BEST BREW: “We are the first licensed brewpub — an on-site brewery and restaurant — in New Jersey. We brew the beer right here, and have 250 different styles.” Eric Nutt, left, director of corporate sales, and Ray Villano, general manager of Triumph Brewing Company, look forward to celebrating the brewpub’s 25th anniversary with all their customers as soon as circumstances allow.

By Jean Stratton

These are unusual times, and nowhere is that more visible than in Princeton’s downtown, with the myriad of businesses that are temporarily closed or otherwise affected by the circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 virus.

Triumph Brewing Company, the longtime Princeton favorite brewpub, is marking its 25th anniversary this year, and although celebration plans have been placed on hold, it is still open for takeout and bottled beer purchases.

“We can’t wait to get back to normal — with our customers, and also to see all the people on the street again,” says director of corporate sales Eric Nutt. “In the meantime, however, we do offer takeout, and also, we are delivering food to HomeFront and the Trenton Soup Kitchen. In addition, our Red Bank and New Hope locations are delivering to food banks in their areas.

“We have always been community-oriented, and we support local organizations and charities.” more

CLEAR COMMUNICATION: “We are very encouraged with our ability to help people. We really try to be as personal as we can be to reach every individual. Each person is very important to us. We don’t believe that the ‘one size fits all’ approach works, so we tailor our therapies to maximize each individual’s strengths to overcome his or her challenges.” Carole Drury, left, director of business operations, and Marcie C. Fountaine, M.S., CCC-SLP, clinical director of Princeton Speech-Language & Learning Center, look forward to helping more people improve their communication skills.

By Jean Stratton

Saying it plainly, expressing yourself clearly — in a word, communicating. The basis of our daily interaction with others, and the source of so many problems when it goes wrong.

Helping those with speech, language, and learning disorders is the specialty of Princeton Speech-Language & Learning Center (PSLLC), newly located at 615 Executive Drive in Montgomery Commons.

Founded in 1985 by Terri Rossman, it is now owned by Clinical Director Marcie C. Fountaine, M.S., CCC-SLP and Director of Business Operations Carole Drury.

Both owners had worked with Terri Rossman, and, as Carole Drury points out, “Marcie and I really wanted to keep Terri’s vision alive.” more

DESIGN PLUS BUILD: “What if you were an architect and you knew how to build well, too. Wouldn’t that be a powerful combination? We’re an architectural design-build company, and we have on-site product capacity. We fabricate every piece here on-site. All the woodworking and metal work is done right here.” Kevin Wilkes, AIA, award-winning architect, founder and managing partner of Princeton Design Guild, is shown in his Belle Mead workshop.

By Jean Stratton

At the age of 9, Kevin Wilkes knew exactly what he wanted to do. And it has all gone according to plan.

“When I was 9, I had Lincoln Logs and erector sets, and I was always building things. My dad was an engineer, my mom was an interior designer, and I just knew I wanted to design and build things.”

While still a senior at Princeton University, he began building a house on the corner of Harrison and Sycamore Streets all on his own, and it still stands today, a testament to his skill and determination.

Also at Princeton, he was able to target his love of the theater by designing sets and costumes for campus shows, and he also studied scenic design. He took time off between sophomore and junior year to work full-time at McCarter Theatre as scenic artist and assistant to the technical director. He also worked in Manhattan as a scenic designer, as well as creating interior designs, such as a new lobby and a second stage for various theaters. more

TO YOUR TASTE: “We are set apart by our selection, prices, our knowledge and expertise, and our customer service. In a period of 49 years, Bottle King has grown to become the largest New Jersey retailer of wine, beer, and spirits.” Steve Carpentier, general manager of the company and co-owner of the Bottle King on State Road, is shown with Chateau Petrus Pomerol, a very special and hard-to-get Bordeaux.

By Jean Stratton

Word travels fast when something new and exciting arrives in the neighborhood!

To say that Bottle King, the new liquor store at 775 State Road, has made a hit is an understatement. Just opened in December, it already has regular customers, not to mention the new ones who show up every day.

“Best beer selection!” Best prices in alcohol!” “Great selection of everything!” “Terrific layout in the store!”

These are just some of the rave reviews from customers. An additional remark often heard: “The parking is great — no problem finding a space.”

All in all, good news for Bottle King owner Ken Friedman, who founded the family business in Union in 1970. There are now 15 Bottle Kings, including one in Hillsborough and another in East Windsor. more

MADE TO ORDER: “We are set apart by our hospitality and great customized pizza. Customers know that the owners are always here. We answer the phone ourselves, and we customize each pizza to every person’s taste. I am very hands-on — whether I’m out front helping the customers, or in the kitchen.” Aginah Maltabes co-owner of Pizza Den, is shown getting a pizza all ready to go to a happy customer.

By Jean Stratton 

The personal touch is on display at Pizza Den. Owners Aginah and Costa Maltabes are always on hand to be sure that customers receive their favorite pizza, made to order to their taste.

