Jersey City businesses we’ve permanently lost during COVID-19

The pandemic has wreaked havoc upon all small businesses in Jersey City. Although the city is offering various grants to help businesses stay afloat, for some — it’s simply not enough. Below, we’re cataloging the small businesses and restaurants that have permanently closed in Jersey City. It’s a list we hope we won’t have to update frequently.

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El Cocotero (749 Bergen Avenue): Venezuelan restaurant El Cocotero expanded into Jersey City’s McGinley Square on February of 2017. This past April they permanently closed their doors. Their Chelsea-based location remains open.

24 Hour Fitness (918 Bergen Avenue): 24 Hour Fitness has filed for bankruptcy and will close seven of its New Jersey gyms. One of the gyms closing includes the 24 Hour Fitness at Journal Square.

Black House Strength and Conditioning (334 Second Street): Like all gyms, Black House Strength was forced to closed at the start of the pandemic. A few weeks ago, they announced via Instagram that the studio would not reopen. A leasing sign is already hanging from the studio’s window. They currently have a location in Fairfield, NJ, that’s offering outdoor workouts.

The Coffee Factory (743 West Side Avenue): The Coffee Factory permanently closed its doors on June 19. The coffee house originally opened in February of 2019 and was one of a handful of small businesses that helped revitalize Jersey City’s West Side Avenue.

Pianist Envy (100 York): Pianist Envy proudly described itself as Jersey City’s first LGBTQ+ piano bar. Unfortunately, it didn’t survive the COVID-19 lockdown. 100 York has seen a lot of turnover in the past few years. It’s gone from The Royal, to Los Dos, and most recently Pianist Envy.

Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar (30 Mall Drive/Newport Centre): The burger and wine restaurant recently announced it’s closing all of its New Jersey locations (excluding three eateries) due to financial losses caused by the pandemic.

NaanChing (103 Montgomery): NaanChing offered a mix of Chinese, Thai, and Indian cuisines. Unfortunately, its 21-page menu never caught on with the neighborhood and the restaurant closed just before the pandemic. On the plus side, it’s now home to recently opened East Hana JC.