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State Senator and Police Chief Honored at Morris County’s Annual Holiday Luncheon

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MORRIS COUNTY — A capacity crowd of countywide law enforcement officials, elected representatives, family, and friends, assembled at the Park Savoy Estates in Florham Park on December 14 where State Senator for New Jersey’s 25th District, Anthony M. Bucco, was awarded the prestigious, “Honorary Chief of the Morris County Police Chief’s Association” designation and plaque.

Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Senator Anthony Bucco, and Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll
Anthony M. Bucco was awarded the prestigious, “Honorary Chief of the Morris County Police Chief’s Association” designation and plaque

The recipient of this annual honor is chosen only after thoughtful consideration, and as Sheriff Gannon stated, “it is not given out lightly.”  Interestingly, the recipient of the Association’s first “Honorary Chief” award was the late Senator Anthony R. Bucco’s, Senator Anthony R. Bucco’s father.

Assemblywoman Aura K. Dunn preceded the presentation with congratulatory comments recognizing the Senator’s achievements, the award was then presented by Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon; Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll; Commissioner Stephen H. Shaw; and Chief of Police Jeffrey Almer; currently the President of the Association.

Stephen Beecher with Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw

Bucco was highly praised for his ongoing commitment to law enforcement throughout his tenure both as an Assemblyman and Senator. The Senator’s acceptance speech was met with a lengthy standing ovation.

Also recognized during the ceremonies was the Association’s 2021 President and Chief of the Mount Olive Police Department, Stephen Beecher. The Chief, whose late father Stephen was also a police officer, was recognized for his continuous efforts towards building positive relationships within his community, as well as for his recognition of the historical problems associated with racial justice, his willingness to listen to innovative ideas, and his recognition of the need for reform and improvement when needed. During his acceptance speech, Beecher also recognized his Mayor and Council members, who were in attendance, and of course, his family, for all their cooperation and support during his tenure as Chief.

The ceremonial portion of the luncheon concluded with the installation of the Association’s new 2022 Executive Board.

  • Mendham Township Chief of Police Ross Johnson – Vice President
  • Mount Arlington Chief of Police Edward LaBruno – Sergeant at Arms
  • Wharton Borough Chief of Police David Young – Treasurer
  • Morris Plains Chief of Police Michael Koroski- Secretary

The Chiefs Association’s mission involves securing and improving unity of action in all public safety matters and elevating the standards of the police profession among its members and the greater law enforcement community. It also attempts to advance the skills, techniques, and training of its members and subordinates, promote greater efficiency and effectiveness in the law enforcement profession and ensure that efforts at preventing crime, detecting crime, and prosecuting crime are improved.

Pair Arrested After 1.5 Kilograms of Methamphetamine is Seized

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Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.

HANOVER — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Christoph K. Kimker, and Hanover Police Chief Michael Loock announce the arrest of Barbara Maronpot, 67, and Christopher Gallaway, 48, both of Morristown, following a narcotics investigation.

On November 24, 2021, the Hanover Township Police Department received information regarding a package received at a hotel within their jurisdiction. The package was addressed to the hotel and found to contain approximately five hundred grams of methamphetamine. The subsequent investigation resulted in the seizure of an additional one thousand grams of methamphetamine and over two ounces of GHB from two hotel rooms and a residence. As a result of this investigation, it was learned that Barbara Maronpot and Christopher Gallaway were the intended recipients of the package containing five hundred grams of methamphetamine.

Maronpot and Gallaway were arrested and jointly charged with the following on complaint warrants:
-One count of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine in violation of N.J.S. 2C:5-2a(1) and N.J.S. 2C:35-5a(1)b(8);
-One count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Five Ounces or More of Methamphetamine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(8);
-One count of Possession with Intent to Distribute One-Half Ounce or More but Less than Five Ounces of Methamphetamine in violation of N.J.S. 2C:35-5a(1)b(9)(a);
-One count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Less than One-Half Ounce of Methamphetamine in violation of N.J.S. 2C:35-5a(1)b(9)(b);
-Three counts of Possession of Methamphetamine in violation of N.J.S. 2C:35-10a(1);
-One count of Conspiracy to Distribute GHB in violation of N.J.S. 2C:5-2a(1) and N.J.S. 2C:35-5.2;
-One count of Possession with Intent to Distribute GHB in violation of N.J.S. 2C:35-5.2;
-One count of Possession of GHB in violation of N.J.S. 2C:35-10.2;
-Two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S. 2C:36-3.

