Boulevard Drinks to Close Jersey City Site in November
The business must vacate its long-term space to make way for a 55-story residential development project.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Boulevard Drinks will close its long-standing Journal Square storefront on November 29, 2026, to clear space for a new 55-story development. The local operator plans to reopen in a nearby space in late spring 2027.
Why it matters
The closure highlights the impact of large-scale residential redevelopment on legacy commercial tenants even when long-term lease agreements are in place. Operators must account for legal vacancy mandates triggered by property acquisitions in high-density development zones.
The 55-story tower project replaces a site that has hosted the business since 1937, despite a lease that was originally scheduled to run through 2034. The project includes 840 residential units and a Whole Foods.
The players
Boulevard Drinks
A long-standing local business in the Journal Square area of Jersey City.
Bardis family
The owners of Boulevard Drinks who have operated the business since 1979.
Nasser Freres
A developer tasked with building a 55-story residential tower at the site.
The details
The Bardis family, which has owned the business since 1979, was ordered by a court to vacate the property for the developer Nasser Freres. This forced exit follows the closure of nearby jewelry and clothing retailers, signaling a broader clearing of local commercial space for the high-rise tower. The business must now manage the logistics of relocating its operations while navigating the early termination of a lease that had nearly a decade remaining.
Timeline
1937: The business began operations in Journal Square.
1979: The Bardis family acquired the business.
November 29, 2026: The current location will officially close.
Late spring 2027: The business expects to reopen at a new location.
Market Landscape
This displacement reflects the ongoing high-density redevelopment trend in Jersey City's Journal Square. It marks a departure from the area's historical commercial structure as developers implement massive residential projects.
Operators in high-density zones should audit their commercial leases for clauses regarding eminent domain or redevelopment-related termination. Maintaining close ties with local property developers and monitoring zoning filings is critical to managing sudden displacement risks.
The takeaway
Legacy businesses facing redevelopment pressure should proactively track local zoning commission dockets to anticipate site clearance timelines. Monitor the status of pending large-scale residential projects in your neighborhood to prepare for shifts in commercial property availability.
What happens next
Boulevard Drinks expects to open at a new location in late spring 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local business changes in the Jersey City Openings & Closings section.
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