Muscle Maker Grill Opening in Montclair
Two other restaurants, Tuscany and Indigo Kitchen, already have opened.
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Calling all foodies! At least three new restaurants have opened—or are just about to open—in Montclair.
The much-anticipated Muscle Maker Grill is set to open its doors on Tuesday, May 29 at 10 Park Street in the space formerly occupied by Mexicali Rose.
The owners are encouraging people to stop by on opening day to pick up a free t-shirt.
In addition, Indigo Kitchen has just opened at 615 Bloomfield Avenue, bringing a unique blend of Kansas City BBQ and soul food to the Montclair restaurant scene.
And, in Upper Montclair, Tuscany opened Tuesday at 622 Valley Road, with patrons already raving about the freshly made cannelloni and other pasta dishes.
Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the national Muscle Maker Grill chain founded by Rod Silva in 1995 promises to serve "freshly prepared Italian and Tex-Mex wraps, pastas, Asian entrees, salads, burgers and more."
Only last January, signs in the window said that the Mexicali Rose property had been seized by law enforcement officials and that the restaurant was for sale.
The Muscle Maker Grill—with about 40 restaurants in New Jersey and countless more in other parts of the country including several in Florida and Texas—quickly swooped in to take its place.
The chain's motto: "We're serving great food with your health in mind."
Meanwhile, Executive Chef Lance Knowling—who opened the original Indigo Smoke in Montclair about a decade ago—is excited to be back with Indigo Kitchen.
His restaurant has opened in the space formerly occupied by The Southern Belle restaurant.
Indigo Smoke previously operated at 381 Bloomfield Avenue but closed in 2010.
Finally, Tuscany is wowing customers with its fresh pasta.
The BYOB restaurant—across the street from Angelbeck's—is open every day for lunch and dinner.
What do you think? Have you checked out any of these restaurants? Tell us in the comments section below.
Eric
2:07 pm on Thursday, May 24, 2012
Used to love Indigo Smoke, its laid back pacing and genteel manner, but when they opened another spot in Maplewood, they let their Montclair location go to hell. Took away the gracious service and tried to make it more like cafeteria style. It bombed, when they raised prices and cut services. I was treated very poorly by the staff and complained to Lance only to hear too many excuses. Ten years ago, he had a great model, but forgot the basics. I hope he recalls what made it so good the first time around.
Nicole
12:58 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
Looking forward to Muscle Maker Grill. Have been to other locations and Im completely addicted. Great food, great prices, hreat variety with large portions and you know your eating healthy. Im a calorie and protein/carb counter and they make it very easy!