Toast City Diner Reopens Montclair Flagship After Major Remodel; More NJ Dining News

By Natalie Civadelic | February 26, 2026

Openings 

Toast City Diner, Montclair

When Toast opened its Montclair doors in 2007, its motto was simple: “Peace, Love & Pancakes.” Nearly 20 years later, the woman-owned brand has expanded to Asbury Park, Cranford, Manalapan and Red Bank. Most recently, its Montclair flagship underwent a complete refresh, now featuring a renovated interior and updated aesthetic—all while continuing to serve the breakfast, brunch and lunch menu that patrons have come to know and love.

GroundHouse, Caldwell

This new coffee lounge in Essex County, featuring a sauna and a cold plunge, is slated to open later this spring. GroundHouse is the brainchild of Danielle and Brian Kermizian, who also own the Compound Coffee Company in Verona. The menu will feature organic coffee and espresso, smoothies, pastries and more.

The Gyro Project, Northvale

Dig into vibrant Mediterranean flavors made with fresh, wholesome ingredients at the Gyro Project, which is slated to open this April in Northvale. The fast-fine concept has quickly grown from its Fort Lee flagship into a brand across New Jersey and New York.

Rita’s Italian Ice, Garwood

The chain is set to open a Garwood location on March 1, taking over the former Frosty Freeze site, which closed in 2017 after a 50-year run. To celebrate the first day of spring, the new location will offer free Italian ice all day on March 20.

SOURCE: https://njmonthly.com/articles/eat-drink/toast-city-diner-reopens-montclair-flagship-after-major-remodel-more-nj-dining-news/