A mega homegoods retailer, an international burger joint, and a posh distillery make their debuts in the Garden State

by Jessica Jones Gorman

COMMON SENSE
Home sense, a Canadian based chain of home furnishings and accessories stores owned by the same company that operates Home Goods, Marshall’s, and TJMaxx recently opened its fifth New Jersey location, at the Manalapan EpiCentre in the former home of Sports Authority. It offers everything from couches to wallpaper, and was dubbed by Cosmopolitan magazine as “HomeGoods on steroids.” Owned by TJX Companies, Home sense debuted in America in 2017. There are now 22 locations throughout the nation, along with numerous others in Canada and Europe.

In addition to sweeping furniture selections, the store features a rug emporium, an extensive lighting department, and a “general store” featuring everything from hardware to storage units. Seasonal items are also available, including essentials for outdoor entertaining and holiday décor. There are also appliances, accessories, artwork, and a variety of knick knacks. 55 U.S. 9, Manalapan Township, homesense.com

DISTILLING DREAMS
Small batch spirits, artisan craft cocktails, and custom ingredients all made with locally grown products are the hallmarks of the first new distillery located in Colts Neck since the Laird family began processing their famous Apple Jack behind the Colts Neck Inn in 1717. (Fans of the apple flavored alcoholic drink included George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.)

Local resident Geo Karch realized his own dream of opening a distillery in December, a 4,800 square foot facility, with an ample bar and outdoor patio, on the site of a former farm. He named his brand Muckleyeye to honor his grandfather, who exclaimed the made up word during moments of note or surprise, as in “Holy Muckleyeye!” A former advertising salesman for ESPN and ABC Sports, Karch now uses his marketing skills to promote his Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Copper Pot Distilled American Gin, Vodka Distilled From Wheat, plus house rum and imaginative, tasty concoctions made with likewise house made syrups and fresh fruits and herbs that change with the seasons. 304 Route 34, Colts Neck, coltsneckstillhouse.com

PATTY PARTY
Burgerim, an international casual burger chain with an offbeat concept, recently opened a location in Englewood. Offering customers a choice of three different buns, six sauces, 11 kinds of patties, and nine unconventional toppings, burger fans can sample hundreds of flavor profiles, from wagyu beef topped with pineapple to a veggie patty served with a sunny side up egg. Each chef inspired burger is presented as a 2.8 ounce size; designed to mix and match, it can be ordered as a single or in packs of two, three, or in a case of 16. 39 Nathaniel Place, burgerim.com/ our locations/englewood