Tulfra Real Estate and The Hampshire Cos. joined local officials and executives Chipotle Mexican Grill on Thursday, May 7, to welcome the restaurant’s new location at the mixed-use Park 11 property at 11 Franklin Ave. in Belleville. — Courtesy: Tulfra / Hampshire
By Joshua Burd
A new Chipotle Mexican Grill has opened in Belleville, marking the latest addition to a mixed-use redevelopment project by Tulfra Real Estate and The Hampshire Cos.
The store, located at 11 Franklin Ave., is the fast-casual chain’s 110th location in New Jersey and features the brand’s signature “Chipotlane” for digital order pickups, according to the firms. It now operates daily at the former Roche Diagnostics site, now known as Park 11, where it joins a growing roster of national brands including Starbucks, Wawa and Konala at a location that’s steps from Clara Maass Medical Center and easily accessible to residents, visitors and commuters.
The developers joined Chipotle executives, local officials and other well-wishers last week to mark the restaurant’s grand opening. Beyond that milestone, Tulfra announced a donation to the Legacy Boxing Club, which was recently destroyed in a high-profile fire, to directly support the business’ efforts to rebuild and resume its vital programs for Belleville’s youth.
“Chipotle’s opening is an exciting moment for Belleville and another important step forward for Park 11,” said Sonny Jumani, CEO and president of Tulfra Real Estate. “This project is about taking a long-underutilized property and reimagining it as a vibrant destination that serves the community, attracts best-in-class national brands and creates lasting economic value. We are proud to welcome Chipotle to Park 11 and equally proud to support the Legacy Boxing Club as they work to get back on their feet.”
Those on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony included Belleville Mayor Michael Melham, Deputy Mayor Naomy Dee Heña and state Assemblywoman Carmen Theresa Morales.
“We are excited to officially welcome Chipotle to the Belleville family,” Melham said. “This ribbon-cutting represents more than just a new restaurant — it demonstrates our community’s commitment to providing residents with modern amenities and diverse dining choices right in their own backyard. It’s a great day for our local workforce and an even better day for the people of Belleville.”
