Popular local restaurant, Chef Jason at 1275, in Cranbury, has been forced to closed its doors for good.
One of my friends texted me saying she heard a rumor it was closed, so I quickly went to Facebook to see if I could find out any information. Unfortunately, it's true, the restaurant is being forced to move.
Chef Jason Dilts wrote on Facebook: "Is is with my deepest regrets to inform you that due to unforseen circumstances we will be moving. Unfortunately, our landlord has decided to put the property for sale causing us to close our doors at 1275. However, while we are exploring the site of our future location, our dedicated staff will still be offering our quality service and cuisine. We will be offering a variety of options for all your catering needs. Please continue to follow us to stay up to date as we adapt to the current situation."
I've loved Chef Jason's food since he was a chef at Revere Restaurant in Ewing. His Boom Boom Chicken (chicken parmigiana with vodka sauce) is my favorite. Everything he makes is so fresh and delicious. I'm sorry to see him have to close so suddenly.
My friend who told me the news of the closing called the restaurant immediately to see if she could find out where the new location would be (yes, his food is THAT good that she can't be without it for long, lol), and Chef Jason told her he's currently looking all over the Mercer County area for a new spot (he wants to stay in the area) and will let everyone know when he's found a new spot.
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In the meantime, he's not gone for good. He'll be offering catering and party packages, prepared in remote locations. Email him for information and to place an order at [email protected].
Good luck in finding a new place, Jason. Please don't go far. You have so many fans. When you get settled, I'll be in for some Boom Boom Chicken.
22 Businesses We Want to Open in Mercer County, NJ in 2022
Mercer County, NJ is home to a TON of great businesses (especially locally owned and operated businesses). But I recently asked my Facebook friends which chain retailers and businesses they wanted to see come to our area, and they helped me make this list below with everything from restaurants, to fast food to shopping and more... these are the 22 businesses we want to open in Mercer County in 2022.
Publix
Whenever we ask about chains that we wish would come to our area, Publix is on that list. When I asked this week on my Facebook page, it was coming up a few times too! Whenever I've been down south it seems like their employees are the best. They're super nice and helpful (every single time). Plus, my other favorite things about Publix include: how clean they are & their fried chicken (seriously... it's legendary!)
In-N-Out
Ohhh, In-N-Out is one of the most popular burger eateries out there it seems like. They're known in California. They are open in Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Texas, Oregon, and Colorado. I WISH they would open out east. I have the controversial opinion that they're actually better than Whataburger. I can't be the only one who said that.
Waffle House
When I used to travel, I used to LOVE stopping by a Waffle House. Their menu is consistently awesome. I am not even a huge breakfast eater, but like, their menu is great. It would be nice to have a fresh cup of coffee too whenever you want it!
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Roy Rogers
I personally added this one to this list. And I'd like to be clear: I am not talking about a rest area Roy Rogers. Those are great, but they're not the same thing as a free-standing eatery. I would LOVE to go to Roy Rogers for lunch. I grew up in Ocean County, and we had one (forever) in Pine Beach. If you haven't been... it's worth driving to just to enjoy their roast beef and fried chicken. Which, by the way, their roast beef is SO much better than Arby's slimy roast beef.
Jenny Evans, Getty Images
IKEA
Sure there are IKEA stores in Philly, Conshohocken, and Elizabeth. But wouldn't it be so much easier to have an Ikea right here in Mercer County? We could get those incredible meatballs & cheap (but reliable) furniture right here without having drive! I browse IKEA in Philly all the time just because it's so close.
Bass Pro Shops Press Photo
Bass Pro Shops
Bass Pro Shops is more than just "hunting gear," which is what I used to assume it was. I don't consider myself to be an "outdoorsy person," but I enjoy walking through the Atlantic City store all the time.
Culver's
Culver's
This midwest chain is known for their "butter burgers." And butter burgers are EXACTLY what you think about they would be. They're hamburgers that are topped with butter (on the patty or on the bun). What is better than more butter on a bun?
