Samantha Impaglia, Author at Hoboken Girl

Wingstop Opens in Former Kong Dog Space on Washington Street in Hoboken

Samantha Impaglia — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 16:21:02 +0000

The 502 Washington Street storefront in Hoboken has seen several spots come and go over the years, and now the next chapter is officially here. International chicken wing chain Wingstop has opened its newest Hudson County location in the space most recently occupied by Kong Dog. Read on for more about Wingstop’s arrival at 502 Washington Street in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Wingstop’s Arrival in Hoboken

Wingstop’s Hoboken location is now open at 502 Washington Street. Per Jersey Digs, construction permits were placed in the windows, and interior demolition work began as of Thursday, June 5th, ahead of the restaurant’s opening in January 2026.

About Wingstop

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Wingstop is known internationally for its chicken wings, tenders, sandwiches, and more. Sauce flavors include everything from unique flavors like spicy Korean BBQ, Hawaiian, and the limited-time Mexican Street Spice to classics like garlic parm, original hot, and mango habanero.

The restaurant has over 2,000 locations worldwide, including in 47 states in the United States. The Hoboken location will mark its 51st in New Jersey, with 3 other Hudson County locations in Bayonne, North Bergen, and Jersey City.

What Was There Before?

The downtown Hoboken space where Wingstop has opened has seen several restaurants come and go in the past few years. Most recently, it was home to Kong Dog — a Korean-style corn dog joint. After opening in early 2024, rumors were swirling in fall 2024 that Kong Dog had potentially closed its Hoboken outpost, but nothing had been confirmed. The news of Wingstop’s arrival now confirmed the closure of Kong Dog.

Before Kong Dog, BYOB Italian cafe Zero Otto Uno occupied the space for several years. After a five-year run in the Mile Square, the restaurant closed in August 2023. Prior to Zero Otto Uno, Mamoun’s Falafel resided in the 502 Washington Street space before moving to 300 Washington.

See More: ‘The Saint Clair’ to Open in Former Scala del Nonna Space in Montclair

To stay in the know with all of the Hoboken + Jersey City news, follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok, sign up for our weekly newsletter here, and check out our events calendar.

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Annual Hoboken Christmas Tree Lighting Happening TONIGHT 12/11

Samantha Impaglia — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 20:00:04 +0000

The holiday season is just around the corner and with it comes all of the festive happenings going on in Hoboken. One event that we here at Team HG look forward to each year is the annual Christmas tree lighting, which will return again for 2025. This year’s tree lighting will take place on December 11th, coinciding with some other holiday events. Read on for more about this year’s Hoboken Christmas tree lighting and what to expect for 2025.

The Hoboken Business Alliance confirmed with The Hoboken Girl that the City’s annual Christmas tree lighting will take place on Thursday, December 11th, 2025 from 5PM-6:30PM at the 11th Street island. The celebration will include entertainment with Elvis the Elf, live performances by Hoboken youth, and a special visit from Santa Claus himself. Local Hoboken businesses, including The Hive, will provide complimentary hot cocoa and baked goods.

Following the tree lighting will be the Holiday Night Out: One-Night Only event in Hoboken on December 13th. Washington Street businesses will be providing deals that encourage residents and visitors to shop, dine, and celebrate locally this holiday season, in addition to hot cocoa, musicians, face painting, and holiday-themed workshops.

This also coincides with the free holiday HOP Shuttle service taking place in town. Expanded service began on November 15th and is available on weekends from 11AM-6PM through December 21st, per a Nixle alert from the City. Residents can track the real-time location of the shuttle via the Passio GO app.

If you’re looking for even more holiday events happening in Hoboken, Jersey City, and greater New Jersey, our team rounded them all up here.

See More: Montclair Winter Wonderland Returns to Wellmont Plaza on 11/29

Follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Hoboken and Jersey City updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.

Events

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5 Hoboken + Jersey City Bars Going All Out for the Holidays (Yes, Already)

Samantha Impaglia — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 21:44:10 +0000

In what feels like the shortest year ever, November has officially entered the chat and you know what that means — the holiday season is on the horizon. With Thanksgiving just a few short weeks away, several Hoboken and Jersey City bars and restaurants are already getting into the festive spirit with holiday decor. To help you plan your 2025 holiday decor tour, we’ve rounded up five local spots that are already decked out for the holidays. From The Waiting Room to Cellar 335, read on for five Hoboken and Jersey City restaurants and bars that have top-tier holiday decor.

