This Bloomfield Restaurant Went Viral for One Dish, Now It’s Closed

The Brookdale, an American bar and grill located on Broad Street in New Jersey, has served its last meal on April 19.

Written By Saheba Khatun
Image of The Brookdale in Bloomfield from outside | Facebook @The Brookdale (Image credit: Facebook @TheBrookdale)

A beloved Bloomfield neighborhood’s American bar and grill closed its doors permanently. After nearly six years of service, The Brookdale served its final meal on Sunday, April 19. One of its signature dishes, the “Big Cheese,” became a viral food challenge and attracted food lovers across the state.

The Brookdale in Bloomfield Serves Final Meal After 6-Year Run

Founded by two New Jersey brothers, Anthony and Joseph Cinque, The Brookdale was known for its sports bar combined with an upscale-grill environment. The restaurant opened in 2020 during the pandemic era and became a community favorite spot with its relaxed atmosphere.

It served a comfort-focused food menu and hosted casual dinners and occasional events. The menu offered a social media favorite, the “Big Cheese,” a one-pound mozzarella stick, and other popular items.

In a Facebook post, the restaurant team shared the closure announcement, stating, “After nearly 6 unforgettable years, we’ve made the very difficult decision to close The Brookdale.”

The team thanked the community for its support by saying, “We’re incredibly grateful to every single person who supported us, walked through our doors, and made The Brookdale what it became.

“And to our staff, past and present, thank you for everything you put into this place. You were the heart of it,” the team added.

Several fans of the restaurant expressed their sadness on social media following the closure announcement.

One of the fans shared, “So sad to hear this. Great food, great staff. Had a lot of good times at the Brookdale. Good luck to you guys!”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Brookdale (@thebrookdalenj)

After The Brookdale, 5 LC Group’s Other Restaurants Remain Open

The Brookdale dessert image
Image of dessert from The Brookdale (Image Credit: thebrookdale.com)

Operated by 5 LC Group, The Brookdale was an original concept inspired by the American grill dinner. While The Brookdale has permanently shut down, the restaurant group continues to operate multiple other nearby businesses on Broad Street.

Led by chef and restaurateur Jonathan Kavourakis, the 5 LC Group is a New Jersey-based hospitality company.

Fanny’s Restaurant and Bar is one of the 5 LC Group’s concepts at 1109 Broad Street, Bloomfield. It features Italian-inspired dishes and an upscale dining experience.

Another 5 LC Group eateries, Ladyfingers Bakery & Bar, remain open. Located at 1109 Broad St. in Bloomfield, it serves baked goods during the day and transforms into a cocktail bar by evening.

The Brookdale team has not shared any official reason for its closure. However, its closure marks the sad end of a community staple. The restaurant has left a significant gap in the Bloomfield dining scene.

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Saheba Khatun is a journalist and content writer with a strong academic background in English literature and a deep passion for storytelling. She has produced a wide range of work spanning news, features, and human-interest stories, often highlighting the voices and experiences of everyday people. Known for her people-focused, thoughtful, and relatable approach, Saheba aims to inform, inspire, and foster meaningful connections through her writing. With an eye for detail and a commitment to integrity, she believes in the power of words to spark dialogue, shift perspectives, and create lasting impact. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys exploring literature, culture, and community narratives, which continue to fuel her creative process and broaden her worldview.
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