Gallaway remains lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing. Maronpot was released by the Court pending trial.

This investigation, which resulted in the seizure of more than three pounds of methamphetamine, was conducted by the Morris County Narcotics Task Force and the Hanover Township Police Department.

Additionally, Prosecutor Carroll would like to thank the Morris County Hazardous Materials Response Team, the Denville Police Department, the Bernards Township Police Department, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit for assisting during this investigation.

Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation.  Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Defendant Accepts 10-Year Plea Deal for Eluding Police in a Stolen Vehicle and Receiving Stolen Property

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File Photo

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Hanover Township Police Chief Michael Loock, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Acting Police Chief Richard Pantina announce the guilty pleas of Isaac Zackery-Barnes, 24, Newark.

On September 22, 2020, a Hanover Township Police Officer initiated a pursuit of Zackery-Barnes, after Zackery-Barnes failed to yield to the officer’s commands to stop driving what later turned out to be a stolen motor vehicle from Nutley, Essex County. Zackery-Barnes created a risk of injury or death when he fled the scene, having swerved between lanes of traffic. At times he traveled on the wrong side of the roadway, ran a red light, left the roadway, hit a curb, all before continuing to an on-ramp to Route 287, where two tires were subsequently blown out as a result of his dangerous conduct. The pursuit ultimately terminated in Parsippany-Troy Hills, and the defendant was arrested following a short investigation.

Following the arrest of Zackery-Barnes, members of the Hanover Township Police Department reached out to members of the Morris County Auto Theft Task Force to assist with the investigation, and to coordinate with agencies from neighboring counties, as this investigation involved a stolen motor vehicle.

On November 17, 2021, the Honorable Stephen J. Taylor, P.J.Cr., accepted Zackery-Barnes’ pleas of guilt to second-degree eluding a police officer, and third-degree receiving stolen property, for operating the stolen vehicle during the police pursuit. The State is recommending that Zackery-Barnes be sentenced to ten years in prison on the eluding charge and five years concurrent in prison on the receiving stolen property charge. Barnes also agreed to pay restitution to the victim. Zackery-Barnes is scheduled for sentencing on January 6, 2022.

This resolution was the result of excellent police work by the Hanover Township Police Department, the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, the Morris County Auto Theft Task Force, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Intelligence Unit.

The prosecution of this matter was handled by Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Kelly of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operation’s Division and Sgt. Thomas Joiner, who directly supervises the County Auto Theft Task Force. The ATTF was formed in 2019 to combat the growing number of motor vehicle thefts in Morris County.

NJ Lottery Offers Four Ways to Claim Prizes

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MORRIS COUNTY — Each month, thousands of New Jersey Lottery players claim winning tickets of all prize values in a variety of ways. While many of our prizes may be cashed at any lottery retailer, those lucky players with big winning tickets should be aware of the options to claim prizes.

Prizes under $599.50

  • These tickets can be redeemed for cash instantly at any lottery retailer throughout the state. Simply present the ticket to the retailer and receive the prize.

Prizes over $599.50

For these prizes, players will need to file a claim to receive a check for their prize. Claim forms can be found at any retailer or printed from the lottery website, by clicking here. Tickets that are damaged, questionable, or otherwise unable to be claimed at a retailer may also be submitted using the claim form. Claims take around 4-6 weeks for processing, and claims are processed in the order they are received. All options have equal processing times.

