PARSIPPANY — Atul Bakery, a beloved name in the baking industry, recently celebrated the grand opening of its newest franchise in Parsippany. This event marked another milestone in the bakery’s journey, which started in India and has now expanded to the United States. Atul Vekariya, the CEO of Atul Bakery, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which was accompanied by local dignitaries, community members, and eager customers.

Founded in India, Atul Bakery has built a reputation for its exceptional baked goods, ranging from traditional Indian pastries to contemporary fresh cakes and bread. The brand has flourished over the years, with numerous franchises across India, and its latest franchise is in New Jersey. The Parsippany branch is poised to bring a unique cultural and culinary excellence blend to the local community.

Atul Vekariya, the visionary behind Atul Bakery, shared his thoughts on the brand’s philosophy and the decision to open a branch in Parsippany. “We are heartened by Parsippany’s welcoming cultural environment, and we were happy to come here! We were welcomed with open arms,” Vekariya said.

Expanding to Parsippany was a strategic move for Atul Bakery. Vekariya explained, “Parsippany is a vibrant community with a diverse population that appreciates quality food. We saw an opportunity to introduce our bakery here, knowing the residents would welcome our unique offerings. The support and enthusiasm we’ve received so far have been overwhelming, and we are excited to be a part of this wonderful community.”

The ribbon-cutting event was a festive celebration featuring samples of Atul Bakery’s signature items, live music, and activities for children. Attendees could taste various delicious treats, including popular fruit cakes, savory puffs, and breads. The atmosphere was lively, and the community’s excitement was palpable.

Local officials at the event praised the bakery’s arrival, highlighting its potential to become a cornerstone of Parsippany’s food scene. Frank Cahill, Chairman of the Economic Development Committee, welcomed the new business, noting its positive impact on the local economy and community spirit.

This marks the fourth location in New Jersey, with others in Edison, Jersey City, and North Brunswick.

Atul Bakery’s commitment to quality is evident in every product it offers. From sourcing the finest ingredients to maintaining rigorous standards in its baking processes, the bakery ensures that every item meets the highest expectations. Vekariya emphasized, “Our customers trust us to deliver excellence, and we take that responsibility seriously. Everything we make is fresh and of the highest quality.”

As the Parsippany branch of Atul Bakery opens, it promises to bring exceptional baked goods and a warm, inviting atmosphere to the community. Atul Bakery’s success in India and its growing presence in New Jersey are testaments to its dedication to culinary excellence and customer satisfaction. The Parsippany community can look forward to a new bakery.

They are located at The Shoppes at Parsippany, 1446 Route 46. They are open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

PARSIPPANY — Lake Hiawatha resident Justice Fitzgerald, a 21-year-old Muslim man, has filed a lawsuit against Homestead Bar & Kitchen, 10 Dehart Street, Morristown, alleging discrimination for wearing a turban, which he wears for religious reasons.

On June 22 at 12:20 a.m., Fitzgerald claims he attempted to enter Homestead Bar & Kitchen but was stopped by Mr. Luis Gomez, who demanded he remove his turban. Justice told Gomez that his headdress was a turban worn for religious observance. According to the lawsuit filed on July 24, Gomez informed him that the establishment’s policy only allowed baseball caps as headwear.

During the exchange, Justice asked Gomez if he were Jewish and wearing a Yarmulke, he would be required to remove it, to which Gomez replied that a Yarmulke would be allowed.

Despite explaining that his turban is worn for religious purposes, Fitzgerald alleges he was still required to remove it to gain entry. He complied but later realized he had been discriminated against. After re-tying his turban in the bathroom, he sat down but was approached by Gomez, who instructed him to leave the premises. After being told to leave the bar, Justice requested a glass of water, which he was denied.

The suit states that Gomez and employee Eric Fernandez forcibly grabbed Fitzgerald by the arm and slammed him against a wall after ordering him to leave. Although police were present outside Homestead Bar & Kitchen, Fitzgerald was not charged with any offense.

In removing Justice, Gomez and Fernandez slammed Justice’s left arm, left hand, and left side of his head into the wall, which caused a laceration to his right elbow and a burst blood vessel in his right eye.

Homestead Bar & Kitchen did not immediately respond to our request for comment.

Fitzgerald is suing Homestead Bar & Kitchen for violations of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, negligence, assault, and battery, as well as civil liability for a bias crime. The suit asserts that the staff’s actions were driven by religious bias.

In addition to seeking monetary damages, Fitzgerald’s attorneys are demanding that Homestead Bar & Kitchen adopt and amend anti-discrimination policies and provide proper employee training on these policies.

Homestead Bar & Kitchen is a tavern, restaurant, and bar that serves food and drinks. It is open to the public and is a “public place accommodation” as defined under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination.

PARSIPPANY—Tropical Smoothie Cafe is expanding its footprint in Parsippany by signing a lease for a new 1,360-square-foot restaurant in the Westmount-Arlington Plaza Shopping Center. The highly anticipated opening will offer a variety of smoothies, wraps, sandwiches, and other healthy options to the local community.

The proposed hours of operation for the new location are as follows:

• Monday through Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

As one of the nation’s leading fast-casual concepts, Tropical Smoothie Cafe continues to grow its presence in New Jersey.

Featuring a diverse menu featuring fresh fruit smoothies, sandwiches, wraps, flatbreads, and more, Tropical Smoothie Cafe offers complete ease of ordering. The brand also enhances the ordering process with customizable online and mobile ordering options, adding another convenience layer for Tropical Smoothie Cafe fans. 

