Jersey City staple Boulevard Drinks faces uncertain future amid new development plans
The business has survived several relocations before settling at 48 Journal Square, a spot many residents consider iconic.
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If you grew up in Jersey City, you’ve likely watched Journal Square change over the years.
Now, another transformation may mean saying goodbye to Boulevard Drinks’ longtime home.
The hot dog stand, run by owner Victor Victoratos, has been a fixture in the neighborhood for 90 years. The business has survived several relocations before settling at 48 Journal Square, a spot many residents consider iconic.
“We don’t want to go anywhere,” Victoratos said.
Despite holding a lease that runs through 2034, Boulevard Drinks was told last month it had six months to vacate the property. Days later, the business received another notice shortening the timeline, giving them until the end of May to leave.
Victoratos says the issue stems from a property sale and a lease that was never disclosed to the new owner.
“Apparently, the previous owner, who sold the property, never disclosed that we have at least till 2034,” Victoratos said. “Now there’s going to be a problem with the old owner and the new owner to figure it out. We’re just caught in the middle.”
Customers say losing the stand would leave a noticeable hole in the neighborhood.
“It’s a shame, ” said Bryan Blaney, of Bayonne. “There’s so many institutions that are just kind of evaporating.”
City leaders have also taken notice. Mayor James Solomon and Ward C Councilman Tom Zuppa shared messages of support for the business on social media, saying in part, “While we did not create this problem, we are committed to solving it.”
Zuppa says the goal is to keep Boulevard Drinks in Journal Square.
“We want to be cognizant of making sure that Boulevard Drinks stays in Journal Square and continues to be such a staple,” he said.
Last week, the Jersey City Planning Board approved plans to redevelop properties along Kennedy Boulevard, from Boulevard Drinks to the nearby McDonald’s. The project would replace the existing building with a 55-story mixed-use tower featuring 840 residential units and a Whole Foods on the lower level.
Some residents say while change is inevitable, the hope is that the business survives it.
“We’re sad to see it leave this location,” said Jersey City resident Daquan Haggan. “But one thing’s for sure — when they go to the next one, we’re going to make sure it’s even better.”
For Victoratos, the message is clear.
“Everybody wants this place to stay here,” he said. “So we need to be on the right part of history here.”