  • Over 90% of players opt to mail their winning tickets to our office in Lawrence. The completed claim form and winning ticket can be mailed to:

NEW JERSEY LOTTERY
Attn: Validations
P.O. Box 041
Trenton NJ 08625-0041

  • If a player prefers to drop their claim and winning ticket off in person, they may visit their office (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday) where a secure drop box is available to leave the claim. Claim forms are available at the office. Their address is below:

Lawrence Park Complex
1333 Brunswick Avenue Circle
Trenton, NJ 08648

  • If a player has won a jackpot, other large prizes (approx. $25,000 or more), or otherwise feels more comfortable filing their claim in person with a Lottery representative, they may request an appointment by calling 1-800-222-0996.

Players can visit their website at NJLottery.com or call 1-800-222-0996 for more information.

 

Pre-Register for Morris Plains Rabies Clinic

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Annual Rabies Immunization Clinic

MORRIS PLAINS — Morris Plains will hold a rabies clinic on Saturday, January 8 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at DPW Garage – 10 Borough Terrace (Snow Date is Saturday, January 15)

In the Interest of SAFETY:
▶ ALL DOGS must be on a leash.
▶ ALL CATS must be in a carrier.
▶ ONE PET, PER PERSON allowed at a time.

Morris Plains Resident Tips: Many pet owners tend to come early and form a line which can lead to some waiting time outside in the cold. Those who arrive after 2:00 p.m. typically have little to no wait. Parking is available in Municipal Lot behind DPW Garage (enter behind Arthur’s).

Click here to pre-register.

OYO Hotel is Closed

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The sign says it all

EAST HANOVER — Unconfirmed reports indicate that OYO Hotel, 130 State Route 10, East Hanover, is now closed by the Township of East Hanover.

If you visit the sites like Expedia or Hotels.com, you could book a room for tonight for $73.00.

In a Facebook post from East Hanover resident William Salemme, he stated “As I mentioned several times, the Town was aware of the situation at OYO and thanks to the Mayor, Council, Morris County Sheriff’s Department, the property owner, and the EHPD, the hotel is now officially closed down! Some things take longer to accomplish than others but rest assured, East Hanover always puts its residents first.”

“The hotel’s common areas were 1980’s no-tell motel all the way, complete with a filthy carpet and heavily worn/stained furnishings. The heavy vinyl mattress cover and “signature” OYO logo bed topper were, perhaps, the only recent additions to the room. None of the typical mid-scale hotel room amenities – no coffee, ice bucket/cups, not even clothes hangers or a TV remote,” one recent hotel guest said.

Our staff was alerted by guests of the poor condition of the hotel, and recently took a visit. Our staff witnessed, the elevators out of order, holes in the walls, ice machines out of order, and ripped or dirty carpets. We did not enter any guest rooms.

Morris Focus reached out to local officials, but they did not comment.

On August 15, 2021, Morris Focus reported “Suspicious Death at the OYO Hotel,” click here to read the story. On August 17, Edwin A. Urbina, 27, in Custody in Connection with Murder of Three Year Old Child, click here to read the story.

The hotel was formerly Fairbridge Hotel and prior to that, it was a Ramada Inn.

OYO stands for – On Your Own Rooms

OYO Rooms, also known as OYO Hotels & Homes, is an Indian multinational OTA, homes, and living spaces. Founded in 2013 by Ritesh Agarwal, OYO initially consisted mainly of budget hotels.

The air conditioning units need repairs
The bathtub areas are in need of repair
The walls are just patched instead of being replaced
The carpets are old and worn out in the guest rooms

 

 

Rep. Sherrill Calls on Senate to Include SALT Relief in Reconciliation

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Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill

MORRIS COUNTY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) joined a press conference to highlight the critical importance of tax relief for New Jersey families, including teachers and first responders, and urge the Senate to include an adequate fix to the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap in the Senate version of the reconciliation package.

Rep. Sherrill was joined at the press conference by the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Rep. Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Rep. Tom Suozzi (NY-03), President of the American Federation of Teachers Randi Weingarten, and President of the International Association of Fire Fighters Edward Kelly.

