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6 Businesses That Failed in New Jersey and Literally No One Misses
Ah, New Jersey—the land of diners, beautiful shorelines, and The Sopranos references. Over the years, it’s been home to some wild business ideas. And while some ventures were shining successes (hello, Wawa), others… well, let’s just say the Garden State collectively shrugged and moved on.
Here’s a tribute to the New Jersey businesses that fizzled out, flopped, or just plain disappeared—and nobody’s shedding a tear.
Crazy Eddie
“His prices were insane!” Remember those TV commercials? Crazy Eddie’s electronics stores were everywhere in the ‘70s and ‘80s, promising massive discounts on stereos, TVs, and gadgets. But behind the hype was a scam bigger than the savings.
The company collapsed in a whirlwind of fraud, embezzlement, and tax evasion, leading to the founder, Eddie Antar, fleeing the country. His eventual capture made headlines, but the business? It faded into oblivion, and honestly, no one’s reminiscing about overpriced boom boxes anymore.
Here’s why we don’t care:
Crazy Eddie was more of a cult phenomenon. We all loved the commercials, but the place was usually a disaster, cluttered, and more like a swap meet. Best Buy is the leader in brick and mortar electronics stores. They have made us forget about the rest.
Caldor
Before Walmart and Target dominated every corner, there was Caldor, the department store chain that once ruled New Jersey’s strip malls. The store sold everything from furniture to fashion, and it was basically the place your parents dragged you to on Saturday afternoons.
Caldor filed for bankruptcy in 1995, shutting its doors for good a few years later. While it may have been a staple for decades, there’s not a lot of nostalgia for those fluorescent-lit aisles of generic housewares. Besides, Target has better snack options.
Why we don’t care:
Caldor was a cool place for its time, but it has been replaced with Walmart, Target, Kohl’s and other modern brands.
Rickel Home Centers
If you lived in New Jersey in the ‘80s and ‘90s and needed to fix something around the house, you probably went to Rickel. It was the go-to spot for DIYers, kind of like the Home Depot before Home Depot was a thing. Rickel wasn’t fancy, but it got the job done.
That is, until the bigger, shinier home improvement stores muscled in. Rickel went bankrupt in 1997, and although it had a decent run, it’s safe to say no one’s missing the days of buying paint that never quite matched the swatch.
Why we don’t care:
Rickel was once the only game in town, but in their absence, Home Depot and Lowes did it all right.
The Wiz
No, not The Wizard of Oz knockoff, but nobody beats The Wiz! That was their slogan, and if you grew up in the ‘90s, you probably remember those cheesy commercials. The Wiz was an electronics retailer with locations all over New Jersey, but despite its catchy ads, it couldn’t compete with the rise of Best Buy and Circuit City (RIP, also).
By 2003, The Wiz was gone. And while New Jerseyans might remember the jingle, no one’s pining for the days of browsing CD racks in a chaotic store that was always out of the one album you actually wanted.
Why we don’t care:
We went to the Wiz for electronics and records for the most part. That’s all online now and video game systems are all digital downloads. Nobody misses the Wiz.
Pathmark
Pathmark was once one of the biggest supermarket chains in New Jersey. It was where families shopped for decades, from your grandma’s secret soup ingredients to your last-minute birthday cake needs. Yet, by the time it declared bankruptcy in 2015, Pathmark was a shadow of its former self, known more for its grimy floors and outdated decor than its once-convenient grocery experience.
The only thing anyone really misses are the low prices on canned soup and ice cream, but with Trader Joe’s and ShopRite around, we’ve moved on.
Why we don’t care:
Let’s not pretend Pathmark was once the best place to shop, but Shop-Rite basically took over the New Jersey market. A&P, Grand Union, and Pathmark, while they hold a nostalgic place in our minds, they’re not really missed.
6. Steak and Ale
Steak and Ale was the place to go for a “fancy” dinner in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Known for its dark wood interiors and endless salad bar, this chain once thrived in New Jersey. It was the go-to for special occasions, like prom dinners or those awkward corporate lunches.
They eventually merged with Ponderosa and Bonanza, two other once popular chains.
