In downtown Jersey City, expiring leases and expansion plans have lately made an impact along Grove Street's original restaurant row south of Newark Avenue. Hard Grove Cafe is currently relocating to a storefront on Newark Avenue's pedestrian plaza; the former Bar Majestic is now home to Razza, one of New Jersey's top-ranked pizzerias; and its neighbor, The Merchant, shuttered on Saturday night after 12 years of service. That last space is scheduled to reopen in early December as the third home of chef and restaurateur Brian Dowling's original Park & Sixth (364 Grove Street, Jersey City; 201-918-6072), the first version of which opened in 2009 at its titular Hoboken cross-street.

"Dave, the owner, moved to Australia, and his sister Ann-Marie was looking after the place. They were ready," Dowling says of the amicable transaction. "I didn't want any animosity, I don't want to lose their customers. It'll be a nice transition."

That transition means mostly aesthetic changes to the space at 279 Grove Street, where renovations began yesterday. Once he gets approval from the state for acquisition of The Merchant's liquor license (expected anytime between mid-November and mid-December), Dowling will close the 364 Grove restaurant, and focus on furnishing the new two-story address with pieces of his growing collection of classic American advertising, vintage telephones, and subway signs. When the doors open, even bigger changes will be underway.
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I also hope that Park & Sixth at this new location keeps the bar open after the kitchen closes. I have doubts though, based on their other spots which tend to prefer to be seen as restaurants rather than bars.

Why did they close? Will Dave and Anne Marie open elsewhere?

What a great night! Excellent food, damn good drinks, dancing, laughing, crying....Thanks for all the memories. YOU WILL BE MISSED-- WE LOVE YOU!

Cant say i am partiularly sad to see the merchant go. The last few times I was there the food was terrible, service even worse, and the glasses were dirty. Park & 6 will be great in that location and i hope they will keep the bar open after the kitchen closes.

Now i am just wondering what will go into the original park & 6th location! Hopefully something great.

My wife and I went to The Merchant after signing on the lease on our first JC apartment 7 years ago ... our parents also met there for the first time .. bummer.

Thanks for the memories.

Great place with wonderful people running the restaurant
Dave and Anne Marie.

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This is true. Spoke to the staff yesterday while grabbing lunch.

It won't be a third location, the original Park & Sixth will close when the new space opens.

The Merchant has been a friend to the community for 12 years. Any time the VVPA asked for a food donation for an event, sponsorship for Films in the Park or a gift certificate they were always there for us. We enjoyed many a late night snack after Council meetings, trivia nights, St Pattys Days...Not only will their favorite munchies be missed but more so will be Anne Marie & Dave and their big hearts. Thanks Merchant, we will miss you.

RIP Dirt Merchant

Served it's purpose through the years, was a fine place to grab a beer and shoot the 'ish.

Food was always marginal, and sounds like it got worse.

Looking forward tot he P&6 move, will be a great space for them (current spot is not exactly "comfortable").

Hopefully they keep the bar open after kitchen closes.

Looking forward to this. Personally, was never a fan of The Merchant's food, drinks or taps. Great looking space though.

You hit the nail on the head, it was confirmed tonight by Silverman on Twitter.



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Merchant is always a great place for casual dining. The food and service is always great. Will miss them a lot.

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Good question. Happy to let another place give it shot.

Was the Merchant closing the only way to get the menu to change?

very sad news.

doubt it will happen, but i hope the pierogi lady comes back with a vengeance and takes that spot over.

Why are they closing? Too bad as I remember them closing their Embankment restaurant also.

Yes, his food is great on the Grove st location. His gastropub is still mediocre at best- slow service and poor food quality. I'm hoping his relocation to the Merchant will be better.


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Too bad, I worked there while I attended grad school. So long, you will be missed.

I'll bet the other location on Grove Street is closing and he is moving down to the old Merchant building, the current location and configuration is not conducive to a growing business. Good for him the guy makes yummy food.

A little disappointed that Park & Sixth will be taking the space over ... hopefully he calls it other than "Park & Sixth" for his third restaurant.

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This makes sense now. Saw Brian (owner of P&6) at The Merchant a few times 2 weeks ago. I've never seen him anywhere but his restaurants.

Loved their bloody mary for brunch. Darn.

http://www.weichert.com/52957905/

279 GROVE ST, Jersey City NJ 07302
Commercial Property for Sale for $799,000.

Property Information
$799,000
Commercial
Business
Active
Jersey City, NJ
Van Vorst Park Neighborhood
Hudson County
MLS/Web ID is 140008182

I heard it was being sold. Apparently the new owners are keeping it as a restaurant/bar but not sure if it'll be the same sort of vibe/menu. I do like that spot a lot!

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I also heard this...and my source is pretty good.

So sad to have them close! I heard Park and Sixth got the lease/property...?

They confirmed it on their Facebook page. Closed down either this past Saturday or closing next Saturday (not sure which).

Bummer. It was a pretty good spot. Hope another bar takes over that space.

wasn't the place for sale? maybe it sold