Something special about Tenafly has always been the unique local businesses. Instead of Starbucks, Tenafly residents enjoy Cafè Angelique, a long-time Tenafly staple situated directly on what was once a railroad track, although some prefer to travel to the border of Cresskill to pick up an iced coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts. Similarly, a replacement for fast-food restaurants like Burger King or McDonalds lay on Railroad Avenue with the community-driven Mel’s Butcher Box.
In my eyes, these local businesses outmaneuver their chain-competition—not only are the food and drinks significantly tastier at places like Cafè Angelique or Mel’s Butcher Box, but the overall atmosphere at the local shops provides a particular sense of comfort that large corporations such as Starbucks, Burger King, or McDonalds are unable to deliver. Rather than being a town abundant with fast food restaurants and other chain establishments, Tenafly’s downtown area consists of various local businesses, providing our neighborhood with an unparalleled sense of home, comfort, and belonging. Although some Tenafly residents might hope for their favorite chain restaurant to come to town, most find pleasure in the shops that are unique to Tenafly. However, this lack of chain establishments seems to be coming to an end.
Recently, New York City’s iconic Italian restaurant, Serafina, announced that it would be opening a space in Tenafly—its first location in New Jersey. Many Tenafly residents, including myself, adore Serafina, so we were elated when finding out that we can enjoy an Al-dente black truffle pasta or a warm margarita pizza in the heart of our hometown. Serafina’s signature yellow and blue wallpaper has lined a doorway on Highwood Avenue for over a year; yet, the restaurant is still a work in progress. Though advances initially seemed stagnant, Tenafly residents have been noticing significant improvements in the development of the restaurant: food trucks, painters, and construction workers seem to have begun working in the area.
Additionally, when Infinitea permanently closed its doors, images of PopUp Bagels “popped up” in replacement, shocking the town. PopUp Bagels went viral on social media due to its delicious breads and its signature alternating spreads. Rather than simply providing cream cheese, PopUp Bagels chooses to offer unique spread flavors ranging from pesto to birthday cake. The restaurant originated in Westport, Connecticut, and quickly grew its name, disseminating all throughout the East Coast—and now to Tenafly! A few days after the initial sighting of the PopUp Bagels brand on Washington Street, Tenafly held its Night Market, and ambassadors of the brand were spotted wearing black t-shirts with its logo.
Neither PopUp Bagels nor Serafina has officially opened its doors to welcome Tenafly residents. However, when they do, will small-town shops feel threatened? What lies in the future for Celebrity Bagels, a local business that offers classic breads and spreads, when PopUp Bagels emerges? While the future of Tenafly businesses is currently unknown, Tenafly High School students have adopted strong opinions.
“I used to love Celebrity Bagels. However, their recent rebrand has let me down,” Mila Lyalina (’28) said. “I miss their classic, traditional options, and I am less appealed by the red logo with flames that replaced what was once my favorite bagel place. I am looking forward to trying PopUp Bagels; there is definitely a chance Celebrity might become a thing of the past.”
Alex Michaels (’28), however, possesses a different view, saying, “I don’t care about the brand. Whichever bagel is better is the one I will choose. A name is irrelevant to me—I care about a good bagel.”
Lines out the door definitely await both Serafina and PopUp Bagels—from local Tenafly residents along with members of other Bergen County communities. Support for both of these businesses has been rampant in our area, and we have yet to witness their official opening. Regarding the local shops, though, what will change? Only time will tell.