But by the ‘90s, the whole faux-English tavern vibe felt dated. It limped along until its bankruptcy in 2008, after which the state collectively shifted to steakhouses with actual ambiance and better food.
Why we don’t care:
This place was like Sizzler, it was your granpa’s steakhouse. Now, Outback and Longhorn have built a great chain to replace the old. None of these chain restaurants can hold a candle to an authentic steak house like Peter Lugers, Prime 13 in Point Pleasant or others.
In the end, New Jersey doesn’t seem to be shedding many tears for these fallen giants. While they may have once held a special place in suburban life, the world—and our shopping habits—have changed. We’ve got Amazon, Target, and more artisanal coffee shops than we know what to do with now. RIP to these businesses, but also… not really.
Defunct Businesses New Jersey Doesn’t Really Care About Anymore
6 Businesses That Failed in New Jersey and Literally No One Misses
Ah, New Jersey—the land of diners, beautiful shorelines, and The Sopranos references. Over the years, it’s been home to some wild business ideas. And while some ventures were shining successes (hello, Wawa), others… well, let’s just say the Garden State collectively shrugged and moved on.
Here’s a tribute to the New Jersey businesses that fizzled out, flopped, or just plain disappeared—and nobody’s shedding a tear.
Crazy Eddie
“His prices were insane!” Remember those TV commercials? Crazy Eddie’s electronics stores were everywhere in the ‘70s and ‘80s, promising massive discounts on stereos, TVs, and gadgets. But behind the hype was a scam bigger than the savings.
The company collapsed in a whirlwind of fraud, embezzlement, and tax evasion, leading to the founder, Eddie Antar, fleeing the country. His eventual capture made headlines, but the business? It faded into oblivion, and honestly, no one’s reminiscing about overpriced boom boxes anymore.
Here’s why we don’t care:
Crazy Eddie was more of a cult phenomenon. We all loved the commercials, but the place was usually a disaster, cluttered, and more like a swap meet. Best Buy is the leader in brick and mortar electronics stores. They have made us forget about the rest.
Caldor
Before Walmart and Target dominated every corner, there was Caldor, the department store chain that once ruled New Jersey’s strip malls. The store sold everything from furniture to fashion, and it was basically the place your parents dragged you to on Saturday afternoons.
Caldor filed for bankruptcy in 1995, shutting its doors for good a few years later. While it may have been a staple for decades, there’s not a lot of nostalgia for those fluorescent-lit aisles of generic housewares. Besides, Target has better snack options.
Why we don’t care:
Caldor was a cool place for its time, but it has been replaced with Walmart, Target, Kohl’s and other modern brands.
Rickel Home Centers
If you lived in New Jersey in the ‘80s and ‘90s and needed to fix something around the house, you probably went to Rickel. It was the go-to spot for DIYers, kind of like the Home Depot before Home Depot was a thing. Rickel wasn’t fancy, but it got the job done.
That is, until the bigger, shinier home improvement stores muscled in. Rickel went bankrupt in 1997, and although it had a decent run, it’s safe to say no one’s missing the days of buying paint that never quite matched the swatch.
Why we don’t care:
Rickel was once the only game in town, but in their absence, Home Depot and Lowes did it all right.
The Wiz
No, not The Wizard of Oz knockoff, but nobody beats The Wiz! That was their slogan, and if you grew up in the ‘90s, you probably remember those cheesy commercials. The Wiz was an electronics retailer with locations all over New Jersey, but despite its catchy ads, it couldn’t compete with the rise of Best Buy and Circuit City (RIP, also).
By 2003, The Wiz was gone. And while New Jerseyans might remember the jingle, no one’s pining for the days of browsing CD racks in a chaotic store that was always out of the one album you actually wanted.
Why we don’t care:
We went to the Wiz for electronics and records for the most part. That’s all online now and video game systems are all digital downloads. Nobody misses the Wiz.
Pathmark
Pathmark was once one of the biggest supermarket chains in New Jersey. It was where families shopped for decades, from your grandma’s secret soup ingredients to your last-minute birthday cake needs. Yet, by the time it declared bankruptcy in 2015, Pathmark was a shadow of its former self, known more for its grimy floors and outdated decor than its once-convenient grocery experience.
The only thing anyone really misses are the low prices on canned soup and ice cream, but with Trader Joe’s and ShopRite around, we’ve moved on.