Before the SALT deduction was capped in the 2017 tax bill, 54 percent of NJ-11 families took the deduction.

“It’s wonderful to be here with such a great group of colleagues and friends to talk about this critical deduction,” said Rep. Sherrill. “When we’re standing here today and we see our teachers here, when we see our firefighters here, we’re talking about the backbone of the organizations that got us through COVID. These are people that we really couldn’t have made it through the darkest days of the pandemic without. And to see that they’re getting kneecapped by the SALT cap is really devastating. Not only are our middle-class families paying the price, but our communities are paying the price – and they’re paying for it with the services we all rely on. That’s why we are calling on the Senate to ensure the SALT deduction is addressed in the final version of this bill.”

“We are here today to fight for tax cuts for the hard-working families we represent, like the firefighters, teachers, and first responders who support communities across the country and in Northern New Jersey. By reinstating the State and Local Tax deduction, we will be putting money right back into the pockets of hard-working Jersey families and families around the country,” said Rep. Gottheimer. “Now, I am again asking our Senate colleagues to keep moving forward, to include restoring SALT as part of their legislation.”

“New York State has one of the highest levels of union membership in the United States. The SALT cap caused union families to see a tax increase,” said Rep. Suozzi. “More importantly, the cap has accelerated a race to the bottom where wealthy taxpayers flee our state for lower tax jurisdictions that not only have low union membership but are openly hostile to unions. We must address this and ensure the Senate-passed version of the Build Back Better Agenda includes a SALT fix that we in the House can support.”

“In 2017, when Republicans were trying and failing to repeal the Affordable Care Act, they also silently raised taxes for hardworking middle-class families,” said Rep. Beatty. “By imposing a $10,000 SALT cap, small-minded politicians kneecapped middle-income families in the places where they were already struggling. It’s time to correct their mistake and reinstate the SALT deduction.”

“We’re fighting for the revival of SALT because working families need it. The first tax code in the USA had state & local tax deductions in 1913. Why? Because they knew then what we should know now: We have a federal system, services are developed by the states,” said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers. “Let’s deliver for the middle class. This is a way of putting the incentive system back in place to invest in localities, in sewer systems, in fire systems, and in schools.”

“In 2018, the previous Administration signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which neither cut taxes nor created jobs. Despite the name of this law, it put enormous, unnecessary strain on cities and towns all across America, and it’s made it even harder for us as firefighters to do our jobs protecting the citizens. That financial strain has made funding levels unsafe. This critical funding is needed to ensure that firefighters and paramedics and teachers and police officers have the staffing, training, and equipment we need, not only to educate our kids, not only to police our streets, not only to fight the fires…but also to take care of the most vulnerable amongst us, our elderly, our children,” said Edward Kelly, General President of the International Association of Fire Fighters. “I call upon our members in the Senate to support this initiative, to support your firefighters, to support your teachers, support the children and the elderly and the people who make this world, our world, that we all took an oath to serve, better.”

Phil Rizzo Announces Campaign for Congressional District 11

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Phil Rizzo

MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey Native, Small business owner, Pastor, and former Gubernatorial Candidate Phil Rizzo announced his campaign for Congressional District 11.

“The people of New Jersey are ready to take back our state. We’re tired of being told we don’t have a voice in our kids’ education, our health decisions, our livelihoods, our speech, our safety, and our elections,” said Rizzo.

Phil is no stranger to facing setbacks and beating them. As a kid growing up in Morris County, he lost his right arm at the elbow during a home accident. For an energetic child with a love of sports, this was devastating. But Phil bounced back despite his injury and went on to star in athletics, attend college, raise a family, start a small business, a church, and a school, and run for Governor of New Jersey – sparking a statewide movement still growing today.

