THE BERNARDS-RIDGE CONNECTION PAGE 43 NOV 2025-JAN 2026 theconnectionsnj.com ver the last ten years, Bernardsville Bernardsville Centre has grown steadily, welcoming new tenants and businesses that bring a wide range of valued offerings to the local community. As of September 2025, Bernardsville Centre Bernardsville Centre is proud to announce that they are officially at full capacity, with no vacant tenant spaces available for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic rattled the world in 2020. The Centre underwent extensive construction projects and renovations from 2015 to 2019, and then the pandemic struck. Out of the 26 stores operating at that time, only 12 could remain open, leaving one-third of the Centre in business. The anchor store, Kings Supermarket, unfortunately, went bankrupt in early 2021, creating a 26% vacancy in the complex. During 2020-2021, the owner, Bernardsville Centre, Bernardsville Centre, LLC, worked extremely hard to keep those 12 tenants operating and profitable. The closed businesses could not pay their rent, but most stuck around until the lockdown was over. Following those challenging years, the Centre began to rebound and recover. After an extensive renovation of the former Kings Supermarket space, a project that took over 3 years to complete and find tenants, the space was transformed into three separate units. This unit was stripped to the studs as it had not been renovated since its inception, when it was an Acme store in the 1950s. This renovation included new plumbing, electrical systems, roofing, HVAC, and a revamped facade featuring new windows and doors. These improvements paved the way for three new tenants: The new anchor store, Costello’s Ace Hardware/ Hearth & Spa, Wells Fargo Bank, and the soon-to-open Butcher & Farmer. The Grand Opening for Ace Hardware was celebrated in November of 2024. Known as the “helpful hardware store”, Ace Hardware, a family-run business from Long Island, has built its reputation on personalized customer service and knowledgeable associates eager to assist. Wells Fargo Bank opened in early 2025, consolidating their Bernardsville and Basking Ridge branches into a single, more accessible location. Butcher & Farmer will also open its doors in late fall of 2025, bringing a butcher with a market eatery featuring artisan cheeses, prepared foods, and gourmet delicacies. Almost all businesses have remained with the Centre throughout the years, and several recently celebrated big milestones. In 2024, Blo Dry Bar and Tons of Toys marked their 5th year anniversaries, and Hibernate Bedding celebrated 10 years. Additionally, the Bar Method has reached 15 years, Village Computer is at 19 years, UPS has hit 20 years, and Lenny’s Pizzeria and Trattoria is celebrating 33 years. The standout milestone belonged to Dillon’s Fine Art and Framing, which reached an impressive 35 years. Bernardsville Centre Bernardsville Centre is honored to celebrate these achievements and is looking forward to many more years of partnership with these valued businesses. Today, Bernardsville Centre Bernardsville Centre is thriving, with every tenant space filled with a variety of stores, restaurants, and services to meet the community’s needs. Both small businesses and large franchises are represented in a variety of hand-picked stores. The Centre extends its heartfelt gratitude to its patrons, customers, and community members for their continued loyalty and support. With the holidays fast approaching, Bernardsville Centre Bernardsville Centre is ready for a vibrant season of smartening our wardrobes, primping, getting in shape, family dinners, and holiday gift-giving. Please stop by and see what’s new and exciting at the Centre! COMMENDS Bernardsville Centre: Recent History By Paige Zimmerman CONNECTION 80 Morristown Road Bernardsville, NJ 908-696-2351 www.bernardsvillecentre.com Over the last ten years, LOST IN A MAZE OF COMPLEX FAMILY LEGAL MATTERS? *For information on the Supreme Court of New Jersey Board on
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