Why we don’t care:
Let’s not pretend Pathmark was once the best place to shop, but Shop-Rite basically took over the New Jersey market. A&P, Grand Union, and Pathmark, while they hold a nostalgic place in our minds, they’re not really missed.
6. Steak and Ale
Steak and Ale was the place to go for a “fancy” dinner in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Known for its dark wood interiors and endless salad bar, this chain once thrived in New Jersey. It was the go-to for special occasions, like prom dinners or those awkward corporate lunches.
They eventually merged with Ponderosa and Bonanza, two other once popular chains.
But by the ‘90s, the whole faux-English tavern vibe felt dated. It limped along until its bankruptcy in 2008, after which the state collectively shifted to steakhouses with actual ambiance and better food.
Why we don’t care:
This place was like Sizzler, it was your granpa’s steakhouse. Now, Outback and Longhorn have built a great chain to replace the old. None of these chain restaurants can hold a candle to an authentic steak house like Peter Lugers, Prime 13 in Point Pleasant or others.
In the end, New Jersey doesn’t seem to be shedding many tears for these fallen giants. While they may have once held a special place in suburban life, the world—and our shopping habits—have changed. We’ve got Amazon, Target, and more artisanal coffee shops than we know what to do with now. RIP to these businesses, but also… not really.
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s Trump Attacks Could Be Prelude to Harris Endorsement
TRENTON, NJ – The political rumor mill is very active in New Jersey, but one rumor spreading this week has some legs to walk on.
The rumor is that former Governor Chris Christie could soon formally endorse Kamala Harris for President of the United States. Christie’s hatred for Trump is no secret, but the big guy has been on a roll this campaign season after performing dismally on the campaign trail.
Now, insiders claim Christie is mulling an endorsement of Harris.
The recent rumors surrounding former Republican Governor Chris Christie potentially endorsing Kamala Harris for president are nothing short of astonishing, given his political history. Christie, once a staunch supporter of Donald Trump, now seems to be on the verge of aligning himself with a candidate considered by some as one of the most progressive figures in national politics. The idea alone of a former GOP heavyweight like Christie endorsing Harris is enough to make waves in the political landscape, but digging into the background reveals a story full of political twists, personal grievances, and shifting loyalties.
Chris Christie’s political ambitions have always been clear. He first ran for the presidency in 2016, hoping to translate his tough-talking, straight-shooting reputation as the governor of New Jersey into national success. Christie was known for his aggressive prosecutorial background and his brash, no-nonsense leadership style.
However, his presidential campaign floundered in the face of a crowded Republican field. Despite notable debate moments, including his memorable exchange where he skewered Senator Marco Rubio for his robotic talking points, Christie was unable to build enough momentum to challenge the frontrunners, particularly Donald Trump. His exit from the race in early 2016 marked a significant moment when he became one of the first major Republicans to endorse Trump, a decision that stunned many political observers.
Christie’s endorsement of Trump seemed, at the time, to be both strategic and pragmatic. Trump’s outsider campaign was gaining traction, and by aligning with the frontrunner, Christie likely hoped to secure a place in what he assumed would be a Trump administration. Indeed, Christie went on to play a role in Trump’s campaign, but the relationship was not without complications. Christie had already been a controversial figure within the GOP, but his decision to back Trump solidified his standing as a loyal supporter of the man who would soon become the president.
When Trump won the presidency, many expected that Christie would be rewarded for his loyalty with a prominent role in the new administration. Christie had been tapped to head Trump’s transition team, which suggested he was well-positioned for a significant appointment. However, Christie’s role was abruptly cut short, reportedly due to lingering tensions with Trump’s inner circle, particularly Jared Kushner. Years earlier, as a U.S. Attorney, Christie had prosecuted Kushner’s father, which created a longstanding animosity between the two men. This tension ultimately led to Christie’s removal from the transition team, and despite his early support, he was never given a major position in Trump’s government. This snub marked a turning point in the relationship between Christie and Trump, though Christie remained a supporter of the president’s broader agenda during the early years of his administration.
