Things to do

As you’ll read in this month’s cover story, the Queen City is now working to attract new retail, recreation and dining options to support its growing population. Look no further than PickleRage, the new 40,000-square-foot pickleball club that just opened under a project by ECA Developers. That’s just one example, according to the story by Marlaina Cockcroft, coming alongside a new $10 million aquatics complex that debuted last summer and plans for a 55,000-square-foot recreation and cultural center with a pool, event and performance space, workforce development facilities and an art gallery, as well as a building with 220 affordable units.

Slim Chickens coming to New Jersey with new 17-unit franchise agreement

Fast casual chain Slim Chickens is eyeing a major expansion in New Jersey with a newly announced development agreement in Middlesex, Mercer and Essex counties.

Destination Plainfield: Queen City, with thousands of new units online, turns its focus to retail and recreation

First, Plainfield officials focused on building out their housing stock. Now, they’re making sure residents have a reason to stay in town by working to attract new shopping, entertainment and restaurant options.

Hudson County cafes, eateries ink leases to expand in Jersey City, Grid Real Estate says

Three restaurants are expanding in Jersey City with a series of newly announced leases by Grid Real Estate, the brokerage firm with longstanding ties to Hudson County.

Real Estate NJ’s 2026 Market Forecast

Even with stretches of volatility in 2025, it was clear to many of our industry experts that capital and confidence had returned to the market in a way not seen in several years. That sets the stage for what could be a stronger and perhaps smoother 2026, one marked by conviction in fundamentals rather than cautious optimism. You can read all about it in our 2026 Market Forecast, which features a distinguished list of commercial real estate experts and predictions on everything from leasing and lending to affordable housing, energy and capital markets.
You can read all about it in our 2025 Market Forecast, which features predictions and insights from some of the state’s leading voices in commercial real estate.

Greek restaurant takes 1,300 sq. ft. at Larken-owned retail, office park in Hillsborough

Larken Associates has welcomed a new restaurant to Kingsbridge Center, a nearly 51,000-square-foot retail and office property in Hillsborough.

CBRE: Restaurant, lounge leases 4,200 sq. ft. at restored Kislak Building in Newark

A new eatery is coming to downtown Newark after taking space at a historic commercial building that’s now home to high-end apartments, in a deal arranged by CBRE.

Nielsen, craft beer industry veteran, joins The Park to lead new Emberside Brewery

The Connell Co. has made a key hire to support its growing lineup of dining and entertainment venues at The Park, its flagship business and lifestyle campus in Berkeley Heights.

IHOP operator buys Ewing restaurant in $1.1 million deal arranged by CPN

The longtime operator of an IHOP in Mercer County has acquired the restaurant property for $1.125 million, according to brokers with Commercial Property Network Inc.

Fogo de Chão takes high-profile pad site on Route 1 in West Windsor, Zoltek says

A new Fogo de Chão restaurant is coming to West Windsor after a lease arranged by Zoltek Commercial Real Estate Services.