Belmar-based superfruit bowl concept Playa Bowls is continuing its nationwide expansion efforts. In a May 14 press release, the chain announced 14 new multi-franchise commitment, which will introduce 63 shops in several new and key markets. The brand said it also landed nine single-unit deals during the first quarter of 2024. According to Playa Bowls, the following franchise agreements were signed: Manhattan, N.Y. – 10 units signed by Raj Punwani Boerne, Texas – three united signed by Linda and Lou Crerand Sarasota/Tampa, Fla. – five units signed by Ethan and Jacob McGowan Phoenix, Ariz. – f ..read more

One of the LPGA’s most prestigious events is underway at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City. The Mizuho Americas Open features one of the strongest fields on the LPGA Tour. It also includes the top juniors, who get to play alongside the pros at the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Invitational, which takes place concurrently. The pairing offers an unprecedented week of education, mentorship and access to inspire the next generation of LPGA Tour Players. The increased purse of $3 million makes it one of the largest non-Major Championship purses on the LPGA Tour schedule. LPGA Tou ..read more

New Jersey-based AI hyperscaler CoreWeave continued its remarkable momentum and growth. On Friday, the company announced an agreement for a $7.5 billion debt financing facility. The round is led by funds managed by Blackstone with strategic participation from Magnetar, serving as co-lead investor, as well as Coatue. Other participants include Carlyle, CDPQ, DigitalBridge Credit, funds and accounts managed by BlackRock, Eldridge Industries and Great Elm Capital Corp. CoreWeave was famously founded in a suburban Jersey garage in 2017 and is headquartered in Roseland. It’s made several nota ..read more

While Bubbakoo’s Burritos continues opening restaurants across the U.S., the fast-growing Mexican fusion chain is also looking to reach busy, on-the-go customers in other venues. Leveraging the success of its recent launch within the food court at Soaring Eagle Casino in Michigan, the Point Pleasant-based brand aims to place additional locations in high-traffic areas for maximum accessibility and convenience. Commenting on Bubbakoo’s plans, co-founder and co-CEO Paul Altero said, “It’s shaping up to be a big year for us … As we celebrate our 16th year in business, we’re not just looking back ..read more

As New Jersey becomes increasingly known for its fine dining and international cuisine, tourism officials are celebrating the state’s growing food, wine and craft beer scenes at an exclusive event in New York City this week. New Jersey Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way and New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism Executive Director Jeffrey Vassar were joined by three acclaimed chefs as well as top wineries and breweries during a May 14 program at Manhattan’s Market 57 showcasing New Jersey’s culinary offerings. As part of “A Taste of New Jersey: Plates Around The World Culinary Event,” Way and Vasser s ..read more

Organic and natural grocery chain Sprouts Farmers Market is gearing up to launch its third New Jersey store. Located at 327 Route 35 in Aberdeen, the 22,700-square-foot store is scheduled to open June 7 following a 6:45 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony. The first 100 shoppers on Friday and Saturday will receive a free reusable tote bag filled with special products and samples, according to Sprouts. As part of the grand opening celebration, Sprouts will host a variety of activities through June 9. Promotions include free samples, contests to guess the weight of an oversized piece of produce, givea ..read more

A pilot program aimed at spurring economic growth in New Jersey cities post pandemic is expanding, opening it up to even more Garden State commuter hubs. The Activation, Revitalization, and Transformation (ART) program was established initially as a $10 million pilot. It provides grants for projects and initiatives that invigorate arts and culture, increasing foot traffic and catalytic development. The ART Phase II program expansion was approved at the most recent New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) board meeting and announced by Gov. Phil Murphy Thursday at the Annual Conferenc ..read more

The state Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) released the April 2024 gaming numbers Thursday, showing a mixed bag of results. “Atlantic City’s total gaming revenue achieved its best April result in over a decade – aided by the second-best monthly internet gaming win on record,” said Casino Control Commission Chairman James Plousis in his remarks on the report. “The casinos’ total gaming revenue has surpassed $400 million every month this year and internet gaming in has eclipsed $750 million sooner than any other year since inception.” “April 2024 was a modest month for Atlantic City casino ..read more

After continued rebounds in visitor volume and spending in 2023, New Jersey officials say the state’s tourism industry has finally surpassed pre-pandemic levels. And, they expect continued growth this year. According to a new study from the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism, the state welcomed 120.5 million visitors in 2023, up from 114.6 million a year prior and 4% higher than 2019’s record level of 116.2 million travelers. Visitor spending across all sectors grew to $49.1 billion, which was 8% above the previous year and 6% higher than expenditures reported in 2019, the study found ..read more

Several new retailers have joined the lineup at two popular PREIT-owned malls in South Jersey. Cherry Hill Mall In a May 15 press release, PREIT announced nearly 30,000 square feet of new leases of brands that “resonate with and excite today’s shoppers” at the property along Route 38. According to PREIT, upcoming tenants will open over the next year and include: Alo Yoga – high-quality activewear and yoga-inspired lifestyle products Kendra Scott – unique jewelry and elegant accessories Dry Goods – on-trend women’s fashion and accessories Rowan – safe and modernized ear piercing Signature Wor ..read more