H Mart to add a food court, and Kibitz Room expands | Inquirer Cherry Hill
Plus, prosecutors push to reinstate racketeering charges against George Norcross.
Hello, Cherry Hill! 👋
There’s lots of good news for local foodies this week. H Mart has gotten township approval to undertake an overhaul of its space that includes a new food court. In other food news, popular Jewish deli The Kibitz Room has expanded beyond Cherry Hill, debuting a new location in Pennsylvania. Plus, a popular Philadelphia chicken and donuts chain is opening near us. Also this week, prosecutors want criminal racketeering charges against South Jersey powerbroker George Norcross to be reinstated.
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Popular Asian grocery chain H Mart has gotten township approval to renovate and expand its store off Route 70.
The upgrades to the store, which debuted in Cherry Hill in 2001, include enhancements to the first floor and the construction of an open-concept food court, bakery, and mercantile on the second floor, The Inquirer’s Denali Sagner reports.
While a completion date hasn’t been finalized, interior construction is underway.
Read more about H Mart’s local expansion plans here.
From the time he was a child, Brandon Parish loved being in his father’s Jewish deli, The Kibitz Room. Neil Parish bought the Cherry Hill eatery in 2003, paving the way for something of a family affair.
Neil’s ex-wife, Sandy, took over the location after the couple split nearly a decade ago, and Brandon continued working there alongside his mom.
Now, Brandon is opening his own location of The Kibitz Room in King of Prussia, and he’s tapped his dad to oversee the food. The new location, opening this week, is four times the size of the Cherry Hill one, and has seating for more than 200 people. They plan to offer tableside chopped liver service starting in a month or so, and may expand to making egg creams tableside, too.
Known for its outsized sandwiches, The Kibitz Room also serves knishes, chicken pot pies, and braised short ribs.
“I feel like this really encapsulates the Jewish deli as a whole experience,” Brandon told The Inquirer’s Michael Klein.
Read more about the new location of The Kibitz Room here.
💡 Community News
U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross has been treated for sepsis and moved out of intensive care, his office said Tuesday. He was hospitalized at Cooper University Health Care on April 7 after being diagnosed with a gallbladder infection that progressed to sepsis.
New Jersey prosecutors are calling for previously dropped racketeering charges against South Jersey powerbroker George Norcross to be reinstated. The indictment accused Norcross and several others of using threats of financial and reputational harm to obtain Camden waterfront property and millions of dollars in state tax credits, The Inquirer’s Andrew Seidman reports.
Some traffic lights on Route 70 will remain covered as NJDot continues its $152 million improvement project. Testing of the new lights will take place over the coming weeks with lights between Haddonfield Road and Cooper Avenue completed this fall. (Courier Post)
With about 30% of the township’s population over the age of 65, Cherry Hill will undertake a needs assessment for aging residents. The study will be supported by a $70,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Human Services. (WHYY)
The public review period for the township’s 2025-2029 Five-Year Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan is open now through May 10. Some key focuses are affordable housing and other provisions for vulnerable populations. Public comments can be emailed to community development deputy director Mara Wuebker or community development director Kathy Cullen.
Virtua Health expanded its food access program, Eat Well, with a new 40-foot truck. Aimed at curbing food insecurity, the mobile grocery store makes produce, frozen meats, and other items available at up to a 50% discount. It makes stops in Cherry Hill on Wednesdays from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Weinberg Commons. (70 and 73)
Heads up for drivers: There will be ongoing road closures on Chapel Avenue between Hampton Road and Magnolia Avenue for storm sewer replacement. There will also be alternating traffic on Park Boulevard between Jefferson and Curtis avenues for ongoing water main work. And expect alternating traffic today at the intersection of Kresson Road and Cooper Run Drive.
Have items like light bulbs, electronics, rechargeable batteries, or tires you need to safely dispose of? The township is hosting a free Community Drive-Up Shredding and Recycling Day on April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cherry Hill Public Works.
Registration for the township’s summer classes and programs are now open. Sign up for drawing, self-defense, yoga, and STEM classes, or enroll kids in several sports camps here.
🏫 Schools Briefing
Cherry Hill High School East ranks 69th in the state for its combined average SAT scores, which clock in at 1,186 out of 1,600. Cherry Hill West ranks at No. 223 for a combined average score of 1,050, according to 2023-24 SAT scores. (NJ.com)
🍽️ On our Plate
Bakery and cafe chain Paris Baguette is opening a location at Towne Place on Route 70, a company spokesperson confirmed to The Inquirer. Franchisees Payal Shah and Mittul Patel signed a lease this month on approximately 2,200 square feet near Nordstrom Rack, site plans show. They expect to open the location by the end of 2025 or early 2026.
Brunchaholics on Haddonfield Road recently rebranded and is now known as Sunrise Social. Its founder Aaron Anderson is looking to franchise the concept.
South Jersey’s first Federal Donuts & Chicken is set to host its grand opening on Friday. Located in Marlton Square, the cult-favorite Philly brand will offer its signature sandwiches, donuts, and chicken daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Now that spring is underway, area farmers markets are kicking into high gear. The Inquirer’s Hira Qureshi breaks down what to expect at 15, including nearby options in Collingswood, Haddon Heights, and Moorestown.
🎳 Things to Do
🛼 Spring Fling Skate Party: Get glammed up with hair paint and glitter, then hit the rink for relays, games, and all-day skating. ⏰ Thursday, April 24, 12:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. 💵 $12 admission, $6 skate rental 📍 Hot Wheelz
🏹 The Hunger Games: An Escape Room Adventure: Teens can channel Katniss Everdeen at this themed after-hours event. ⏰ Friday, April 25, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Cherry Hill Public Library
🌱 Branching Out: Tree Seedling Giveaway: Cherry Hill residents can pick up one of 300 free tube seedlings to plant in their yard. ⏰ Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. to noon 💵 Free 📍 Croft Farm
🎵 Free concert featuring Adam Reiss: Hear the South Jersey musician perform covers and some originals. ⏰ Saturday, April 26, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Woodstock Trading Co.
⚽ Annual Spring Fest: Roller skate, hit the turf, go on a scavenger hunt, try out a bounce house, and more. ⏰ Saturday, April 26, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. 💵 $10 for participants, plus an $8 rental fee, free for parents 📍 XL Sports World Cherry Hill
🛍️ Clover Market: Venture to Collingswood for one of two of this year’s markets, featuring over 100 curated vendors, food, drinks, and live music. ⏰ Sunday, April 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 735 N. Atlantic Ave., Collingswood
🏡 Miniatures Bizarre Bazaar: Buy, sell, or trade your miniatures. ⏰ Sunday, April 27, noon to 5 p.m. 💵 Free to attend or $20 per table to sell 📍 Top Deck Games
🏡 On the Market
Located in Buttonwood Estates, this four-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home has a wow factor as soon as you drive up, thanks to its well-manicured landscaping and hardscaping, including a curved driveway with two additional access points. Around back, it has an equally well-designed, fenced-in yard. Inside, the home has a two-story foyer, a kitchen with granite countertops, a family room with soaring ceilings, and a finished basement complete with a marble gas fireplace, a bar, and a gym. There are open houses Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Price: $950,000 | Size: 3,053 SF | Acreage: .32
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