Out with the old and in with the new. What was once PJ Ryan’s Tavern of Barrow and Mercer Streets in Jersey City is now being redeveloped into a new restaurant concept called Franklin Social.
Hoboken Girl previously reported in September that new signage at 292 Barrow Street in Downtown JC has recently cropped up, alerting residents that something is finally happening to the long-vacant space. That’s right — you may recall that the saga of “What’s going on with PJ’s?” has been going on for some time now. Like, for the last two years. Cue: Franklin Social. Keep reading to learn all about Franklin Social taking the place of PJ Ryan’s in Jersey City.
{Photo credit: @franklinsocial}
About Franklin Social
A separate concept {and restaurant} from similarly named eateries around here, Franklin and Jersey Social, Franklin Social has only a few pictures on its Instagram. So, very little is known about the new space. Instead, the account keeps posting macro photos of different textures — presumably ones used in the redesign.
What we do know, however, is the space was acquired by Skopos Hospitality Group in a lease transfer that also included a liquor license transfer. {Yes, there will be cocktails!} Skopos is the same hospitality group that turned Nutley into Cowan’s Public, opened The Barrow House, and The Vanguard inside the Harrison Station development.
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According to a press release, Franklin Social will offer a “seasonally-driven menu” of “thoughtful and progressive takes on classic dishes.” It also appears that incorporating local ingredients is one of the main tenets of Franklin Social’s menu. At Franklin Social, you’ll also find draught lines will pour a mix of classics, ciders, and rotating seasonal selections. There will also be a wine list with small farm and biodynamic producers {with American roots} for all you winos.
{Photo credit: @franklinsocial}
The press release also says that Franklin Social will have three unique rooms. According to the release, “The design will honor the building’s intrinsic architectural details while incorporating elements of early colonial life.” So that means a whole lot of gold detailing.
Beyond the Renovations
Renovations for Franklin Social are currently going on, and according to Dominique Marinzulich, the digital marketing director for Skopos Hospitality, we can look forward to FS opening in January 2020.
“The location will be an homage to Ben Franklin and a modern take on an American Tavern,” explains Marinzulich in an email to Hoboken Girl.
Can’t wait until January? We don’t blame you. Franklin Social will also be opening up on Black Friday as a holiday cocktail pop-up called Miracle on Mercer, a pop-up that will run until New Year’s Eve. At Miracle on Mercer, you’ll find holiday cocktails, Christmas decorations, and everything you could ever need to get in the holiday spirit. Interested in learning more? You can follow the official Miracle on Mercer Instagram to get updates.
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About the Former PJ Ryan’s
You may remember that in 2017, Jersey Digs reported PJ’s was looking for a new owner and was listed for lease on Grid Real Estate. In 2018, rumors surfaced on reddit as users noticed PJ Ryan’s cut down their open hours again and again, then finally post signage saying they were closed for the summer. As locals speculated online in the comments section, PJ Ryan’s eventually shut down all operations.
According to their website, it looks like PJ Ryan’s @ The Rock still has a location in Newark and there’s also PJ Ryan’s Squared at 4 Path Plaza in Jersey City.
According to Franklin Social’s website, which is currently under construction, the restaurant is currently hiring. You can check out the positions they’re hiring for under the Careers tab.
What are your thoughts on the forthcoming Franklin Social? Comment below!
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