Christie’s support for Trump persisted through the 2020 election, though cracks in their relationship were beginning to show. Christie continued to offer public endorsements of Trump and even helped him with debate preparation during the campaign. However, after contracting COVID-19 following those debate prep sessions—held at Trump’s golf club in Bedminster—Christie began to distance himself from the former president. The fallout from that incident was a highly publicized spat, with Christie blaming Trump for his infection and Trump reportedly accusing Christie and his signature hearty laugh, dubbed “Chortles,” of being the source of the virus. This episode, while seemingly petty, underscored the deteriorating relationship between the two men.
Following Trump’s defeat in the 2020 election, Christie’s public criticism of the former president grew more pronounced. Now a political analyst for ABC News, Christie has routinely criticized Trump, particularly over his handling of the election results and the subsequent attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Some have suggested that Christie’s critiques are part of a broader strategy to reposition himself within the Republican Party, possibly as a voice for the party’s more moderate wing. Others see his turn against Trump as personal, rooted in the various slights and humiliations Christie endured during Trump’s presidency.
It’s against this backdrop that rumors of a Christie endorsement of Kamala Harris seem both shocking and, in some ways, unsurprising. While Christie remains a Republican by affiliation, his current role as a commentator on a network often perceived as left-leaning has led many to question his political loyalties. Furthermore, Christie’s increasingly vocal criticisms of Trump have set him apart from much of the Republican establishment, particularly those who remain loyal to the former president. Endorsing Harris, who has been described by some as more progressive than even Bernie Sanders, would be a seismic shift for Christie and would undoubtedly alienate him from much of the GOP base.
Aligning with Harris would also place Christie alongside other moderate Republicans who have shifted leftward in recent years, such as former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman. Whitman, who also served as EPA Administrator under President George W. Bush, has been a vocal critic of Trump and has even endorsed Democratic candidates in recent elections. For Christie to follow in Whitman’s footsteps by endorsing a candidate as far to the left as Harris would suggest a complete break with the Republican Party as it currently stands, signaling his disillusionment not only with Trump but with the broader direction of the party.
Christie has often stated in interviews that he acts in what he believes is the best interest of the country.
His potential endorsement of Harris would undoubtedly be framed in those terms, with Christie likely emphasizing his belief that Harris, despite her progressive politics, represents a path forward for the country.
Whether or not this is the case, such a move would likely be interpreted by many as an act of political self-preservation or even revenge against Trump and the party that sidelined him.
The political landscape is nothing if not unpredictable, and if Christie does indeed endorse Kamala Harris, it would be one of the most surprising moves in recent memory. It would cement Christie’s break from Trump and the current Republican Party and place him firmly on the opposite side of the ideological spectrum, supporting a candidate widely considered to represent the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. Whether Christie’s motivations are driven by a genuine belief in Harris’s platform or by personal grievances, the implications of such an endorsement would reverberate throughout the political world.
Good Samaritan Who Came to Woman’s Defense After Man Slugged Her, Arrested
CUMBERLAND, Md. — Two men were arrested Thursday morning following an altercation at a residence on Mans Terrace, according to the Cumberland Police Department.
Officers responded to a report of an assault at approximately 8:35 a.m. in the 800 block of Mans Terrace. Upon arrival, police observed several individuals with visible injuries and began investigating the situation. Authorities determined that the incident began when Michael Ray Baker, 47, of Cumberland, assaulted a woman after a verbal argument escalated.
Police said Kyle Lucas Carder, 27, intervened during the assault and began fighting with Baker.
During the physical altercation, Carder reportedly grabbed a blunt object and used it to strike Baker multiple times. Both men sustained injuries as a result of the fight, though police have not disclosed the severity of the injuries.
Following the investigation, Baker was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree assault and two counts of second-degree assault. Carder was also arrested and charged with one count each of first-degree and second-degree assault for his role in the altercation.
Baker was transported to the Allegany County Detention Center, where he was released on an unsecured $10,000 bond pending his trial. Carder was also taken to the Allegany County Detention Center but was held without bond following a hearing with a District Court Commissioner.
No additional details about the individuals involved or the cause of the argument have been released at this time. The condition of the individuals who sustained injuries was not immediately available.
Both Baker and Carder are awaiting court appearances.
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Publish date : 2024-09-06 07:02:00
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