The Ashford | 145 Newark Avenue, Jersey City

The Ashford does nothing small, with four floors (including a rooftop) and nine bars within the space. For the holidays, this multi-level bar serves over-the-top festive drinks, colorful lights hanging throughout, and many a photo op for anyone looking to snap a holiday card. The JC spot is also a part of this year’s HDSID Happy Holiday Market, which is happening on December 13th, 14th, 20th, and 21st. See the photo above for a peek at what to expect.

Cellar 335 | 335 Newark Avenue, Jersey City

For the past several years, Cellar 335 has transformed into Sleighs and Leis, a tropical holiday pop-up that features the restaurant’s same selection of Asian-inspired dishes and an array of fruity cocktails in holiday mugs (think: Grinch mug, Santa mug, etc.) We visited the pop-up not too long ago, and you can read all about that here. This year’s pop-up launches on November 25th.

Miracle on Mercer at Franklin Social | 292 Barrow Street, Jersey City

The Miracle pop-ups have made their way throughout New Jersey (and the rest of the country), and lucky for us, Franklin Social in Jersey City has been a reliable host for the last few years. Called Miracle on Mercer, the pop-up has completely transformed this Barrow Street bar into the kitschy Christmas home of your favorite Hallmark movie, with over 10 festive cocktail options. More on the pop-up here.

Sorellina | 1036 Washington Street, Hoboken

Stepping into Sorellina during the holidays feels like stepping into the North Pole, if the North Pole was an upscale Italian restaurant with a rotating menu and wine bar. The seasonal drinks are not to be missed: in previous years, there was a gingerbread espresso martini with a gingerbread man etched onto the top.

The Waiting Room | 72 Hudson Street, Hoboken

Despite its name, The Waiting Room is a holiday destination every season. The downtown Hoboken bar just launched its holiday pop-up called “Home for the Holidays,” fully reimagining its basement area into a festive holiday space. Nearly every inch of the ceiling is covered in branches, ornaments, or lights, and the menu is equally as festive. Think: Sugar Cookie Martini and more.

See More: 2025 Holiday Pop-Up Markets + Events Happening in New Jersey

Lifestyle

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Updates on the Optum Health Closures in Hoboken + Jersey City

Samantha Impaglia — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 12:00:51 +0000

Optum Health is making some major changes to its medical offices in Hudson County and greater New Jersey. The healthcare company, which is a part of UnitedHealth Group, recently announced the closure of dozens of medical offices across New Jersey. This includes five locations in Hoboken and four in Jersey City alone, and comes after the company announced layoffs of over 500 employees. After the original news came out last week, Optum has announced that it will now continue its pediatrics services at the Bloomfield Street location in Hoboken. Read on for more about the Optum closures and what’s next for affected Hoboken and Jersey City residents.

Hoboken + Jersey City Closures: What to Know

Optum Health is abruptly closing a total of nine offices and specialties across Hoboken and Jersey City, as well as seven more in other Hudson County towns. The news of the closures comes after Optum announced it was laying off 572 employees, per New Jersey Business Magazine. All of the offices will close on November 30th, 2025, and the layoffs will take place between February and March 2026.

The closures include several types of specialties, including primary care, pediatrics, dermatology, pulmonology + rheumatology, and more. Optum is also ceasing all behavioral health operations, effective on the same date. Below is the full list of Hoboken and Jersey City offices that will be closing, per New Jersey 101.5:

324 Palisade Avenue, 2nd Floor Rear, Jersey City (podiatry)
1425 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken (dermatology)
1111 Hudson Street, Hoboken (pediatric pulmonology)
1425 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken (behavioral health)
232 Clinton Street, Hoboken (pediatrics)
1111 Hudson Street, Hoboken (pediatrics)
324 Palisade Avenue Floor 2, Jersey City (pediatrics)
324 Palisade Avenue Floor 2, Jersey City (primary care)
591 Summit Avenue Suite 205, Jersey City (primary care)

Here are the greater Hudson County offices that will be closing:

191 Lefante Way Suite C, Bayonne (podiatry)
255 State Route 3 Suite 107, Secaucus (podiatry)
191 Lefante Way, Bayonne (rheumatology)
714 10th Street Level 1, Secaucus (pediatrics)
4201 New York Avenue, Union City (pediatrics)
7505 Bergenline Avenue, North Bergen (primary care)
4201 New York Avenue, Union City (primary care)

Affected patients were notified of the closures via several emails from Optum, per Patch Hoboken. Patients who would like to request their medical records can do so on Optum’s website.

