Business

Submitted by Leaf Haus Dispensary Leaf Haus, Holistic Solutions, and Voltaire Cannabis, three distinguished women-owned cannabis dispensaries proudly rooted in New Jersey, are delighted to announce their collaborative celebration on March 8th at the Trappy Hour Lounge, 342 George Street, New Brunswick. This free event welcomes the public to an evening filled with live entertainment, free giveaways, and an unparalleled vibe filled …

ASKING FOR HELP – Shani Madaminova, co-owner of the Leaf Haus cannabis dispensary on Easton Avenue, told the Township Council on February 13 that her business is suffering because of the Township’s current signage regulations. A plea from a local small business owner at the February 13 Township Council meeting spurred the governing body to create an ad hoc committee …

GIVING THANKS – Franklin Food Bank Executive Director Derek Smith thanks those in attendance at the inaugural “Love They Neighbor” fundraiser, sponsored by The Marigold catering hall. The Marigold catering hall was the scene February 13 of a special fundraiser for the Franklin Food Bank. The “Love They Neighbor” event was sponsored by the catering hall itself, and probably won’t …

RIBBON-CUTTING – Usman Siddiqui, third from left in front row, cuts the ribbon to his new business, assisted by Township Councilmen Ram Anbarasan and Alex Kharazi. Also in attendance, and in the front row, were Township Councilwoman Shepa Uddin and Chamber of Commerce president Nick DeMeglio. After 20 years of serving clients in the Iselin section of Edison, Usman Siddiqui …

TRYING AGAIN – The owner of Rutgers Plaza on Easton Avenue is once again applying to the Township for approval to raze the former Big Kmart building and construct a 200-unit apartment complex in its place. The Levin Company has resubmitted its plan to turn the former Big Kmart building into a 200-unit apartment building. Plans were submitted to the …

CUTTING THE RIBBON – Mayor Phil Kramer cuts the ribbon while Par2Play co-owner Atul Kakar and others look on at the indoor golf center’s grand opening November 30. About 100 people gathered at the Par2Play indoor golf simulator center, 695 Hamilton Street, November 30 to welcome the new business to town. On hand were partners Atul Kakar and Nick Schiavo …

FORE! – Atul Kakar, co-owner of Par2Play golf center on Hamilton Street, lines up a shot at one the facility’s four golf simulators. You could say Atul Kakar loves golf, but that would be an understatement. After all, how many casual admirers of the game install a $100,000 golf simulator in their garage? That’s what Kakar did years ago when …

Goblins and ghouls and Taylor Swifts were spotted throughout the township in the days leading up to, and including, Halloween. As has been the practice for the past number of years, “Trunk or Treats” events were held in multiple locations. Celebrations were held by schools, by private businesses and by teh Township. On October 28, the Township Recreation Department held …

CLOSING SHOP – This Rite Aid location on Hamilton Street is targeted to close as part of the company’s bankruptcy process. The Rite Aid pharmacy at 773 Hamilton Street is among 12 of the chain’s New Jersey locations that will be closed by the ailing retailer, according to court documents. Philadelphia-based Rite Aid Corp. on October 15 filed for Chapter …

GENERATIONAL FARMING DISCUSSED – The Generational Farmer panel at Somerset County’s Influencing Agriculture Conference included (l-r) Carol English of English Farm in Basking Ridge; Matt Puskas of Middlebush Farm in Franklin Township; and Jimmy Abma of Abma’s Farms in Hillsborough and Doug Van Nuys of Hillsboro Farm. A township farmer was among 13 Somerset County farmers who participated in panel …