Three Things on the Stretch

Just a few things to note in the past couple of weeks. I'll be back back on the beat soon with some more details and new stories.

1. New Physical Therapy Business

Innovative Physical Therapy Fitness Center has moved into Town Place Shopping Center, near the Party Fair store. The space was once occupied by Uptown Playaround. This is Innovative's second location. It also has a facility in Edison. This leaves only one vacancy in the Town Place strip mall--the space next to the CVS, where Party Fair used to be.

2. New Learning Center

Marlboro Learning Center has opened in the Tabtor Math building. The business also has locations in Morganville, Edison and Garwood. It provides tutoring for K-12 reading/writing and math as well as help in preparing for standardized tests such as ACT and SAT.

3. Roller Rink Clears Out

The Kendall Park roller skating rink, closed since Nov.  26, is cleaning out. Two dumpsters are in front of the building. A sign on the door says, "Closed for renovation." The rink closed its doors at the end of the Thanksgiving weekend.

Happy Holidays and wishing everyone a prosperous New Year!

Have any ideas for "This Stretch of 27"? Either leave in comments or email me at lkiesche@gmail.com.

Liz Kiesche

Liz, a business journalist, formerly worked for Bloomberg News in Princeton and New York.

Grand Opening Giveaway & Specials at Wawa

What better way to get customers in the door than a giveaway? Wawa opened its Kendall Park store on Friday, Dec. 8, and is offering free coffee this week. It's also offering $1.99 12-oz. milk shakes and $2.99 6-inch hoagies to mark its grand opening week. While afternoons have been busy, mornings have been slower than expected, said one of the store's employees. 

Coupon Marketing

Wawa has sent coupons to nearby residents, so business may pick up in the mornings as people realize the store is open and adjust their morning commutes.

Grand opening features free coffee

Gas price matches the lowest price in the area

The gasoline pumps are open, as well, and the per-gallon price for regular-grade gas matches the cheapest in the area at $2.25. Diesel sells for $2.71/gallon.

The grand opening for the Somerset Wawa five miles north on Route 27 is set for this Friday, Dec. 15, with doors opening at 8 am and a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 am.

New Businesses Behind IHOP

One business is expanding and two more are moving into the strip mall behind IHOP in Franklin Park. The Spice Rack is adding a banquet facility next door to its restaurant. 

Meanwhile, signs have gone up for Pasha Mediterranean Restaurant & Banquet and Cloud 9 by Pasha. So far, there are no websites for either Pasha or Cloud 9. From the sign for Cloud 9, it looks like it will be a hookah lounge. And from the name, Pasha is likely a restaurant specializing in Turkish cuisine.

Since there are no websites for either Pasha or Cloud 9, there's no telling when the businesses will open.

"This Stretch of 27" covers business on Route 27 between Finnegan's Lane and Route 518. What's your story? Email me at lkiesche@gmail.com

Liz Kiesche
Liz, a business journalist, formerly worked for Bloomberg News in Princeton and New York.

Two Stores Open at Riya Plaza..More to Come

A Taste of Paris in Kendall Park

Farrida Kpamegan, a native of Benin, opened her first business on Saturday.

Les Delices bakery, or should I say patisserie, opened at Riya Plaza, at the Finnegans Lane intersection, on Saturday, Dec. 2. It's the dream of Farrida Kpamegan, who came to the U.S. 16 years ago. She studied at the Institute of Culinary Education to become a pastry chef, then worked for several years before opening her business in Kendall Park. She chose the location because it's very close to her home, and there's a lot of traffic along Route 27.

Among the Les Delices' offerings are speculos cookies, a European treat.

                                     

The bakery has a bit of a European air to it, since it specializes in French pastries, such as croissants and French macarons (not to be confused with macaroons, the coconut cookies). It also offers coffee and espresso, as well as quiches, sandwiches and soups.
Kpamegan says she's done some advertising and is still working on a website.

Time to Pamper Nails

The New Nail Time & Spa also opened about a week ago, according to an employee working there. That makes it the fifth nail salon in the area. The salon offers manicures, pedicures, aromatherapy, nail enhancements and waxing, according to its website.

Pie Five Pizza is gearing up for its opening. Signs are posted on 27 advertising that it's now hiring.

Also at Riya Plaza, construction is taking place in the end unit at the north of the strip mall. The permit posted on the window says the tenant is Ember, which is an Indian restaurant and bar that's currently located on Route 1 near the Deans Lane intersection in Monmouth Junction.

What's Happening at Franklin Towne Center?

In Franklin Towne Center, work has started on the space next to Douglass Pizza & Grill. Perhaps it's the new Indian restaurant that I've heard is planned for that shopping center. It seems a little unusual that workmen were jackhammering in the space on Monday evening at about 6:30. No construction permit was posted on the door or windows.

On Monday evening, workers jackhammer in the space next to Douglass Pizza & Grill.