Hinkson’s is moving from Nassau Street, but not too far

Office supply store heading for storefront at Spring Street parking garage.

By: Gwen McNamara
   After a year of searching, it looks like longtime office-supply staple Hinkson’s will not be moving far from its Nassau Street home.
   If all goes as planned, store owners expect to move into a 1,000-square-foot storefront in the Spring Street parking garage in June.
   "We’re in the final stages of getting everything approved," said Andrew Mangone, co-owner of Hinkson’s. "It looks like the Borough Council should approve our final lease at the next meeting."
   Borough Administrator Robert Bruschi agreed.
   "I have every expectation that this will happen," he said. "The final lease should be on the agenda, and there’s just a few minor things to iron out."
   The Borough Council’s next meeting is slated for April 26.
   Hinkson’s, which occupies a 3,000-square-foot store on Nassau Street next to the former Burger King, previously had considered moving to the Princeton Shopping Center in Princeton Township.
   "Because of a change in business, we don’t get as many walk-in customers, so we really don’t need all the space we have," Mr. Mangone said. "About a year ago, we began to look around for something smaller and considered the shopping center, but that didn’t work out.
   "When we heard about the space in the garage, we immediately called the borough," he said.
   Both Mr. Mangone and co-owner John Roberto are looking forward to the move to the Spring Street garage building.
   "At our new location — between Chuck’s and the garage’s office — we’ll have a retail and point-of-sale presence and continue to work with our commercial customers," said Mr. Mangone. "We’re excited about it."
   Once Hinkson’s moves to Spring Street, Qdoba Mexican Grill — a Tex-Mex national chain restaurant — is expected to open in its place.
   Qdoba, owned by Jack in the Box Inc. in San Diego, has more than 100 locations nationwide, including six in New Jersey.
   "We’re in the process of finalizing our Planning Board application," said Wendell Pitt, a marketing representative at the chain’s New Brunswick restaurant. "Once we get approval, we anticipate opening after eight to 10 weeks of construction.
   "We think the restaurant will freshen up the look of the area and be a very nice attraction," he continued.
   Qdoba, which offers a fast/casual dining experience, will not serve alcohol, he said.