Business News

Debbie Madaio says her Hamilton Street cannabis store will “cater to the cannabis-smoking woman.” To Debbie Madaio, it’s no surprise that the first two cannabis retailers in Franklin are likely to be women. “Women are in the forefront of the cannabis industry,” said Madaio, who has a conditional retail license for her store, Weed Stalk, at 646 Hamilton Street. She …

What could be one of the township’s first adult cannabis retailers is set to open in this space in the Somerset Village shopping center in April 2023. What could be one of the township’s first adult cannabis retail stores is scheduled to open in an Easton Avenue storefront in April. The store, which will be called Leaf Haus, is planned …

Township residents have another choice for tacos, burritos and quesadillas with the August 29 grand opening of Bubbakoo’s Burritos at 1340 Hamilton Street. The 14-year-old restaurant chain offers a variety of Mexican favorites, with the added twist of several “signature flavors” that range from mild to hot. The store’s owners come with experience in the chain, having operated a location …

Performance Rehab is opening a new center in Bridgewater. (Photo: Performance Rehab). Submitted by Rey Bolic of Performance Rehabilitation. Performance Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine orthopedic group, with an office in Somerset, is opening a brand-new surgery center in Bridgewater.  Founded by Dr. Ronald Spiaggia over two decades ago, Performance Rehabilitation consistently adds additional and special services connected to orthopedics. Performance …

Township resident and former state Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula, right, assists with the ribbon-cutting at Apna Bazaar. Boasting that it’s the largest South Asian food market on at least the East Coast, if not the country, Apna Bazaar Farmer’s Market opened its doors August 4 with a little bit of religion, food, and of course, music and dancing. This is the …

Graphic: NJAWBO A township woman is repeating her role leading the New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners. Bertha Robinson, owner of Star One Professional Services of Somerset, was installed as state president for the second consecutive year during the organization’s May 23 virtual board meeting. “I have served actively on the NJAWBO board for several years and am happy …

Three more cannabis businesses were given resolutions of support by the Township Council at its July 12 meeting. That brings to 17 the number of cannabis businesses that want to locate in the township which have been supported by the Council. The three newest businesses are: FranklinGrow to be located at 6 Shirley AvenueControl Grow to be located at 300 …

The partners at Performance Rehabilitation were all set to hold a grand opening for their newest location in the Franklin Commons on Elizabeth Avenue. Then Covid-19 came to town. Two years later, the pandemic is now called an endemic, and the long-awaited event happened on June 9. On hand for the event were local dignitaries, including Mayor Phil Kramer and …

John Kauchak. Unity Bank Chief Operating Officer/Executive Vice President John Kauchak has been selected as a recipient of the NJBIZ 2022 ICON Award. The honor recognizes leaders over the age of 60 from New Jersey financial services and other industries for work throughout their careers. “We are very proud of the contributions John Kauchak has made to the business community …

Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul (left to right) sign bottles of their Mezcal, “Dos Hombres,” at Bottle Republic on Easton Avenue on May 17. More than 200 people stood in a line – some for hours – that wrapped around the Easton Franklin Shopping Center at Cedar Grove Lane and Easton Avenue for a chance to “meet and greet” the …