We are nostaglic for these 10 closed North Jersey businesses

North Jersey has seen so many businesses come and go that it might be nearly impossible to name them all.

We’ve previously taken a look at just ten of North Jersey’s many closed businesses that bring back a sense of nostalgia, but it just wasn’t enough. So, we’re bringing you yet another list of former North Jersey staples so you can take a walk down memory lane.

If you still don’t see your favorite North Jersey nostalgic place on the list, let me know at [email protected].

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The Fireplace, Paramus

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Paramus restaurant The Fireplace will celebrate its 60th anniversary on Sat., July 9.

Originally opened in 1956 by World War II veteran Frank Reilly, The Fireplace restaurant was a Route 17 landmark for 65 years. The beloved Bergen County diner-and-burger joint was known for items like its thin-sliced steak sandwiches, thick roast beef sandwiches and, of course, juicy burgers. The Fireplace’s “pickle bar” was also a fan favorite — a self-serve selection of pickles and condiments for customers.

Inside, you could find retro red Coca-Cola menus lining the front wall, a toy train running overhead, brick walls, wagon-wheel chandeliers and classic oak tables — all adding to the business’ 1950s atmosphere that remained until its closing.

The Fireplace temporarily closed its doors for three months during the pandemic, then reopened with services like alfresco dining, a drive-thru, pick-up services and DoorDash deliver. But, it wasn’t enough, and The Fireplace officially closed on July 31, 2021.

Now: The building that was once home to The Fireplace was torn down in September 2023, and a Chick-fil-a is slated to take over the site.

Gingerbread Castle, Hamburg

In Hamburg, Gingerbread Castle was once the centerpiece of a fairy tale-themed amusement park. The property was purchased by F.H. Bennett, owner of F.H. Bennett Biscuit Company in 1921, to expand operations and open the Wheatsworth Mills. Bennett was inspired by the work of Austrian architect and set designer Joseph Urban, so he commissioned him to build the castle on the site.

Gingerbread Castle officially opened in 1930 and quickly became one of the biggest attractions in Sussex County. The amusement park brought in families from near and far to see characters like Hansel and Gretel, Peter Pumpkin Eater, Humpty Dumpty and other popular fairy tale figures.

But, the castle’s popularity began to decline and it closed in 1978. The castle briefly opened again in 1989, but closed for good just a few years later. It was deemed a historic district in 2009, and was named on of the ten most endangered historic places by Preservation New Jersey in 2012.

Now: Since its closing, Gingerbread Castle and the property has seen several owners, all with the hopes of restoring the site. The abandoned buildings and scenes of Gingerbread Castle are still standing.

Old Barn Milk Bar, Wayne

Known for ice cream scoops that were often larger than the size of a softball, the Old Barn Milk Bar in Wayne was a cherished spot for families and teenagers on hot summer weekends.

Robert McMinn — a World War II veteran, as well as a Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient — purchased a timber-frame barn in the 1940s that belonged to a struggling burger and ice cream shop. While he planned to convert the barn to a machine shop, McMinn instead chose to continue operating the business.

After 56 years in business, the McMinn family shut the doors of the Old Barn Milk Bar in 2001.

Now: A QuickChek is located the corner of Hamburg Turnpike and Dawes, where the Old Barn Milk Bar used to sit.

Womrath’s Bookstore, Hackensack/Tenafly

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Womrath’s Book Store

First opened in the 1930s, Womrath’s was a bookstore chain with locations throughout New York and New Jersey. New Jersey’s last Womrath’s Bookstore location was in Tenafly, owned by Bob Kutik since 2002.

The bookstore originally opened in Hackensack in 1958 by Kutik’s father, a World War II veteran, as part of a pilot program to help employ veterans. When his father died, Kutik had planned to retire in 2001 after an offer to sell the building, but he ended up buying the Tenafly storefront and moving the business there.

While the business was able to withstand the expansion of large bookstore chains and superstores because of its ability to connect with the community, the creation of devices like the Kindle and services like Amazon Prime contributed to its demise. The business officially closed in 2016.

Now: Today, a dance studio is open in the spot formerly occupied by Womrath’s Bookstore.

Willow Run Nursery and Garden Center, Cresskill

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134928 BERGEN; CRESSKILL 12/2/2014 Norbert Pendergast Sr. and his wife Pat Pendergast of Cresskill work on holiday decorations Tuesday in Cresskill. After almost 90 years, the Willow Run Nursery & Garden Center in Cresskill will be closing its doors. Tuesday December 2, 2014. STAFF PHOTO BY; KEVIN R. WEXLER

First opened in the 1930s, Willow Run Nursery and Garden Center was a family-owned garden center in Bergen County offering a wide selection of plants, flowers and other gardening needs. But most famously, Willow Run Nursery and Garden Center was known for its elaborate Christmas display — referred to as Twinkletown — which was filled with animatronic holiday displays, Christmas cottages and live animals for visitors to pet. The store put on a similar display for Halloween, and it became an annual tradition to visit for nearby families.

The beloved business was sold, and officially closed down in 2015.

