ChatterBox restaurant "sold"
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 6,125
Likes: 1,961
From: Morris County New Jersey
ChatterBox restaurant "sold"
I was just watching NJ news12 and they mentioned that the Chatterbox was just sold to WaWa. That's disappointing. Great car place and meet up location.
Instructor
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 198
Likes: 45
From: Hamilton, NJ
yep, saw that too. Next year will be the last.
http://www.nj.com/sussex-county/inde...s_to_sale.html
http://www.nj.com/sussex-county/inde...s_to_sale.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,490
Likes: 68
From: Hewitt NJ
Very disappointing, but can't blame the owner. I'm sure Wawa is offering him a good amount of money for that location. Will make it a point to go there a few times before it closes.
Last edited by MYCoupe; Oct 30, 2017 at 04:15 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
It's a real shame this deal might actually happen since there is a Quick Chek being built across the street where the Exxon was. We certainly don't need both and I don't see how it can be profitable having both on one corner for either company. But, what do I know. I live only a few miles from there and pass by every day when I go to work. Only 3/4 miles north of there is another gas station/convenience store. So in a couple of years we are going from none to three. BTW, the deal might not happen because the lastest news is that WaWa didn't do all their homework and it might not be approved after all. Only a few miles south of there is another Quick Chek and also one west a few miles in Newton.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 322
Likes: 11
From: Staten Island New York
I heard the same thing. But I was told that, its going to take about a year before the deal goes through. The town board needs to approve it and things like that always hits roads blocks.. I went to a cruise night this past weekend and I was led to believe, they will remain open till it gets approved...
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,934
Likes: 3,341
From: NYC NY
I heard the same thing. But I was told that, its going to take about a year before the deal goes through. The town board needs to approve it and things like that always hits roads blocks.. I went to a cruise night this past weekend and I was led to believe, they will remain open till it gets approved...
And that's an understatement!!!!!!
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Advanced
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 95
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From: Montclair NJ
Went for dinner last night with my son (been a while). Apparently Labor Day will be their last day. Got there at 8 and there was a line (they close at 9), many folks are saying their goodbyes. Some memorabilia for sale (they're selling the booths for $500 a piece).
Sad to see, need more places with personality like the Chatterbox. The owner (Don Hall?) put a lot into creating and running the place so I can't fault him but the last thing NJ needs is another Wawa/QuickChek.
Sad to see, need more places with personality like the Chatterbox. The owner (Don Hall?) put a lot into creating and running the place so I can't fault him but the last thing NJ needs is another Wawa/QuickChek.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,934
Likes: 3,341
From: NYC NY
It's really a shame to see a place like this go away to make room for "progress". 
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 6,125
Likes: 1,961
From: Morris County New Jersey
Definitely sad to see it go. One of my friends was there recently, and I don't know if it was just an off night but he said the place wasn't as clean as it should of been or normally is. I don't know if the standards are slipping as the clock ticks down but his remarks have kept me from going back one last time. I still may reconsider and try to make it there before it closes for good.
Here's a link to the restaurant for anyone unfamiliar with it:
http://chatterboxdrivein.com/
If anyone has any pictures of the place or the car shows there, feel free to share.
Here's a link to the restaurant for anyone unfamiliar with it:
http://chatterboxdrivein.com/
If anyone has any pictures of the place or the car shows there, feel free to share.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
In defense of Don Hall, owner of the Chatterbox. I recently had the opportunity to speak with his daughter, who was waitressing tables to help out and a manager of his who worked there since she was a teen. Many might not know that prior to Don's possession, the place was known as Sonny's, which was an absolutely terrible place. Don really worked it over and made it a state destination. He's been in the food industry for decades and has owned the Chatterbox for about 20 years. The place is in need of a major investments in $ to keep it going. He's ready to leave the business and retire. He put it up for sale and the only offer he got was from WaWa. What would you do? I live a short distance from the Chatterbox so I am definitely upset. We don't need another gas station. Within five miles in any direction there are 3 QuickCheks aside from the one about to open. I eat there even when it is not a cruise night. The replacement location is looking like it will be a diner called Jumboland, about 4 miles north on Rt. 206. These are the latest facts as I know them.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 22,185
Likes: 65
From: NJ
In defense of Don Hall, owner of the Chatterbox. I recently had the opportunity to speak with his daughter, who was waitressing tables to help out and a manager of his who worked there since she was a teen. Many might not know that prior to Don's possession, the place was known as Sonny's, which was an absolutely terrible place. Don really worked it over and made it a state destination. He's been in the food industry for decades and has owned the Chatterbox for about 20 years. The place is in need of a major investments in $ to keep it going. He's ready to leave the business and retire. He put it up for sale and the only offer he got was from WaWa. What would you do? I live a short distance from the Chatterbox so I am definitely upset. We don't need another gas station. Within five miles in any direction there are 3 QuickCheks aside from the one about to open. I eat there even when it is not a cruise night. The replacement location is looking like it will be a diner called Jumboland, about 4 miles north on Rt. 206. These are the latest facts as I know them.
I don't think anyone is mad at him for his decision, no need to stick up for him, he's getting ready to retire, it is what it is.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
I'm not mad at him. He did what he had to do. Locally many people are disappointed that nobody made an offer to keep it the way it is. It is a destination location listed in Jersey tourism sites. People come from great distances to go there.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 6,125
Likes: 1,961
From: Morris County New Jersey
Racer
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 456
Likes: 28
From: New Jersey
In defense of Don Hall, owner of the Chatterbox. I recently had the opportunity to speak with his daughter, who was waitressing tables to help out and a manager of his who worked there since she was a teen. Many might not know that prior to Don's possession, the place was known as Sonny's, which was an absolutely terrible place. Don really worked it over and made it a state destination. He's been in the food industry for decades and has owned the Chatterbox for about 20 years. The place is in need of a major investments in $ to keep it going. He's ready to leave the business and retire. He put it up for sale and the only offer he got was from WaWa. What would you do? I live a short distance from the Chatterbox so I am definitely upset. We don't need another gas station. Within five miles in any direction there are 3 QuickCheks aside from the one about to open. I eat there even when it is not a cruise night. The replacement location is looking like it will be a diner called Jumboland, about 4 miles north on Rt. 206. These are the latest facts as I know them.
I was a frequent visitor to the Chatterbox, and really miss it, Saturday Classics, Corvette Fridays and Thursday Bike night.
It was great to be able to stop in for an hour or two, check out the cars/bikes, get something to eat , and be on my way.
I don't have the time or the desire to attend the "all day" car shows, where the main objective is "who's car is cleaner or detailed the best"
I do attend some of the bigger shows, Lead East, Deadman's curve, Sigfest, and Corvettes @ Carlisle, but looking for more of a cruise in, or Cars & coffee type events.
Any suggestions in North Jersey ?