A bevy of new businesses setting up shop in Woodbridge are part of the administration’s push to revitalize parts of the township, according to Mayor John McCormac.
“We’ve had a total focus on economic development since we got here, and we laid the groundwork early for a businessfriendly environment,” the mayor said. “And those efforts have really paid off.”
Route 1 has been a major priority for McCormac and his team, according to John Hagerty, spokesman for the township.
McCormac said three significant projects are coming down the pike along the Route 1 corridor, and that they would be detailed in forthcoming announcements.
What is known, however, is that several businesses are under construction and set to open on Route 1 sometime this fall, Hagerty said.
Hobby Lobby, an Oklahoma-based arts and crafts retailer, will be located at 329 Route 1 South near Joe Canal’s Discount Liquor Outlet. The business will take the place of American Signature Furniture.
Off-price brand-name and designer retailer T.J.Maxx will also find its home along Route 1 at St. Georges Crossing. The discount department store will be housed in a newly built 23,000-square-foot space at St. Georges Avenue and Routes 1 and 9, adjacent to the existing shopping center.
Chick-fil-A, a fast-food chain based in Georgia, is expected to open a restaurant at 1040 Route 1 North in the former location of Animals & Things.
In the near future, Value City Furniture will open at 931 Route 1 South, where Sports Authority was previously located, according to Hagerty.
The mayor has cut the ribbons at grand opening ceremonies for a variety of businesses throughout the township in recent months.
In April, MRI of Woodbridge opened at 1500 St. Georges Ave.
Investors Bank opened two locations in the township. The Avenel Branch, at 1330 St. Georges Ave., opened on May 5, and the Colonia Branch, at 636 Inman Ave., opened on June 18.
Rita’s of Hopelawn brought its cool treats, including Italian ice and custard, to 201-205 New Brunswick Ave. on May 14.