Category Archives: Retail

Park Square to fill final three retail spaces

The remaining retail space along Park Square‘s Irving Street side is expected to be occupied by the end of this year, according to Matt Dobrowolski of Iozzi-Williams, the exclusive listing agent.

Continue reading Park Square to fill final three retail spaces

Piece of Cake has plans for Decker’s Tavern site

An ice cream shop would replace a vacant package goods tavern if the Zoning Board of Adjustment gives its blessing next week.

8/16 UPDATE: The applicant decided to postpone the hearing until the Sept. 13 Sept. 14 meeting because only six of the seven Zoning Board members were present. A use change requires five affirmative votes.



Decker’s Tavern, at the corner of Jaques and West Inman avenues, closed several years ago and a proposal in November 2007 that sought to build two three-bedroom duplexes was rejected by the Zoning Board, fearing it was too intense for the site. Continue reading Piece of Cake has plans for Decker’s Tavern site

West Grand Avenue boasts new 6-Eleven

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I’m no trademark attorney but my first impression is that the new 6-Eleven on West Grand Avenue might just be inviting a lawsuit from 7-Eleven. Then again, maybe it’s related to this 24-year-old, Houston, Texas-based company.

Either way, it’s a new convenience store and deli that’s a big improvement aesthetically over the dilapidated property that sat vacant for at least 10 years near the intersection of Irving Street.

The Zoning Board granted several variances about two years ago and the property underwent some renovations that were completed last year. Below is what the property used to look like. The ground floor has about 1,700 square feet of retail space with two two-bedroom rental apartments on the second floor.

Effort to revive chamber of commerce

Nearly a decade after it dissolved, the Rahway Chamber of Commerce is making a comeback. The Chamber will host its first meeting, open to the public and non-members, Thursday at 8:30 a.m. at the Masonic Temple on Irving Street.

Continue reading Effort to revive chamber of commerce

Agency may buy burned out E. Cherry property

Although 65 E. Cherry St. may be beyond repair, the Redevelopment Agency might make an offer on the property.

City Administrator and Redevelopment Director Peter Pelissier told commissioners at their meeting earlier this month that the property may be worth $75,000 but demolition costs could run as much as $65,000.

Continue reading Agency may buy burned out E. Cherry property

Casa Borinquen grand opening Friday

Casa Borinquen will have a grand opening on Friday after several months of interior renovations.

Specializing in Puerto Rican fare, the restaurant will replace Taste of Portugal, which closed in 2009 after more than two years at the East Cherry Street location. At one time the space housed the popular Eat To The Beat Cafe.

Casa Borinquen is family owned and operated by Rahway residents. I met the co-owners while I was strolling downtown on Sunday and they were putting some finishing touches on the place.
The building is among several East Cherry Street properties owned by Dornoch.

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The grand opening of Chess Mates, originally scheduled for March 1, was postponed. No new grand opening date has been set, but construction has been delayed due in part to the recent inclement weather.

The chess cafe will occupy the second retail space in Park Square on Irving Street, next to Eyes On You.

Irving St. restaurant slowed by sewer fee dispute

A dispute over sewer connection fees apparently is holding up development of an Irving Street restaurant and bar.

City Administrator and Redevelopment Director Peter Pelissier told commissioners Wednesday night he was told by partners in the Station Bar & Grill that they could not do the project if they had to pay the city’s total calculation. The city doesn’t want to stop the project, he added, but is willing to work within the confines of the ordinance.

The calculation for the connection fee range, set by city ordinance, is based on a property’s historic data and previous occupants. The amount the developers want to pay, according to Pelissier, is about a quarter of the calculation by the city’s construction official. The developers, he added, have shared their calculation with the city and what they think they should be charged.

The Planning Board approved a minor site plan for the 6,900-square-foot project last June.

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In case you somehow haven’t yet heard about “Rahway’s snow babe,” it first appeared Saturday via CNN’s iReport, before getting picked up in Wednesday’s Star-Ledger, and then on and on.