“I’m running for Congress because empowering New Jersey didn’t end with the Governor’s race. Now it means standing up to the federal government and radical, out-of-touch Leftist politicians and unelected bureaucrats trying to tell New Jerseyans how to live our lives,” Rizzo explained. “It also means bringing appropriate federal accountability to New Jersey’s state government when it oversteps our Constitutional rights.”

“I will fight for New Jersey’s values and freedoms – for education that prepares our kids for life, not activism; for strong borders, law and order; for elections, we can trust; and for lower taxes, a balanced budget, fewer regulations, and a stronger workforce so New Jerseyans can actually afford groceries, gas, and electricity,” Rizzo promised.

“The challenge ahead will take a fighter with the true spirit of New Jersey — someone who won’t be pushed around, who doesn’t take no for an answer, and who won’t back down when it comes to defending the freedoms of our people and lifting the voices of New Jerseyans.”

“With such overwhelming enthusiasm, momentum, and energy,” says Rizzo, “New Jersey’s best days are ahead.”

Congressional District 11 includes the following towns in our readership area: Boonton Town, Boonton Township, East Hanover, Florham Park, Hanover, Madison, Morris Plains, Mountain Lakes, and Parsippany-Troy Hills.

Morris County Honors Retiring Tourism Director

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Leslie Bensley Honored by Shaw and Bucco

MORRIS COUNTY — Leslie T. Bensley, who built the Morris County Tourism Bureau from a mere idea in 1997 into a driving economic force in the region, was honored by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners upon the announcement of her retirement as Executive Director of the agency after 24 years.

Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw presented her with a framed Resolution of Honor on behalf of the board, followed by state Sen. Anthony M. Bucco, who issued a state honor during the board’s public meeting.

“We are forever indebted. You put Morris County on the map and helped the local economy. It is phenomenal what you have done. Once again, on behalf of this board, and all the residents of Morris County and all the people who visit Morris County, it’s my privilege and honor to present you with this resolution, and to thank you,” Shaw said.

The Beginning
Bensley has been at the helm of the Tourism Bureau since it opened its doors across the street from the historic Morris County Courthouse with the support of the board, then known as the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and particularly then-Freeholder Frank Druetzler.

“I am very humbled and honored to have been the executive director for nearly a quarter-century,” said Bensley, praising Druetzler for having the foresight to invest in the Tourism Bureau.

Bensley accepts Resolution from Shaw

“I remember when Frank hired me in 1997, he did something so remarkable. He saved and salvaged tourism because when it had started before, it had petered out, and he felt it was too important to this county not to do something,” Bensley explained.

Shaw noted that Bensley initiated the Bureau’s efforts to promote Morris County’s exceptional historic, cultural and recreational opportunities, helping Morris County tourism to grow four-fold and generate more than $2.3 billion in annual economic activity in 2019. The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism estimates the county averaged 6.5 million annual visitors at the time.

Bensley initially focused on Morris County’s historic links to the Revolutionary War in luring visitors to the area through “heritage tourism.”

“That’s been my guiding star. That’s my loadstar. It says, tell the destination story,” Bensley explained. “No matter who else has American Revolutionary history, or Gustav Stickley history, or Thomas Nast history or the magnetic telegraph history, our story is unique to us. So as long as you are true to that, you will find an audience because it is worthy.”

Force of Nature
Bensley’s heritage tourism focus was so effective, she was appointed in 2010 to the Governor’s Task Force for Heritage Tourism, where she served as vice-chair and worked on the publication of the Heritage Tourism Plan for New Jersey. The document served as a roadmap for heritage tourism development throughout the state.

“Leslie is a force of nature. She can move anything, and she could probably solve climate change,” said Druetzler, who attended the meeting. “What was the visitor’s center before she came? In the lobby was a bulletin board with some flyers on it. That was it. … Morris County is really the true capital of the American Revolution and she made people realize that.”

Number One Cheerleader
Bucco referred to her as “the number one cheerleader of Morris County.”