Residents and visitors will soon have a convenient new spot to enjoy delicious and nutritious meals throughout the week. Stay tuned for more updates on the official opening date and special promotions.

Currently, the closet is at 191 East Hanover Avenue, Morristown.

For more information, click here.

PARSIPPANY – A new franchise, “Success on the Spectrum,” has opened its doors at 2200 Route 10 West (Morris Plains).

Success on the Spectrum (SOS), owned by Vick Khabra, is a facility with many amenities that provides ABA therapy, Speech therapy, and Occupational therapy for children with Autism and Caregiver training for parents. The franchise was founded in Houston, Texas, by Nichole Daher, the franchise owner, and in 2018 became the first Autism treatment franchise in the United States. Healthcare Business Review honorably awarded them as the Top ABA Service Provider in 2024. 

Success on the Spectrum is the ideal place for children aged 2 to 18 and on the autism spectrum to receive quality therapy through multiple forms. Owner Vick Khabra was excited to announce that, in honor of their grand opening, they will waive their annual registration fee of $250 for a short period. SOS is insurance-based and accepts all insurances, including Medicaid, to reduce parents’ out-of-pocket costs. 

Vick and his team at Success on the Spectrum are passionate about helping their community using the most influential science methods, a fun environment, community outings, safety, and high parent involvement to help their clients make the most progress possible. The handpicked staff, who are CPR and Safety-Care certified, use their skills to assist children in developing self-control, independence, and a positive self-concept. The 5000 sq ft+ facility includes a sensory room, mock classroom, art room, cafeteria, social room, and a unique sensory gym. 

ABA therapy focuses on teaching social skills, language and communication, academic skills, emotional development, cognitive functioning, play/leisure, fine motor, and self-care skills. Mayor Jamie Barberio was in attendance along with Parsippany Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill, Economic Development member Jigar Shah, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President Frank Neglia, Councilman Justin Musella, and Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso with Board members Ildiko Peluso and Nicolas Limanov. Baberio said, “I’m glad Success on the Spectrum decided to come to Parsippany. We have many children in need, and parents need to have the outreach this provides. I think this will be good for the township.”

The Nautical Themed Sensory Gym features a Trampoline, Rock Climbing Wall, Monkey Bar, Zip Line Track, Slides, Swing, Soft Play, and much more!

Success On The Spectrum provides one-on-one ABA Therapy at their clinic for up to 40 hours a week, depending on the children’s requirements. The US Surgeon General and the American Psychological Association consider ABA an evidence-based best practice treatment, and Center-based ABA therapy is the most effective environment. Success On The Spectrum provides one-on-one ABA Therapy at their clinic for up to 40 hours a week, depending on the children’s requirements.

Frank Cahill, Chairman of Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development, said, “Parsippany celebrates the ribbon cutting of “Success on the Spectrum,” a center dedicated to empowering autistic individuals through personalized support, education, and community integration.

The Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire Department enhanced the ceremony by attending in support of Success on the Spectrum’s mission and goals. Captain Matthew Roca, Tyler Foley, John Haas, Michael Scherer, and Jordan Santana attended. Captain Matthew Roca said, “We are happy to be here. We are happy to represent the town. This will be a great new business for the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills as these children need help, and this program will assist. We happily help with their mission in any way.”

Success On The Spectrum offers group social skills classes to promote growth in social connections and friendship skills. 

Their hand-picked staff hold weekly training meetings to ensure a deeper understanding of the science of human behavior.

Each staff member is thoroughly background checked and holds CPR and Safety-Care certifications.

BCBAs directly supervise each child’s program implementation each week and make changes or give additional training to staff as needed.

Lessons include conversational skills, appropriate use of humor and electronic communication, identifying sources of friends, entering and exiting conversations, and handling peer conflict and rejection. Success on the Spectrum looks forward to helping Parsippany with its needs. For information, visit their website by clicking here.

Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, August 2024. Click here to view the magazine.

PARSIPPANY — Day Pitney LLP has leased approximately 55,000 square feet in one of the township’s premier office corridors. The East Coast-based law firm, with 140 employees in New Jersey, plans to move to Eight Sylvan Way in late summer or early fall of 2025.

This space is part of a roughly 176,062-square-foot building previously home to The Medicines Co. and was known for its significant renovation and addition in 2009.

Day Pitney’s is currently located at One Jefferson Road in Parsippany. “Our New Jersey office move will be the most recent in a series of moves that Day Pitney has made over the last several years to modernize the firm’s workspaces to meet best the current and future needs of our attorneys, staff, and clients,” said Chip Krauss, Day Pitney’s chief operating officer. “Our new office space will assist us in facilitating continued growth, fostering collaboration, and reinforcing our firm culture.”

According to the building’s website, the leasing team for 8 Sylvan includes JLL’s David Stifelman, Tim Greiner, and Noah Stewart. Amenities include three flexible training spaces, a conference center with a boardroom, three training rooms that open to the café, which can accommodate meetings for up to 350 people, and a full-service kitchen and cafe with seating for 200 people.

Telecommunications providers include AT&T, Verizon Fiber & Copper, Lightpath Fiber, and Cablevision Fiber (TV and Internet).

Access control and security system: Card Access Readers (C-Cure ID Badge System) are installed throughout.

The Hampshire Cos. transformed the building 15 years ago to suit The Medicines Co. in a project designed by HLW. The project involved dismantling the obsolete 100,000-square-foot structure and rebuilding it into a modern 176,062-square-foot property. This strategic renovation leveraged the location’s proximity to Routes 10, 46, 202, 53 and interstates 287 and 80. Novartis AG acquired The Medicines Co. in 2020.