Iconic Jersey City hot dog stand could be forced to close after decades in Journal Square
JERSEY CITY, New Jersey (WABC) -- It's been a fixture in its community for 90 years, but later this month, an iconic hot dog stand in Jersey City could close its doors for good.
The owner of Boulevard Drinks blames gentrification and says his restaurant is just the latest business to be forced out of Journal Square.
It's been an iconic eatery in Journal Square for generations, but it looks like one of the best hot dog stands around will be on the move.
Boulevard Drinks has been in various Jersey City locations for 90 years.
Since the late '50s, the business has called Journal Square home and is a foodie's favorite.
As word of a move spreads, customers are rushing in to get their favorite sausages and hot dogs.
"We can't let this place leave, this is a staple in our community," said customer Quran Davis.
The owners of the business signed a lease that goes into the next decade, but it's not being honored by the new property owners.
"The new developers came in on a Monday, introduced themselves, and I told them I guess now we have six months left, he said 'consider this your sixth month,'" manager Victor Victoratos said.
They say they are being pushed out so a Whole Foods can be built to serve residents of high-income apartments.
The transformation of Journal Square from its urban landscape into an upscale haven is forcing small businesses out.
Victoratos says they have lawyers fighting the move and the cost of change.
The mayor of Jersey City and a local councilman issued a joint statement that said in part: "This is bigger than one establishment" and "Growth should lift the neighborhood - not push out the people and places that define it."
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