After serving the Jersey City community for nearly ten years, the owners of Frankie announced the restaurant and bar downtown will close for good in March of 2026. The funky restaurant had a menu full of Australian flavors, natural wines, refreshing cocktails, and groovy vinyl nights. In a social media post, the owners say a Hamilton Park favorite, Cheech’s Bagels, will be taking over the space at 264 Grove Street. Here’s what we know about the Frankie closure in Jersey City + the plans Cheech’s Bagels has for the space.
Goodbye Frankie
Frankie opened at 264 Grove Street in Jersey City in 2017. The Australian bar and restaurant crafted a menu of natural wines, cocktails, vegan and vegetarian eats. The owners, duo Rowen McDermott and Rebecca Johnson, built the space around their love of travel, coastal destinations, and Rowen’s hometown of Sydney, Australia.
The name is a nod to their dog, Frankie, who they say was a tiny chihuahua with a big personality.
In a post on Instagram, the owners say they decided it’s time to move on from Jersey City.
“We feel incredibly lucky for all the memories made within these walls; dancing till dawn, cheeky drink + draws, family diners, buzzing tables, big milestones, and quiet celebrations. We are proud to have stood together with the community in both bright and dark times, and thank you for making us a part of your lives,” they wrote on Instagram. “We are most grateful for the lifelong friendships formed here and for the extraordinary crew who gave this place its soul. It has truly been an honor to be your local!”…