“Pizza is the number one food in the world,” says Aginah Maltabes. “Everyone likes it. It tastes good. It is a kind of comfort food. And at Pizza Den, we make sure it is exactly the way you like it.

“At Pizza Den, we believe a good pie should be personal,” she continues. “The dough is made in-house, using organic, unbleached flour. You can taste the difference in every bite. We also offer a gluten-free crust.”

Opened in 2018 at 242 1/2 Nassau Street, Pizza Den is tucked in next door to Hoagie Haven. Small in size, it is large in flavors and hospitality. Primarily a takeout establishment, it does have small tables for eat-in, and is also available for private parties. more

COMPREHENSIVE CARE: “People are smarter about dental care today and good oral hygiene. If they are careful about this, they will have a better outcome and better luck with their teeth.” The specialists at Prosthodontics of Princeton include, from left, Alexander S. Drew, DMD, MS; Steven C. Isaacson, DMD; and Suzanne B. Reinhardt, DMD; who are all skilled in helping patients achieve the best oral health.

By Jean Stratton

The first step is to make an appointment. Whether it’s a toothache, missing tooth (or teeth), or just time for a checkup, Prosthodontics of Princeton is there to make sure the treatment is appropriate, timely, and thorough.

Located at 601 Ewing Street, Suite B-4, the practice, owned by Steven C. Isaacson, DMD, was originally founded by his father George Isaacson, DMD.

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Steven Isaacson went on to obtain a specialty degree in prosthodontics at Temple University School of Dentistry, with emphasis on reconstructive dentistry, including implants and cosmetic dentistry.

The opportunity to work with his father has continued to inform his practice, and, as he says, has given him a chance “to continue the tradition of integrity, detail, and thoughtfulness that my father instilled in me.” more

ITALIAN TRADITIONS: “We are family-owned and operated, and we want to offer people a memorable dining experience. Everything is high quality, and we have special family recipes and the freshest ingredients.” Beniamino (left) and Alison Iovine, owners of Beniamino’s Cucina & Pizza, are shown with pizza expert Alex Iovine, known as the “Pizza Man.”

By Jean Stratton

Italian food is a favorite — and surely not just in Italy! It is on everyone’s menu, and whether it is served at home or in a restaurant it is always welcome.

“People love Italian food because it tastes good and is comforting. It’s ‘feel good’ food!” says Alison Iovine, co-owner and front end manager of Beniamino’s Cucina & Pizza. “It is also healthy, with fresh ingredients, focusing on the Mediterranean diet, with lots of vegetables. We are so happy to share our great menu with customers.”

And, lots of enthusiastic customers are enjoying lunch and dinner at the new restaurant, which opened at the Montgomery Center, 1325 Route 206 North, in July.

Owners Beniamino and Alison Iovine are delighted with the response. “We are very encouraged, and so pleased that everyone is enjoying coming here. We already have lots of regular and repeat customers. Once they come in, they always come back!” more

FAMILY TRADITION: “We completely remodeled the store recently. It’s been expanded to include more items, and more convenient product arrangement and accessibility. We are proud to continue our tradition of a family business, and we always want to be Montgomery’s neighborhood liquor store.” Alana and Justin Steele, owners of Steele’s Wine Cellar, are shown in the store’s cordials section, featuring a variety of top choices.

By Jean Stratton

Once a staple on the shopping scene, family businesses are becoming a vanishing breed in today’s high-tech world.

All the more reason to celebrate Steele’s Wine Cellar, located in the Montgomery Center, 1325 Route 206 North, and owned by brother and sister Justin and Alana Steele.

Having grown up in another family business in Bloomfield, they purchased the existing liquor store in 2010, adding special offerings including craft beers, local wines and spirits, and a monthly wine club.

They also established high standards with a focus on an outstanding selection in all categories within a broad range of prices, and with a priority on personal service. more

COOKIE CRAVINGS: “Everything is made from scratch, with fresh ingredients, and special recipes. We also have many gluten-free cookies, and we are nut-free.” Lauren Ariev Gellman, owner of Milk & Cookies, the popular Princeton cookie shop, center, is shown with daughters, Rose, left, and Audrey.

By Jean Stratton

The word is out. Milk & Cookies is a happy place!

Located at 14 Chambers Street, this delightful cookie shop offers an array of delicious cookies, brownies, and other treats guaranteed to tempt the taste buds.

Owner and baker Lauren Ariev Gellman is busy every day baking 200 to 300 cookies, all with fresh ingredients, and often incorporating her own special recipes.

“I’m always creating new cookies and flavors,” she reports. “Many of the cookies have crisp edges and soft middles. It’s personal taste as to the preferred texture — whether people like soft or crispy cookies. Tastes can be generational too.” more

DEDICATED SERVICE: “We work very hard to train our technicians to provide the best service and do their job properly. Our customers know they can count on us for reliable and prompt help.” Kevin Tindall, owner and CEO of Tindall & Ranson Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Company, is proud of his company’s long history and commitment to its customers.

