The Changing Face of Princeton: New Stores and Restaurants Open

Candace Braun

When one business moves out, another takes its place in Princeton. Recently many restaurants and retail stores have been changing hands, moving locations, and opening sister stores.

The Carousel Luncheonette, which had been located at the corner of Nassau and Pine streets since 1955, recently found a new home. Just over a month ago the coffee shop took on a new residency in a larger space farther west on Nassau Street. The reason for the move was said to be an uncertainty that the owner's lease would be renewed at the East End location across from Wild Oats Market.

Behind Thomas Sweet is Zorba's Grill, which provides some American favorites as well as Greek specialties. All foods are for take-out only, which is why the owner, Anne Fikaris, has opened up an eat-in restaurant, Zorba's Brother. The restaurant is located on Nassau Street between PNC Bank and Burger King, and provides Greek specialties such as moussaka and pastichio, as well as wraps, club sandwiches and french toast for those less daring.

Ajihei, a Japanese cuisine restaurant on Chambers Street, will also soon be opening a sister restaurant next to Thai Village. Ajihei Too, which will be located near Olden Street on Nassau, will provide more seating and a more prominent location.

On the opposite end of town, Image Photo will be leaving its current store and moving to the former Pyramid Bookstore location on Witherspoon Street.

Replacing the Christian bookstore Lamplighter near the corners of Chestnut and Nassau streets is Wilson's Books, a new Christian bookstore owned by Christian Union. The store sells a wide variety of Christian books and provides a lounge area complete with a cafe for visitors. A reference room is also available for members. The store is open on weekends until 1 a.m. to encourage students to come in and enjoy the atmosphere late into the night, said Christin Rice, an employee.

Next to Wilson's on the corner is the Ivy Garden, an Asian cuisine restaurant which has recently changed ownership. Formerly the Golden Orchid, this restaurant now has new staff, a new chef, and new food, says owner Frank Lee. Taking over the restaurant on May 1 with his co-owner, Steve Lin, he says it has been difficult drawing in business after taking over a restaurant that had lost many of its customers. "We need to be exposed more," said Mr. Lee. "It has been tough trying to get a good reputation back."

New on Palmer Square

Palmer Square is also undergoing some changes at the moment, including the addition of a store called Dandelion, due to open in mid-October. The jewelry and accessory store has had success in both Ardmore in Suburban Square and King of Prussia Mall, and will now makes its way to Princeton.

Two additional stores opened in Palmer Square over the summer, Savioni Boutique, a store carrying men's and women's clothing lines, and The Papery, a stationery store, are both new to the area. The Papery sells many types of manufactured and handmade stationery and cards.

For those looking for someplace new to get their hair cut, Cosmo Bleu recently opened next to CVS Pharmacy. Large, gold, antique-looking mirrors hang in front of salon chairs, and dimmed lights provide a relaxing atmosphere.

The Princeton University Art Museum's gift shop went through a transformation in March, and now draws customers not only for souvenirs, but for gifts for friends and family, as well.

"We didn't expand the size of the shop, we expanded what we were selling and the use of our shelf space," said Jeffrey Fields, manager of retail operations.

Mr. Fields said that the store now carries many more products than the postcards and publications that were sold in the past. "We have a wide variety of everything, something for everyone," he said. Products range from jewelry to educational items and toys for children.

The newest line of products for sale will be part of the museum's upcoming exhibit, "The Centaur's Smile: Animals in Greek Art," said Mr. Fields. Items such as umbrellas and scarfs portraying images from the works of art are now on sale in the gift shop.