Annin Flag to Close Bloomfield Avenue Factory

Roseland-based flag makers will shutter Verona building this June after almost a century.

The enormous American flag draped over the Annin Flag building on Bloomfield Avenue will be lowered once last time when the company closes the Verona factory at the end of June after almost a century in the township, according to a recently published report. “Annin Flagmakers will be closing its Verona, New Jersey facility on June 28, 2013,” spokeswoman Mary Repke told myveronanj.com. Annin & Co., headquartered in Roseland, is a specialty flag manufacturer that has provided flags for the world since 1919. In World War II, an Annin-made U.S. flag was the first to be raised at Iwo Jima. In addition, two have been raised on the summit of Mount Everest and an Annin flag has even reached the moon. According to the report, Annin has not decided …

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The Biz Buzz

Caldwell Barber, Bridal Shop Relocate

Business news bites from the Caldwells.

Businesses in the Caldwells have been opening, closing and making a move in recents months. Here's the scoop: On the Move The Caldwell Barber Shop, previously located across the driveway from the Caldwell Diner, has moved to 340 Bloomfield Ave. Owner Neil said his new location offers him more space and better visibility. This particular storefront has seen some turnover in recent years. It was the longtime home of Carpet Cottage, before Elegant Tile moved in ... and out. Last October, it was a temporary stop for a Halloween costume shop.  Caldwell bridal shop Say I Do moved one door over from 382 to 380 Bloomfield Ave. Something New Dough Artisan Pizza, which moved into the former home of Rose Mediterranean Restaurant, opened last month …

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Vila Meats Sold, New Owners Take Over This Week

Caldwell butcher shop changing hands after more than three decades. Transformation of property begins with tearing down Fotomat hut.

Longtime Vila Meats owner Larry Rosanio confirmed Monday after three decades he is handing the Caldwell butcher shop and Italian specialty market over to new owners. The transition is set to take place at the end of this week, said Rosanio, who opened the well-loved shop in 1982.  “Thirty-one years, I’m out," he said. "I'm done." Rosanio, a man of few words, is known by many for his generosity. It was not uncommon for him to donate meat for fundraisers and other events in the community. "Larry is one of the most generous [businessmen] in town," a reviewer wrote on Yelp.com in 2010. "He freely donates food to charity organizations and the like — Caldwell is a better place because of him." The new owners have plans to tear down the current …

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Scott W

2:43 pm on Saturday, February 2, 2013

I totally agree with Jim. As a business owner whose business does not front on Bloomfield Ave., I can understand why the new owner wishes to construct a new building on the corner. Visibility and exposure means a lot. Even though it is an established business, he needs to do what he can to move it forward. What was that old Fotomat building doing for the community anyway? Yes there are …   more ›

Rose Mediterranean Restaurant Closes

Popular Caldwell eatery went out of business this week.

One of the Caldwells' most popular eateries, Rose Mediterranean Restaurant, closed its doors this week. A message posted on Rose's Facebook page Friday morning says, "It is with great regret that we have to inform you that Rose closed on Thursday. We want to thank all our guests for your friendship and loyalty. We will miss you all very much!" Chef/Owner Joe Albergo opened Rose in late 2010, offering dishes that showcased his multiple influences including the cooking of his Neopolitan grandmother, Rose, who taught him to cook as a boy.  The New York Times gave the restaurant a "Worth It" rating in May, along with a glowing review in the N.Y./Region section. Pastry Chef Katy Sheehan's chocolate lava cake and blueberry cobbler were praised …

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Gail Lombardi

1:34 pm on Thursday, January 3, 2013

Thank God you didn't. I did put a deposit on my husband's 50th party and they never even called to let me know that they closed down. I went there in Sept. to do the menu and the doors were locked. What a shock! The town doesn't say much. Very disappointed.   more ›

The Biz Buzz

Saplings Moving to Montclair

Children's home furnishings and gift shop relocating to Church Street. Plus, more business happenings.

When Caldwells Patch caught a small sign that reads "Moving Sale" in the window of Saplings this week, we immediately reached out to owner Cindy Blanco to find out what was going on. "Yes yes yes! I am moving to the fabulous Montclair!" Blanco confirmed. The children's home furnishings and gift shop has been a draw to downtown Caldwell for many years. But it's easy to see why Blanco couldn't resist a storefront on 47 Church St., located right next to a Milk Money children's consignment shop. Blanco anticipates opening the new shop on Sept. 1 and has begun to mark down merchandise in the two-level Caldwell location, where she will remain through the summer. "Everything in the store is 30% off and a few floor models that are left are 75% off…

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