let Patch know.)

A report from Restaurant Data, released over the summer, 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.

That region ranked first in terms of metropolitan areas.

However, going state by state, New Jersey came in 12th. The Garden State had recorded 213 restaurant closings by mid-2026.

Texas topped that list, with 1,039 closures by midway through the year.

One restaurant owner, Manny Suquinagua of Justin's II in Wood-Ridge, told Patch earlier this year that 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." He will still keep the original Justin's in Hawthorne open.

Below are the three recent restaurant closings, followed by more than a dozen that have closed in North Jersey since May:

• Viva Margarita — The Mexican restaurant in Cliffside Park closed on Aug. 2. "We are so thankful for all of our many customers over the many years of business," they wrote, encouraging customers to visit other locations in Hackensack, Wallington, or Hamlet. And there's another option: Rojo Tequileria and Mexican Grill says it's coming soon to the same spot.
• Charley — Similarly, a popular neighborhood restaurant in Harrison, called Charley, closed last week, but will be replaced by something new. As reported in Patch last week, Ani Ramen, a growing chain of ramen spots in North Jersey, will move into the same space early next year. Charley was accessible through the lobby of a community-centered apartment building in Harrison called Urby. Now residents and visitors will have a new place to dine. "Charley became a true neighborhood destination, and we're thrilled to welcome Ani Ramen to carry that forward for our residents and neighbors," said David Barry, Founder and CEO of Urby. (See the story here.)
• Buddy's JC — Buddy's in Jersey City, a popular bar/restaurant serving comfort food, closed in the middle of this month. "Thank you to every Buddy's guest who has walked through our doors over the past 10 years," they wrote on social media. "What started as a restaurant became so much more because of all of you." But they are moving to 187 Warren St., and expect to open with a new concept in fall or winter, they say. "This may be the end of one chapter, but it's only the beginning of a new adventure," they noted.

Other Recent Closings, And Reasons

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.

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."

Guerrero's — The family-owned Italian restaurant that has operated in Morristown for 20 years closed last month. It was located at 90 South St. Read more here.

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. A slew of new restaurants have opened in North Jersey recently, including a smoked taco joint in Hudson County this past Friday.

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