Now: The site of Willow Run Nursery and Garden Center has since been turned into a townhouse complex known as Willow Run.

Quackenbush & Company, Paterson

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Quackenbush & Compny in Paterson in 1930.

Quackenbush & Company was the primary dry goods store of Paterson, first opened on Main Street by Peter Quackenbush in 1878. The business quickly grew into a large department store by 1896 — with the help of Quackenbush’s new partner, John Mason — selling appliances, furniture, clothing, toys and other items.

The business had prospered for a few short years until it fell victim to Paterson’s Great Fire of 1902, which destroyed 459 structures, including businesses and the homes of 500 families. But, the department store was rebuilt and had become associated with other stores through Hahn Department Stores, Inc., which was later changed to Allied Stores, Inc.

Then, in 1938, Quackenbush and its adjoining warehouse suffered from a 4-alarm fire, which is considered the greatest tragedy in the history of the Paterson Fire Department, killing five of their firefighters. The department store had another located at Main Street and Ellison Street, but merged with Stern’s department store in the 1960s.

Now: The sites of the old Quackenbush stores are now home to other retail spaces.

The Clam Broth House, Hoboken

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Barbara Guevara of Hoboken peers into the Clam Broth House.

First opened in 1899 on Newark Street, the Clam Broth House was a beloved Hoboken institution for longshoremen, celebrities and 20-somethings during its hay day. The restaurant was known for its famous broth as well as its iconic hand-shaped neon sign.

President Woodrow Wilson bid farewell to troops during World War I, and greeted them when they returned, from the restaurant. The Clam Broth House was also frequented by talent like Frank Sinatra, Rod Steiger and Marlon Brando, who starred in the 1954 film “On the Waterfront”, which was filmed in the area.

The Clam Broth House closed in 2003 when city officials had to condemn the property due to structural issues.

Now: A plaque dedicated to the Clam Broth House sits on the property’s new building, and now South Street Ghost Kitchen, Panela restaurant and apartment spaces occupy the site. The original light up sign from The Clam Broth House also currently sits on the roof of Mike’s Wild Moose Saloon on the corner of River Street and Newark Street.

Rowe-Manse Emporium, Clifton

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Rowe Manse Emporium in Clifton.

Rowe-Manse Emporium in Clifton was a speciality department store in Clifton that attracted shoppers from all over. First opened in 1976, Rowe-Manse was a one-stop-shop, selling chocolates, jelly beans, greeting cards, stamps, furniture, candles and much more. The store was also a hot spot during the heydey of Cabbage Patch Kids and Beanie Babies in the 1980s and 1990s. The store closed in 2003.

Now: The site is now home to a strip mall with businesses like Dunkin’, CVS, Valley Bank, and Planet Fitness.

Wayne Hills Mall, Wayne

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Wayne Hills Mall, Sept. 24, 2014.

Built throughout 1973 and 1974, the Wayne Hills Mall housed more than 100,000 square feet of retail shopping in Passaic County and was a beloved local gem. Shoppers could browse stores like Meyer Brothers, SaveMart Electronics, Footlocker, Joyce Leslie and Waldenbooks, or eat at restaurants like Pauly’s Pizza, Blimpie and Quizno’s Subs. The mall was also home to Fun Palace, a popular arcade.

Foot traffic to the once popular mall drastically decreased after nearby Pathmark Supermarket closed in 2001. Over time, more and more stores struggled to stay open, and Wayne Hills Mall officially closed its doors in 2015.

Now: The property of Wayne Hills Mall now houses retail businesses, including a ShopRite supermarket and Burlington Coat Factory.

Fox Theatre and Oritani Theatre, Hackensack

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The Fox and Oritani movie theaters vying face to face on opposite sides of Main Street before being repaved in Hackensack, N.J. in 1942.

Once located right across from one another on Main Street in Hackensack were Fox Theatre and Oritani Theatre, two competing movie destinations that were staples of Bergen County at the time.

Named for a local Indian chief, Oritani Theatre first opened in 1926 with showings of “Lady Windermere’s Fan” and “Nobody’s Business.” The theatre began as a single-floor auditorium, but expanded to two auditoriums in the mid-1970s and to three auditoriums in 1978. It was operated by Stanley-Warner for most of its life, but was later part of the merged RKO-Stanley Warner-Century Theatres company. The theater closed its doors in 1983, and the auditorium was demolished in 1985 so the front section could be used for retail spaces.

Fox Theatre opened to compete with the neighboring theatre in 1931. The Art Deco-style theatre debuted with a showing of “Huckleberry Finn” and consisted of a single auditorium. But, Fox Theatre screened “Jaws 2” as its final showing in 1980, and closed with an “under renovation” sign. The theatre never reopened, and was demolished in 1998.

Now: The site of Oritani Theatre now houses a variety of retail storefronts. The site of Fox Theatre is currently a vacant lot.

Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for NorthJersey.com and The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on Instagram @maddiemcgay, on X @maddiemcgayy, and sign up for her North Jersey Living newsletter. Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: We are nostaglic for these 10 closed North Jersey businesses

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