News
Press Releases: Historic Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern Reopens
December 08, 2009Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ (December 8, 2009) – The Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern recently reopened following an extensive, seven-month renovation under new ownership. Touching virtually every aspect of one of Ho-Ho-Kus’ most beloved and historic buildings, the work addressed both the physical and philosophical, including the addition of a casual 33-seat Tavern, a bluestone patio for outdoor dining and a complete renovation of the Inn’s four dining rooms, each evoking a personality or period in the town’s history. With its updated classic American menu featuring many locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, the restaurant is poised to attract both sophisticated Inn diners with selections such as Niman Ranch Rib Eye and Braised Jamison Farms Lamb, and more informal Tavern guests with new twists on comfort classics such as the Ho-Ho- Kus Tavern Burger, Yankee Pot Roast and Goffle Road Roasted Chicken . The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and will begin serving Sunday Brunch early next year.
Long a fixture on Ho-Ho-Kus’ dining scene, the Inn’s renovation aimed to update its physical space and culinary point of view, while maintaining its beloved status among locals, said Gordon Hamm, co-owner. “In years past, the restaurant was a celebratory dining destination for many locals. We’re aiming to strike a better balance, becoming a warm, welcoming neighborhood family-friendly eatery that is as appealing for a casual weekday dinner as it is for a grand wedding rehearsal or a high-tech business luncheon.” To that end, the dress code is “smart casual, jeans are welcome,” said Hamm.
To strike that balance, Hamm and his wife, Laurie, Ho-Ho-Kus residents who had long admired the historic landmark, and their co-owners, entrepreneur and restaurateur Andrew Chapman and his sisters, Sarah and Anna, invested more than seven months and upwards of $1.5 million in a top-to-bottom renovation of the Inn and reworking of its menu. Under the direction of new Executive Chef Bryan M. Gregg and Pastry Chef Patrick Muller, an experienced pair whose culinary credits include the acclaimed Domaine Laurino in Berkley Heights and the Hilton Short Hills, respectively, the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern will focus on sourcing local and seasonal, sustainable ingredients from local farms such as the Goffle Road Poultry Farm. In an effort to make families feel at home, it will offer a three-course children’s menu of healthy, kid-friendly fare.
The Hamms also oversaw the complete redecoration of the Inn’s dining rooms, including the always popular first-floor Crystal Room which now features a dramatic color palette of crimson with glossy black trim, a Ushak-inspired Axminster wool carpet; a custom temperature-controlled wine cabinet accommodating 1,100 bottles that spans one wall, an etched glass mirror over the original marble fireplace, and the Inn’s striking crystal chandelier complemented by eight crystal wall sconces and new shantung silk shades. The Inn’s Library is also an inviting space featuring beautifully upholstered furnishings, a custom bar with red crocodile-embossed patent leather stools and a fireplace, where guests can gather for games such as chess and backgammon or log onto the web with wireless Internet access. Likewise, the cozy Tavern features a new eight-seat bar of solid heart pine, a working fireplace and four big-screen televisions amid plentiful local memorabilia, making it an appealing space for families to gather for game-watching and pub fare.
In addition, a significantly enhanced exterior (including new driveway, landscaping and lighting), new ADA-compliant Tavern bathroom and entry, and a refurbished second floor service bar are among the practical improvements. An appeal to local residents for historical memorabilia turned up an abundance of vintage art and artifacts that can now be found throughout the Inn.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Reservations are recommended. The Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern is located at One East Franklin Turnpike. Reservations can be made by calling 201-445-4115.
For media queries, contact: Brooke Perry, (201) 519-9811
