There was a bustle of activity along Main Street in Moorestown on a Sunday morning, as residents enjoyed breakfast al fresco under a warm sun that found its way through the tall trees.
A popular spot was The Cubby Hole on Main Street, which specializes in breakfast, brunch and lunch. By 11 a.m., it had a 30-minute wait for a table inside or out. The staff at Luna Y Sol Mexican Restaurant, also on Main Street, prepped for a noon opening, while the Healthy Garden Café nearby also waited on tables indoors and out.
The activity was a result of Burlington County’s summer restaurant week, which began on Sunday, Aug. 20, More than 115 dining establishments in 40 towns offered special discounts, including Barone’s Tuscan Grill in Moorestown and Naan Indian Bistro and Joe Italiano’s, both at the Moorestown Mall.
The Main Street dining scene is alive and thriving. Five other restaurants were open for restaurant week, as hundreds of people walked up and down the street enjoying a slight breeze.
Long before European settlers came to America, Main Street was a major trading center populated by Lenni Lenape Native Americans. It is located on a ridge and two natural springs ensure a healthy water supply. One to the west is located near the Roberts Elementary School and the Perkins Center for the Arts, while the east spring is just off North Stanwick Road.
Today, Main Street is still an essential shopping district and the heart and pulse of Moorestown. It is enhanced by a county dining scene that is prospering, with more restaurants joining the county to promote themselves.
“From Bass River to Bordentown and everywhere in between, Burlington County’s summer restaurant week features more restaurants and delicious specials than ever before,” said Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson before restaurant week ended.
“Burlington County has some of the best restaurants anywhere.”
Many participating restaurants and eateries created restaurant week menus, specials, unique dishes and discounts. A complete list of all 116 participating restaurants was posted online at the county’s Burlington County summer restaurant week page, www.co.burlington.nj.us/1844/Summer-Restaurant-Week-2023.
“In every corner of Burlington County, we have amazing restaurants, including many small family-run businesses whose owners and employees are neighbors, family or friends,” state Sen. Troy Singleton noted. “These businesses are important gathering spots and are essential to our communities and downtowns.
“Restaurant week is our way to support and showcase them and give them a much-deserved boost in business.”
“From cheesesteaks and wings to fusion and fine dining, Burlington County has it all,” said Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kristi Howell. “No matter your tastes, restaurant week is a great way to support local restaurants and their employees.”
The county’s restaurant week was first offered in 2019 as an economic development initiative to showcase local restaurants and their importance to local communities. It quickly became one of the county’s biggest and most popular business promotions, prompting commissioners to expand the event and hold it twice a year, according to county spokesman David Levinsky.