See More: Englewood Hospital Ranked #2 Hospital in New Jersey, #1 in Bergen County

An Optum spokesperson shared the following statement with The Hoboken Girl:

“As part of our commitment to making health care more affordable, we regularly review our services, footprint and staffing levels to ensure they meet the needs of the people we serve, our business and evolving market dynamics. We will continue to provide pediatric, primary care, cardiology, rheumatology and urgent care in certain locations across New Jersey. We are providing clear information and support to our patients to ensure uninterrupted care.”

News

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New Samurai Sushi Location Opens on Newark Street in Hoboken

Samantha Impaglia — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 16:00:37 +0000

A new sushi restaurant has entered the Hoboken foodie scene. Signage was put up last week for a new Samurai Sushi location in the former Bobabucks space, located at 464 Newark Street in Hoboken. Now, it’s officially open in the Mile Square. The restaurant has two other New Jersey locations — one in Jersey City and another in East Rutherford. Read on for more about Samurai Sushi’s arrival in Hoboken, New Jersey.

The Details

The Hoboken Girl received word of a new sushi restaurant coming to 464 Newark Street from a reader on Wednesday, October 29th. The space was formerly home to Bobabucks, a cafe serving up coffee, bubble tea, breakfast items, and more. The spot was open in town for less than a year, originally opening in November 2024.

Photo Credit: @sidneyjay

Signage was put up last week for a new Samurai Sushi location, which has two other Northern New Jersey locales. The Jersey City restaurant is situated at 467 Communipaw Avenue, and the East Rutherford restaurant is located at 245 Paterson Avenue.

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Samurai Sushi’s menu has a selection of sushi and sashimi, of course, as well as special rolls, ramen, dumplings, shrimp dishes, miso soup, and more. Some of the special rolls include the Samurai Roll (raw spicy tuna, avocado, and tempura flakes topped with tuna sashimi + chipotle aioli); the Dancing Eel Roll (cooked kani, asparagus, and avocado topped with grilled eel sashimi, eel glaze, + sesame seeds); and the Tropical Roll (raw spicy salmon, avocado, and crispy onions topped with peppered tuna, mango, wasabi aioli, + pineapple). You can find the full menu here.

The restaurant shared with The Hoboken Girl on Friday, October 31st that the new location — which is takeout-only — was in its final stages of set up and looked to open to the public soon. Now, its officially open in Hoboken.

For a list of the other sushi spots in Hoboken and Jersey City (from the archives), see here.

See More: A Guide to Sushi Spots in Montclair

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Dutch’s Sandwich Shop Taking Over Former GreekTown Location in Hoboken

Samantha Impaglia — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 18:39:48 +0000

A Montclair-based sandwich destination is putting down roots in Hudson County. Dutch’s Sandwich Shop, located in Montclair, recently shared with The Hoboken Girl that it will be opening up a second location in the former GreekTown space at 86 Garden Street in Hoboken. Owner Amir Kamal shared with us that he is planning to open the new spot this winter. Read on for more about Dutch’s Sandwich Shop and the newest location coming to Hoboken, New Jersey.

Opening in Hoboken

Dutch’s owner Amir shared with HG this week that the sandwich shop will be expanding to open its second location in Hoboken this winter, possibly earlier. It will be taking over the former GreekTown space — which announced its closure in June 2025 — at 86 Garden Street. Amir said that mostly everything will be the same as the Montclair location, with some minor changes.

Dutch’s also announced the news via Instagram with a Star Wars-inspired post:

“The time has come! We are so excited to announce that Dutch’s Sandwich Shop will be opening its second location in Hoboken, NJ. We will be taking over the old Greek Town. 86 Garden St. close to the train and close to Washington. Keeping some things the same so we can keep that charm and character of the location while implementing our vibe and influence on the place.

