Cheers to 90 Years! Bergen County’s Kunisch Family Wins Top Restaurateur Award as Allendale Bar & Grill Celebrates Milestone

From Babe Ruth’s Stop to Top Honors: The Secret Sauce of NJ’s Restaurateur of the Year—90 Years of History at Allendale Bar & Grill

photo courtesy of AB&G

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Allendale NJ,  in a major honor for Bergen County’s vibrant dining scene, the Kunisch family, owners of the beloved Allendale Bar & Grill (ABG) and Mahwah Bar & Grill, have been recognized with the prestigious Restaurateur of the Year Award by the New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association (NJRHA).

This recognition is perfectly timed, as the original Allendale Bar & Grill is celebrating its phenomenal 90th year in business, making it a true institution in North Jersey.

“A huge thank you to the association for this special honor and to the people behind it all — our families and all of our staff and guests who have become part of our family!” Chris Kunisch shared following the November 5th ceremony.

Four Generations of Hospitality

The award was accepted by the fourth generation of family proprietors: Chris Kunisch, his brother Craig Kunisch (who oversees the Mahwah location), and their sister Katie Kunisch Ohnegian (who manages the bookkeeping and business support).

This latest accolade adds to the family’s prior recognition, which includes the association’s Gold Plate Award received in 2016. The Kunisch siblings credit their enduring success to their staff, their commitment to their guests, and their deep roots in the community.

A Deep Dive into ABG’s Historic Roots (Since 1935!)

The story of the Allendale Bar & Grill is a remarkable piece of local history, stretching back to the depths of the Great Depression:

• 1935 Launch: The tavern was first opened by Mike and Maude “Mom” Connelly in the old Allendale Hotel. Legend has it that Mom was known for offering a free meal to freight train drifters and maintained the tradition of a free corned beef and cabbage dinner for all customers every St. Patrick’s Day.

• A-List Patron: Among the early customers was baseball legend Babe Ruth, who often visited New Jersey for recreation after his 1935 retirement.

• The Move: In 1948, the business moved to its current location at 67 W. Allendale Ave., eventually expanding from a small extension to occupy the entire building.

• The Family Lineage: Oldest daughter Marge and her husband, Walt Kunisch, gradually took control, followed by their son Mike Kunisch and his wife, Bobbie, who took the reins in 1975.

In 1992, the family successfully expanded, opening the Mahwah Bar & Grill, further solidifying their regional presence.

Adapting to a Changing Palate: “Community is a Verb”

The Kunisch siblings agree that the restaurant industry has changed significantly over the last nine decades. Today, people are more health-conscious and discerning about their food.

• Modernizing the Menu: To meet these demands, the family consulted with Hackensack University Medical Center to “transform” the menu. While iconic favorites, like their legendary hamburger, remain, the menu now features “more fish and salads,” including a “build your own” salad checklist and clearly noted “heart healthy” choices.

• Changing Drink Trends: As Craig Kunisch notes, “The two-martini lunch is toast.” Today, customers prioritize quality over quantity, often opting for “one craft cocktail” instead of multiple beers.

• Customer Focus: The core philosophy remains constant: “never say no.” This commitment drives the chefs to continually experiment with new options to keep the menu fresh.

Ultimately, the Kunisch family views their role as a community anchor. As Craig summarized, the priority is “taking care of our staff and guests,” because “Community is a verb.”

The 90th anniversary and this major award solidify the Kunisch family’s legacy as leaders in New Jersey’s restaurant and hospitality industry.

Join the new Saddle River Valley, Ramapo and Pascack Valley Communities Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1931704860512551/
#news #follow #media #trending #viral #newsupdate #currentaffairs #BergenCountyNews #NJBreakingNews #NJHeadlines #NJTopStories