OLD TAPPAN, N.J.—Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse and Grill, a local dining establishment popular for nearly four decades, closed its doors Jan. 12, much to the surprise of customers and the borough’s mayor.
“It comes as quite a surprise. I’m sorry to see it go. It’s been a fixture in town for many years,” said Mayor John Kramer on Jan. 15, adding he first heard of the closing by reading about it online.
The once-popular restaurant at 203 Old Tappan Road apparently closed due to declining customers, said an employee at a nearby Washington Township Charlie Brown’s.
That location and another Oradell eatery remain open as the last two Charlie Brown’s locations in northern Bergen County.
The restaurant is known for steak, burgers and an unlimited salad bar.
Rob Marquardt, a spokesperson for Charlie Brown’s, told Northern Valley Press that the Old Tappan location was the privately-held company’s only location that is slated to close.
He said rising labor costs and the restaurant’s low volume made it more difficult to operate in Old Tappan.
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He said most employees were opting to transfer to other Bergen County locations or considering their options.
He said the Old Tappan Road restaurant, which opened in April 1980, employed between 20 and 30 employees, all of whom were given the opportunity to transfer to other Charlie Brown’s locations in Oradell and Washington Township.
The company operates 12 Charlie Brown’s in New Jersey and one in Fishkill, N.Y. A Tenafly location closed several years back.
“In any event, it’s been a popular spot over the years,” added Kramer.
He said he wouldn’t be surprised if a “major restaurant chain” took over the location in the future.
He said the existing structure is attractive, offers good parking and was totally renovated after a fire a while ago.
The property also offers a liquor license, said the mayor. Kramer said he “absolutely” hopes a new restaurant decides to take its place soon.
—With additional reporting from Tom Clancey