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Dave & Buster's
There are Dave & Buster's in our area, but it would be nice to have one in Mercer County, right? They have locations in Philadelphia, PA, and Blackwood, NJ. But it would be nice to eat play and watch right here in our neighborhood.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Tim Hortons
OK. This is another one that I had to personally add to this list. I used to frequently visit Buffalo for work. And I became OBSESSED with Tim Horton's years ago. Their iced coffee is incredible. It's a little sweeter than most, I think? So I got excited when they started opening locations near us (in South Jersey). But, so far, none in Mercer County. Hey, Tim Hortons, come to our area!
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Bojangles
They're known for their Cajun-seasoned fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits. I've never had them, but when I asked on Facebook: one friend simply wrote: "Bojangles. Is. EVERYTHING."
Ron Jenkins, Getty Images
Whataburger
No list like this would be complete without us referencing Whataburger. Sadly, I don't think we'll actually get one this year (or ever) since the chain seems to focus on being out West (and Texas). But we can dream.
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Kroger
Grocery shopping is the real deal. Collectively we spend hundreds of dollars in a grocery store every single week, right? But many tell us that they love Kroger's prices and selection. I don't think I've ever actually been inside a Kroger (in spite of my many travels).
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Portillos
I must have a lot of friends from the midwest because another midwest chain made our list. This time it's the popular hot dog chain, Portillo's. Have you ever had a Chicago-style hot dog? If not, you're missing out. Ugh. Now I'm hungry!
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Hy-Vee
My Facebook friend Connie suggested that we get a Hy-Vee in Mercer County this year. I have to admit that I wasn't sure what a Hy-Vee was, but it's a midwestern grocery chain that's employee-owned, and many of the stores have AWESOME extras. Like I saw that some of the stores have fitness centers, health clinics, and coffee kiosks? This is like futuristic grocery shopping.
Tim Boyle/Getty Images
Caribou Coffee
Another popular coffee chain made our list. This one is from the midwest. My Facebook friend Ben wrote to tell me that he loves their coffee. He missed it so much that he orders bags of their coffee on Amazon.com. By the way, last year Caribou merged into the Panera brands, but it's not clear if they'll expand the Caribou Coffee brand out East.
Tim Boyle, Getty Images
Hardees
Headquartered in North Carolina, Hardee's has been around since the 1960s. It's one of those chains that I feel like I am always seeing ads for on TV, but we don't have have any in our area. They operate about 6,000 locations now though, I read. I'm not sure much about their burgers, but to the naked eye they look good.
Zaxby's Press Photo
Zaxby's
Chicken! What's not to love about fast-food chicken. They've been open since 1990, and now have about 900 locations, I read online. They're known for their "Zax sauce" to enjoy with your chicken, which runs from mild to extremely hot (nuclear).
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D'Angelo
D'Angelo has locations in Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. I went to school in Boston, and I have to tell you that I actually think their subs are really good. I know we're a little pretentious about that here in Jersey. But they'd be a welcome addition to Mercer County.
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DelTaco
One of my friends from California often speaks fondly of DelTaco... like he does it ALL THE TIME. I'm also obsessed with the Netflix show Grace & Frankie. And if you've ever watched... you know that Frankie LOVES DelTaco. So, I'm not totally sure what makes it better than Taco Bell? But I'll take their word for it.
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Village Inn
The Village Inn is kinda like a Denny's, but I actually like their menu better. They seem to more daily specials, etc. as well. The closest location looks to be in Maryland.
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Sonny's BBQ
Alright, I am not a huge fan of chain BBQ places. But I went to Sonny's a few times when I visited my grandparents in Florida years ago. And this place is the REAL deal. They have about 150 restaurants or so down south, but their pork and baby back ribs are incredible. But I wonder if their bottomless salad bar is still open amid the COVID-19 pandmeic?
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Lucky Strike
I was surprised that my Facebook friend Jim suggested this one. We have great bowling alleys (like Hamilton Lanes & Slocum), but apparently Jim likes the vibe at a Lucky Strike. I go to the one in Philly often, and it is fun! I like how modern the bowling alley is, but I typically prefer a local vibe.