“Not only did you represent millions of people that were coming into the county, but billions of dollars in economic revenue that your office helped to generate around the county — and that is so important for the economic growth of this area,” Bucco said. “So tonight I’m honored to also present a Senate and General Assembly Citation recognizing your work. I also have a Senate resolution which will be adopted on the floor of the Senate and the Assembly recognizing all of your achievements, so good luck and God bless you.”

The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism honored the Morris County Bureau of Tourism’s marketing campaigns on many occasions over the years. Bensley was additionally honored with the 2013 Award of Recognition by the New Jersey Historical Commission for her many years of support, advocacy, and promotion of Morris County’s history and historic sites.

A Tour of the Tourism Bureau
Under Bensley’s tutelage, the Bureau grew by creating a membership program and obtaining grants beyond the county contributions. She also established historic kiosks and walking tours, as well as destination signs to guide visitors, and frequently created public events to attract attention to Morris County’s historic locations.

During her tenure, Bensley also served as the Treasurer of the Advocates for New Jersey History, co-founded the Coalition of New Jersey Destination Marketing Organizations, and served on the boards of both the Crossroads of American Revolution Heritage Area and the New Jersey Travel Industry Association.

Bensley lives in Morris Township with her husband of 36 years, Charlie, with whom she had two children, Eliza and Sam. She said she plans to spend more time in retirement being a tourist as well as spending time in Morris County with a new addition to her family: grandson, Graham McKenzie Folsom.

Visit the Morris County Tourism Bureau website.

Chopt and Crumbl to Open in Briarcliff Commons

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Chopt Creative Salad Company will be opening in the Briarcliff Commons, Route 10 and 202

MORRIS PLAINS — Two new stores will be opening soon in the Briarcliff Commons: Chopt Creative Salad Company and Crumbl Cookies will be opening along with Uncle Giuseppe’s.

Crumbl Cookies has over 300 stores nationwide. Jason McGowan and his cousin Sawyer Hemsley opened the first store in Logan, Utah in 2017.

Chopt for over 18 years has been working on making the most delicious salads imaginable.

Other New Jersey Chopt locations include Florham Park, Montvale, New Providence, Princeton, and Paramus. Although hours haven’t been released for the new store, other stores in New Jersey are open seven days a week from 10:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Click here to download a typical menu.

For more information click here.

Crumbl Cookies was co-founded by Jason McGowan (CEO) and Sawyer Hemsley (COO). They both teamed up and dove head-first into the world of baking. After thousands of dollars in the wasted dough, recipes that did not live up to their expectations, and cookies that are just plain embarrassing to them today, the two cousins decided to take their ‘perfect cookie quest’ to the people. They gathered feedback and tested recipes — a practice that is still part of the Crumbl process — until they created the world’s best chocolate chip cookie.

After developing the perfect recipe, the duo and their family opened Crumbl’s first store in Logan, Utah in 2017 while Sawyer was attending Utah State University. From day one, it was important to them that Crumbl customers see their cookies being mixed, balled, baked, and dressed in real-time. Equally as important were the high-quality ingredients used in each unique batch. At first, Crumbl only served fresh milk chocolate chip cookies for takeout and delivery, but other services slowly began being offered such as curbside pick-up, catering, nationwide shipping, and more! For more information click here.

Chopt Creative Salad Company and Crumbl join Chick-fil-A, First Watch, Kohls, Wells Fargo, Harmon Face Values, Pro-Haircutters, GameStop, Skechers, Village Spa, Terry’s Pet Depot, Chipotle Mexican Grill, GNC, Mattress Firm, Verizon Wireless, and soon Uncle Giuseppe’s.

Uncle Giuseppe’s will occupy over 42,000 square feet and will feature its signature gourmet offerings in a full-service grocery setting. It is expected to open in Winter 2022 and will be the grocer’s second store in New Jersey, following the enormous success of its first store in Ramsey. The new Uncle Giuseppe’s store at Briarcliff Commons will bring this beloved brand to Morris County, offering key essentials as well as its unique selection of specialty items in a convenient location with ample parking.

 

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