By Jean Stratton

Reliability, prompt and courteous service, correct completion of the job — all this and more are provided by Tindall & Ranson Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Company.

When you need a plumber, it is often for an emergency — such as a broken pipe, flooded basement, or inoperative toilet. These problems need immediate attention, and you want to know that you can rely on the plumber’s experience and expertise.

Tindall & Ranson, located at 880 Alexander Road, has established a first-class reputation for quality service.  more

FAMILY TRADITION: “We’re set apart by our service, quality products, and long history. Customers know they can rely on our extensive knowledge of the products.” The father and sons team at Gasior’s Furniture & Interior Design includes, from left, Todd, Dick (Dad), and Gregory. They are shown by a Hancock & Moore Austin leather tilt-back chair.

Not many furniture stores are found in a school house. That, however, is the unique setting of Gasior’s Furniture & Interior Design at 2152 Route 206 South in Belle Mead.

Opened in 1918, the Harlingen School accommodated kindergarten through 12th grade until 1972. Six years later, Gasior’s moved in.

“It was a good location for us,” explains founder and owner Richard (Dick) Gasior. “My wife, Donna, and I lived in West Windsor, and we had seen the school house. It provided a lot of nice space.”

The opening of Gasior’s was a continuation of Donna Gasior’s family history, continues Dick Gasior. “My father-in-law had a furniture store in northern New Jersey, and Donna had grown up in the business. We decided to start a venture of our own, and we thought being near Princeton was a plus for the store.” more

TEAM WORK: “All our dishes are made from scratch, hand-done, and are fresh every day. Each day, we offer a different menu — simple, nourishing, and well-balanced.” The team at the new The Blue Bears Special Meals restaurant is pictured from left: Chef Anne-Renee Rice-Soumeillant, Michael O’Brien, Chef Eric Wimmer, Megan Cloyes, and Emmanuel Yver.

By Jean Stratton

A memorable dining experience awaits visitors to the new The Blue Bears Special Meals restaurant in the Princeton Shopping Center.

Just opened in mid-May, it is already attracting enthusiastic diners for breakfast, lunch, and takeout.

Not only does it offer an intriguing menu — often with an international flavor — but its underlying concept of encouraging and enabling young adults facing intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to find opportunities for learning and meaningful work sets it apart as a unique dining establishment.

Founders Eric (president and chef) and Marie (vice president, outreach) Wimmer and Antoine (chairman) and Gaud (vice president) Yver wanted to start a new business that would be significant in a number of ways. They decided on a nonprofit restaurant, explains Eric Wimmer. more

HEALING TOUCH: “People come in for many reasons — assorted aches and pains, including headaches and backaches, also allergies, sinus problems, female hormonal issues, etc. Seventy percent of my practice is lymphatics, and 30 percent advanced technique massage, such as shiatsu.” Licensed massage therapist Jennifer Ruiz, LMT, is the owner of Amala Lymphatic & Massage Therapy in Lawrenceville.

By Jean Stratton

The common denominator for all my clients is that they are feeling challenged somewhere in their health,” explains licensed massage therapist Jennifer Ruiz, LMT, owner of Amala Lymphatic & Massage Therapy at 134 Franklin Corner Road in Lawrenceville.

“I use massage to guide the body to a place where it can self-heal, and keep the body in a healthy state.”

A 2001 graduate of The Swedish Institute of Health Sciences in New York City and recipient of a Forbes 5-Star Award for Excellency, Ruiz uses a multidimensional approach that integrates Eastern and Western philosophy and modalities. She was first licensed in New York, and she practiced in Manhattan for 13 years.

“Each state has its own requirements,” she points out. “In New York, you must get a license, and this entails a year and a half of full-time training to get the degree, and then passing the state exam to obtain the license. more

CREATIVE CONCEPTS: “The biggest part of the business is my creative design. All the pieces are one-of-a-kind, and I especially enjoy taking the client’s vision and bringing it to life with my creations.” Jewelry designer and goldsmith Robin Hepburn is shown at work, hammering a bracelet in the workshop of her Orion Jewelry Studio in Pennington.

By Jean Stratton

People like jewelry because it often represents a feeling or memory, something to commemorate. Perhaps a milestone event, a wedding, anniversary, or birthday.”

It can also be an heirloom passed down in the family that has special meaning. Or it can be a brand-new piece that is especially beautiful.”

Robin Hepburn, jewelry designer and goldsmith, and owner of Orion Jewelry Studio in Pennington, certainly knows about her subject. She is an expert in the field, and is about to celebrate her 30th year of business in Pennington. Now located in the Shoppes At Pennington, 21 Route 31 North, her studio is both her showcase and her workplace. more