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.