Dutch’s is about making amazing sandwiches with amazing customer service. We make everything fresh on the spot and look forward to the many new faces and conversations that will be made and had.

Traveling into the belly of the beast, Hoboken feels like home. Growing up in Manhattan, I know the life all too well and am excited to be part of the community.

Here’s to new beginnings and adventures! Hoboken, I’m coming for ya!”

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A post shared by Dutch’s Sandwich Shop (@dutchssandwichshop)

This post will be updated with any further information surrounding the opening as we receive it.

About Dutch’s Sandwich Shop

The menu at Dutch’s Sandwich Shop features a selection of meat-lovers as well as vegetarian sandwich options. There are dozens of choices to solve any craving you may have. It’s best known for the “Dutch Daddy” sandwich, which consists of pastrami, bacon, egg, and cheese with Dutch’s special signature sauce. Amir previously shared with our sister site, The Montclair Girl, that the chicken cutlet sandwiches “steal the show.” All of Dutch’s cold cuts are Boar’s Head products and the quality can be observed throughout each sandwich’s ingredients. The shop also serves breakfast all day long, serving up all of the classics alongside some unique sandwiches like the Becky Pollo which has a chicken cutlet, bacon, egg, and cheese, or the Grove Street with corned beef, pepper jack cheese, egg, and a hashbrown.

At the Montclair location, the walls are adorned with art featuring famous characters, both fiction and nonfiction. Amir shared that Dutch’s names its sandwiches after fun music or movie titles, giving the shop a fun tie to the pop culture scene. For more about Amir and Dutch’s Sandwich Shop, head to our article here.

See More: Iron Chef Morimoto Opens New Omakase Restaurant ‘OEN’ in Montclair

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Hudson Golf is Expanding to Jersey City in 2026

Samantha Impaglia — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 18:09:17 +0000

A new golf simulator venue is coming to Jersey City, and it is from a team of familiar faces. Hudson Golf, an already-established local favorite for indoor golf in Hoboken, announced this week that it is expanding to Chilltown. The newest location will be found inside the Arts and Powerhouse Building on Bay Street in Jersey City. Read on for more about Hudson Golf’s expansion to Jersey City, New Jersey.

Photo Credit: Hudson Golf

The Jersey City Location

Hudson Golf announced its newest location in Jersey City on Tuesday, October 7th via Instagram:

“Jersey City – Coming 2026!

Address: @artsandpowerhousebuildingjc (corner of 1st and Warren)”

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As noted above, the Jersey City Hudson Golf locale will be situated inside the Arts and Powerhouse Building on Bay Street in Chilltown’s Powerhouse Arts District. The building also lists Hudson Golf as one of the upcoming businesses on its website. Other spots you can expect to find in the building include Han Dynasty, Daily Provisions, Rumble Boxing, Spear Physical Therapy, and One Medical. We’ve covered some of the new businesses coming to the space previously, which you can find here. This post will be updated with any other information surrounding Hudson Golf’s arrival in Jersey City as it is announced.

About Hudson Golf

Photo Credit: Hudson Golf

Hudson Golf made its official debut in Hudson County back in February of 2023. The original Hoboken location is at 16 Hudson Place, right across from the train station, and was founded by Hoboken locals Hunter Waterman + Erin Pucciarelli Waterman. The venue, which has NYC and sunset views, is fully equipped with five bays, each using TrackMan indoor golf technology. Bays are rented out by the hour, can be reserved online up to seven days out, and can accommodate up to eight golfers at a time.

The indoor golf simulator venue is for everyone — whether you’re a serious golfer looking to improve your game, a casual player out to have fun with friends, or you’re really just going for the food + bevs (we won’t judge). There are also memberships, golf lessons, and club fittings available, and the space is available to book corporate events and private parties.

