On April 24, Ani Ramen Jersey City will reopen as two short-term, nonprofit 501(c)(3) pop-ups: Rock City Pizza and Bang Bang Chicken. The restaurants will sell meals at a discounted rate and customers will also be able to donate meals to first responders.
“We were heartbroken to have to temporarily close our ramen restaurants and lay off our team due to COVID-19, but we felt our signature ramen just wasn’t ideal for takeout,” says owner Luck Sarabhayavanija.
As a result, Sarabhayavanija is partnering with celebrity hair stylist — and childhood friend — Mark Bustos, who founded the BeAwesometoSomebody charity. Each Ani Ramen location will become a temporary home to the two pop-up restaurant concepts, hiring displaced Ani Ramen staff.
Rock City Pizza Co. will serve Detroit-style pizzas for $11 to $13. A $6 donation buys a free pizza pie for someone in need. Meanwhile, Bang Bang Chicken will serve Thai rotisserie chicken for $15 to $19. Customers can buy a meal for a first responder for just $8 more.
Customers can order online at BeAwesomeFeedSomebody.org. Choose pickup or (local) delivery and you’re set. The pop-ups will be open Fridays and Saturdays from 4pm till 11pm and Sundays through Thursdays from from 4pm to 10pm.
If you’re wondering when you can enjoy a bowl of ramen, Sarabhayavanija has a small update. “I want our loyal customers to know that Ani Ramen will be returning as soon as dine-in restrictions are lifted and it is safe to resume business as usual.”
