Courtesy of Effie Bardis / Facebook, Reddit and @pettyofcolor / Instagram.
From local business news to opportunities to sign up for, here’s what you missed in this Hudson County news roundup.
Boulevard Drinks Is Fighting To Stay Open
The Jersey City community—and beyond—are rallying to keep staple local business, Boulevard Drinks, open and curb any unwanted new development.
On Sunday, May 3, Effie Bardis posted to Facebook Group “WE GREW UP IN JERSEY CITY”:
“As the owner of Boulevard Drinks, I want to take a moment to truly thank everyone who has supported us over the years. Boulevard Drinks is part of Jersey City. It’s more than just a place to eat – it’s a landmark that has been part of this community since 1937. Generations of families have walked through our doors, and that means everything to us…
At this time, we are in ongoing discussions regarding the future of Boulevard Drinks, and no final decisions have been made.”
Boulevard Drinks has called Jersey City home since the 1950s, but is now reportedly being “pushed out so a Whole Foods can be built to serve residents of high-income apartments.”
“A real stable of jersey city THEY TAKING EVERYTHING,” commented one user.
“… sad nothing from The original JSQ will be around !!!” said another user.
Locals have stated ways to support the local eatery:
- Continue to speak out about how important this community staple is “and how it’s not going to go anywhere”
- Go and support them with family and friends
You can find the hotdog restaurant at 48 Journal Square Plaza.
Beloved Jersey City Bakery Abruptly Closes
After 46 years, Elio’s Bakery and Delicatessen closed its doors on Sunday, May 10.
The bakery and deli, located at 442 West Side Avenue, announced its abrupt closure through a handwritten sign on their door that read: “After 46 years, we are closing our doors for good this Sunday May 10, 2026. Thank you to all of YOU our loyal customers! Thank you.”
The local business was known for its fresh baked focaccia, Italian baguettes, stuffed breads, hot and cold subs and their baked goods. The news spread on social media and many locals expressed their sadness.
“Elios Bakery on Westside Ave in Jersey City is cloning on Mother’s Day May 10 2026. My favorite Italian bakery when lived on Virginia Ave. right around the corner,” wrote Henry Grau on Facebook.
“When moved to Bayonne I’d still go there Sunday after church. They like no other. They had the best of everything. But after 45 years the owners are retiring and I wish the best. Don’t know what I’m going to about my crusty bread and pepperoni and mozzarella bread. Really sad.”
Elio’s is one of the number of businesses that have recently made a turnover on that stretch of West Side Avenue. Filipino restaurant Jayhan’s was recently replaced by new Filipino eatery, Topsies, and Bahay Kubo, another Filipino restaurant, recently rebranded to Kubo Ni Jayhan’s.
How Teens Can Make A Difference In Local Food And Agriculture
Hudson County 4-H is kicking off their Food and Agriculture Changemakers at the RCE Family Learning Garden at West Hudson Park in Kearny/Harrison.
Teens in grades 9 to 12 can “explore the world of food systems, food justice and urban agriculture while making an impact in your local food system and community.”
Program perks include:
- $275 stipend
- 70+ hours of community service
- A Rutgers Urban Food and Agriculture Changemakers Certificate
- And more!
No prior experience needed. If you’re interested, sign up for their info session and apply here by May 17.
Any questions can be sent to [email protected].
This New Route 440 Store Is Hiring
The Hudson Mall area in Jersey City has had a few new stores added: Boot Barn, Target and Burlington.
The new Burlington store is reportedly hiring, according to a user who posted on the “Bayonne Talks” Facebook group
The store isn’t open yet, but anyone interested can apply here or text RETAIL to 60862.
East Newark Is Looking For Local Artists
The town of East Newark wants to show its residents and local musicians off at Riverfront Park for an evening of community entertainment on Aug. 28 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Bands, solo artists and performers of all genres can register now until June 1 for a night of family fun.
They’re looking for:
- All genres of music
- Passionate and talented performers
- Family-friendly sets
You can register here.
New Bill Introduced To Protect People During World Cup
Assemblyman Ravi Bhalla (D-Hoboken) and Assemblywoman Katie Brennan (D-Jersey City) has helped advance Bill A3991, which provides safeguarding human rights during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is hitting New Jersey in June.
Bill A3991 would require certain State agencies, municipalities and other entities involved in hosting the World Cup—and related festivities—to submit reports on how they are meeting the commitments laid out in the NY/NJ Human Rights Report and the FIFA World Cup 2026 Human Rights Framework.
“This bill makes clear that these workers must not be overlooked. It reinforces commitments to fair pay, safe workplaces, and protection from exploitation, and it makes sure that they are seen, valued, and protected under the law,” Bhalla said in a statement.
“If New Jersey is going to welcome the world, we have to do it the right way.”
“Right now, the public has no way of knowing whether those commitments are actually being kept,” Brennan said in a statement.
“This bill puts those plans on the record before the first match, when there’s still time to fix what’s not working.”
You can follow the status of the bill here.
Local Community Group Takes Back Community Garden
The Jersey City City Council unanimously passed a resolution to partner with the McGinley Square Community Board (MSCB) on the Hudson County Open Space Trust (HCOST) grant application to help fund and acquire the former Migrant Community Garden on Glenwood Avenue.
Together, the community will save and refurbish this vital, quality-of-life asset, as official public green space.
“We feel grateful to the city’s leadership on social and environmental responsibility, and the trust placed in MSCB,” the group stated on Instagram.
“We will deliver on our pledge to apply to grants, fundraise and do the maintenance. Thank you to our new mayor, administration and council. Thank you to the county for inviting our full application. Thank you to the owner for being open.”
The MSCB will be announcing a May fundraising event soon! Many residents took to Instagram to share their excitement over this new community initiative.
“Amazing effort. Remarkable results,” one user said.
“Beautiful looking Jersey grown tomatoes,” commented @stormcafejc, a Jersey City community staple located in the West Side neighborhood.
26-Year-Old Arrested After Fatal Jersey City Stabbing
The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office reported that Kyshawn Foster, 26, was arrested in connection to the stabbing Kareem Mack, 47.
Police were called to Dwight Street in Jersey City just after 12:30 p.m. last Sunday where they found Mack unresponsive, with several stab wounds. He was pronounced dead just after 1:10 p.m. at Jersey City Medical Center.
Foster has reportedly been arrested and charged with murder and weapons.
The death is currently under investigation as an act of domestic violence. The victim was reportedly Foster’s uncle.
Know any local news we should include? Email Stella Accettola at [email protected]!
