Princeton Main Street Bistro To Close; 2 Restaurants Opening

PRINCETON, NJ — The Main Street Bistro is closing, but two new restaurants are coming to Princeton this year, Fenwick Hospitality Group announced this week.

The group bought the Main Street Restaurant Group, including the Main Street Bistro, in April of last year. For 25 years, the Main Street Bistro has been the centerpiece of the group, in the Princeton Shopping Center.

“I was a customer and a fan of the bistro long before we purchased it,” Fenwick Hospitality Group Owner Jim Nawn said. “However, despite attempts to upgrade many aspects of the experience there – the menu, the energy, the well-worn space – we did not see an impact on guest counts and became less optimistic that it would attract new customers. As we approach the end of the lease, we have opted not to renew. Sadly, we have decided to close.”

The restaurant will close sometime in the fall. There is a plan to retain staff by placing them in the group’s other restaurants. Additionally, Fenwick Hospitality Group remains committed to Main Street Catering & Events, which continues to be a thriving business serving the local community, the group said.

Before then, Cargot brasserie will be opening in early July. As the next-door neighbor to its sister location, The Dinky Bar and Kitchen, this French-inspired restaurant will complete the dining offerings of Princeton University’s new Arts and Transit Neighborhood. It will serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch and grab-and-go items. The space features 130 indoor seats, including private dining rooms and an outdoor patio that can seat 60.

Additionally, Fenwick Hospitality Group has signed a lease at 277 Witherspoon Street, in the rebuilt former medical professional building next to the Avalon apartment complex. Housed here will be a new 5,000 square foot restaurant called Two Sevens. Seeking to remain present in the neighborhood north of downtown, the location offers a versatile space, including a parking garage for patrons.

“In Two Sevens, we are looking to create an engaging social space where everyone is welcome,” Nawn said. “We will continue to use farm fresh ingredients from our certified organic farm, Great Road Farm, combined with flavors from Central and South America. We are paying attention to affordability and seeking to make our menu scalable to a full meal or snack with a drink to meet guest wishes throughout the day.”

Patch file photo