See More: 19 Golf Courses, Driving Ranges, + Simulators in Bergen County

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New Pilates Spot, TZR Studio, Opening on 14th Street in Hoboken on 10/6

Samantha Impaglia — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 18:00:46 +0000

A Hoboken trainer is joining forces with two other local instructors to bring a new pilates spot to the Mile Square. Back in April, The Hoboken Girl first reported on mystery signage at 113 14th Street in Hoboken, and confirmed that the space will be the home of TZR Studio. We’re sharing everything we know so far about the new fitness studio, which has plans to open on Monday, October 6th. Read on for more details about TZR Studio’s debut in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Photo Credit: TZR Studio

TZR Studio’s Arrival in Hoboken

On April 23rd, The Hoboken Girl received several inquires from readers about mystery signage that went up at 113 14th Street in Hoboken. After some sleuthing, we confirmed that TZR Studio will be opening in the space, which was also announced via Instagram the same day. The new pilates spot was founded by Hoboken trainer Chelsea McCloskey, who will be opening the studio alongside two other local fitness instructors Maggie Bowers and David Keith.

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“[We] will bring a high-end, educated, and fully comprehensive Pilates experience like this town has never seen before,” Chelsea told HG in April. “Our goal is not only to be inclusive but to finally offer a space that you can get the individualized attention you deserve to get the results you’re looking for.”

The pilates studio was looking to open in June, but but we now know that it will make its official debut on Monday, October 6th. The team has shared several updates on Instagram since the initial announcement, and the exclusive founding member presale went live on May 14th. The schedule will be available on Thursday, October 2nd before classes officially kick off on Monday. See below for a few posts from TRZ Studio as it prepares to open in the Mile Square.

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A post shared by /tee-zr/ (@tzr.studio)

To promote the forthcoming studio, TZR also hosted an event at Metropolis Rooftop in June complete with a rooftop mat pilates class, brunch sips, and goodie bags.

See More: Pilatte: The First Women-Only Pilates Studio in Montclair

Stay updated with TZR Studio’s opening on its website and Instagram.

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New Jersey Devils to Kick Off New Roller Hockey Program in Hoboken on 10/1

Samantha Impaglia — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 17:32:43 +0000

A new youth ball hockey program hosted by the New Jersey Devils will kick off in Hoboken this week. Back in the spring of 2024, a partnership was formalized between the City of Hoboken and the National Hockey League’s (NHL) New Jersey Devils. The Devils have since contributed upwards of $200,000 to renovate Hoboken’s Multi-Service Center Roller Rink at 124 Grand Street, and the rink opened to locals in October 2024. On Wednesday, October 1st, 2025, the Devils and the City of Hoboken will officially commence their youth ball hockey program, including a brief ceremony before the first clinic featuring special guests. Read on for more about the rink and the New Jersey Devils’ new youth ball hockey program in Hoboken, NJ.

^ A rendering of the renovated rink. Photo Credit: City of Hoboken

Youth Ball Hockey Program Details

The New Jersey Devils’ new youth ball hockey program will officially start on Wednesday, October 1st, just a little under one year since the roller rink reopened in Hoboken following renovations made possible by the team.

Per the Devils’ website, the clinics will focus on fun, skills, drills + game play. The Devils will also provide all sticks, balls, nets, and pinnies — no equipment is necessary. The program is for ages 5-17.

Registration is now closed, but you can stay updated with any future programs on the website.

Per information sent out to those who signed up for the program, the New Jersey Devils will host a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony before the first clinics on October 1st. Attendees can also expect “a few very special guests from the City of Hoboken, NHL, and New Jersey Devils,” including Devils alumni Bruce Driver, the Devils team mascot, and more.

About the Partnership + Rink

The New Jersey Devils spent a total of $240,000 on the Johnny Ray McDonald, Jr. ‘Diddle’ Hockey Rink at the Hoboken Multi-Service Center, located at 124 Grand Street. Per the contract in partnership with the City of Hoboken, $230,000 went toward physical renovations of the roller rink, and another $10,000 was spent on personnel and administration for hockey programming and instruction. The money was meant as a donation to the community.

The work on the existing facility included “removal and disposal of the old boarding system, patching and leveling of the rink surface and installation of dasher board curb footing, a new dasher board system and new rink flooring and acquisition of new ball hockey equipment,” per the contract. Work took place for several weeks starting in August 2024, and the rink officially reopened to Hoboken locals on Tuesday, October 15th, 2024.

See More: Where to Play Hockey in North Jersey

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