JUNE 26, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015, 12:31 AM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
One of the cornerstones of the Central Business District is getting a facelift, and the general public will have its first official glimpse (and taste) inside the renovated First National Bank and Trust Company building once all inspections are complete.
The re-opening of the iconic building on East Ridgewood Avenue was scheduled for the week of June 29 with the soft opening of its flagship tenant, FISH Urban Dining. Owners of the upscale seafood restaurant, already with an established location in Asbury Park, have been rigorously repurposing the interior of the former bank to create an environment unique to the FISH brand.
Similar to FISH’s space in Asbury Park, the Ridgewood location will use the bank’s vacated features, including the large vault on the main floor, as part of the restaurant.
“It’s cool, fun and interesting to use a space that was created to be something entirely different than what we are using it for today,” said Jim DeGilio, managing partner of City By the Sea Hospitality Group, which operates FISH and other restaurants in Asbury Park and Long Beach Island. According to DeGilio, who runs the restaurant group with his wife, Karen, FISH will offer a fresh and seasonal menu similar to what is found at the Asbury Park establishment “in an appealing and comfortable environment.”
https://www.northjersey.com/news/business/fish-prepares-to-open-doors-1.1363783
