Business News

Unity Bank has earned the Top (5-Star) Rating for financial strength and stability from BauerFinancial, Inc., the nation’s premier bank rating firm. BauerFinancial rates every federally-insured U.S. chartered bank with the same strict standards, and is pleased to report that Unity Bank continues to outperform its peers. “The 5-Star Rating by BauerFinancial indicates that Unity Bank excels in many different …

A Hamilton Street developer is suing the Township over claims that political pressure scuttled an apartment building project targeted for the Hamilton Business District. The developer, John Park, claims in the suit that after township officials became aware of his project – comprised of two four-story buildings holding 233 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments and retail space, and a covered …

The air around a block of Somerset Street was filled with the music of a Mariachi band February 20, sounds which heralded the grand opening of a new Mexican restaurant, Tacos Basilio. Along with the musicians and a large gathering of family and friends, on hand to welcome the new business to the township were Mayor Phil Kramer and Deputy …

PNC Bank branches in Stop and Shops in the township, such as this one in Rutgers Plaza, are slated to be closed in mid-February. PNC Bank branches in the three Stop and Shop locations in Franklin will close on February 17, 2023, a company spokesman said. The affected branches are located inside Stop and Shops on Easton Avenue in Rutgers …

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 …