Manager said Somerville's vibrant downtown area is what lured it to the borough.
The Boulevard Seafood Company is preparing to open in December. (Photo by Dave Hutchinson | NJ Advance Media for NJ.comSOMERVILLE -- The Boulevard Seafood Company is one of the latest businesses to be lured to the borough because of its vibrant downtown.
The opening of the restaurant will mark the first restaurant expansion of the Boulevard Five72, which is located in Kenilworth.
The business, situated two blocks east of the Somerset County courthouse, will feature both a seafood-driven restaurant with seating for 70 people and outdoor sitting for an additional 30 and a retail seafood department.
Conlin's Cafe and Bakery will also be a part of the business and have a separate entrance.
"We go to the Fulton Fish Market every day for the fresh catch," said restaurant manager Richard Spaulding, who hopes to open in December. "We'll make our purchases there and bring them right back here. You can't get seafood any fresher than that.
"We'll have blackboard specials every day based on what we get at the market."
PLUS: Somervile pastor fakes assault in his church, cops say
Boulevard Five72, which was started in 2007, is primarily a wholesale fish market business that distributes seafood to approximately 30 restaurants in New Jersey and New York. Its restaurant in Kenilworth is doing well and the business has decided to open a second restaurant.
"We felt there was a void in Somerville," said Spaulding, who expects to hire between 30 and 40 people. "We saw restaurants here with seafood on their menu but none with an emphasis on seafood."
"Plus, Somerville has a very active downtown. It's a great business community and we're excited to be a part of it. The Downtown Somerville Alliance does a terrific job in promoting businesses and getting people to come to the downtown area."
The restaurant will be open for lunch Monday through Friday, brunch on Saturday and Sunday and dinner seven days a week, said Spaulding.
Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com.Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
