Jersey City restaurant owners first started to collaborate on ways to rally against third-party delivery services for lower fees for the businesses and the customers, better worker safety laws, and a handful of other issues years ago. At one point, a dozen Jersey City restaurateurs even banded together to build a local delivery platform to compete with their corporate counterparts. But, in February 2024 a city ordinance was presented that proposed major changes to the way these adversaries engage with each other. On August 1st, that ordinance is going into effect. Read on for more about these changes and what to expect.
About the Ordinance
Councilman James Solomon is a local councilman who has expressed his support for restaurant owners in the Ward E downtown Jersey City district, lobbying with corporate companies such as Uber Eats and GrubHub on behalf of small businesses for years.
Read More: Hoboken Updates: Open Pool Hours at HHS, ResilienCity Park Basketball Court to Close for Repairs
The compromise comes in the form of this legislation, which was sponsored by Councilman Solomon but built with input from the restaurant community. In essence, it will place rules on three major issues:
- How delivery workers are paid and tipped
- How restaurants are charged for using third-party delivery apps
- Safety measures for workers
Below is more information on exactly what changes are coming August 1st. You can read the official ordinance here.
How Delivery Workers Are Paid + Tipped
The ordinance implements consistency in how delivery workers are paid, with four new rules.
- Third-party platforms are required to pay delivery workers at least weekly.
- Delivery companies cannot take a share of the deliverers’ tips, which was happening previously.
- Delivery workers must be notified (via the app) when a customer increases or decreases their tip, as well as exactly how much they’ll be paid.
- Third-party delivery apps must outline the anticipated travel time for delivery and allow them to decline any deliveries without penalty.
How Restaurants Are Charged for Using Third-Party Delivery Apps
While delivery workers will feel more protected, restaurants will feel major relief in three ways.
- With this ordinance, delivery companies are required to offer tiered marketing service offerings based on the best fit for each business. This includes the delivery fees customers see and pay, placement on search, and access to customers who have a subscription (Grubhub+, Dashpass, etc)
- Regardless of the tiered marketing plan restaurants choose, there is a 15% delivery fee cap on each delivery. This means restaurants will no longer pay over 15% for an order to be delivered via a third-party platform.
- Delivery companies will also be restricted from charging additional fees for menu items or listing the restaurants’ menus without the restaurant’s approval, which was a common issue before this legislation passing.
Safety Measures for Workers
Similar to an ordinance passed in Hoboken earlier this year focusing on pedestrian safety, Jersey City restaurants and delivery companies that employ delivery workers using bicycles, e-bikes, and electric scooters will be required to offer safety courses. The course will be developed by the city, and the worker will receive a certificate of completion required to be carried when working similarly to a license.
The legislation requires bicycle, e-bike, and electric scooter-riding delivery workers to wear retro-reflective or high-visibility jackets/vests, as well.
The enforcement mechanism is that they can have their license to deliver food rescinded.
Restaurants must also allow workers to use the restroom facilities during a delivery.
What The Jersey City Community Is Saying
The push for this legislation to pass has been a collaborative effort. From restaurant and business owners to street safety organizations to neighbors showing up to hearings at City Hall throughout the process. Below are some thoughts from the community on the ordinance passing:
Jersey City Ward E Councilman James Solomon:
“Mom-and-pop restaurants were an economic engine of Jersey City during the pandemic. My legislation to protect them from crazy fees charged across the city was a common-sense, joint effort with community leaders and my City Council colleagues that I was proud to pass.”
Melanie Rudin, founder of the Jersey City Restaurant Owners Coalition:
“As the apps became the go to, not only as a convenience, but as marketing platforms for restaurants, they became crucial for businesses trying to attain and retain an audience. The apps began looking for new ways to increase revenue through premium placements and services, but then fees shot up to 30%+ after a Covid fee cap (16%) was lifted. The marketplace [customers] demand restaurants’ presence on the apps for visibility, but the cost to the businesses (paired with high food costs, difficulty in finding staff and higher taxes) was crushing restaurants that were struggling to begin with. This bill, while not a silver bullet, is a start and will help restaurants remain on a more level playing field in terms of marketing and visibility.”
Morgan Kulessa and Bryan Lewis, founders of of Wing Bar JC:
“This ordinance is a win for local business. It’s about putting money back into the local businesses that cultivate community in their respective neighborhoods. We’re proud members of the Jersey City Restaurant Owners community and look forward to seeing this ordinance benefit all of the restaurants in Jersey City.”
Andrew Martino, owner of gtk:
“Simply put, this ordinance will keep more money in our community, and help independent restaurants keep their doors open.”
See More: A List of Montclair Restaurants That Deliver
Julian Muscio, owner of Luna Bar & Restaurant:
“We are very happy that the city was able to help small businesses regulate what these large corporations are capable of doing. Things have been changing in the Restaurant and delivery industry over the past few years and it is very important that we keep things under control on all fronts. The most important thing in this whole process continues to be that customers are aware of the effects that third-party delivery apps can have on a business and they should always check to see if there is some form of direct ordering a business offers before using one of the major delivery apps.”
The Hoboken Girl has reached out to Uber for comment, but has yet to receive a response. We will update this piece with any additional details.
A List of Old-Fashioned Candy + Chocolate Shops in Northern New Jersey
For some, taking a quick trip to the nearest convenience store will satisfy that late-night sweet tooth. For others, it’s a craving for the extraordinary taste of handmade chocolates and candies. Luckily, various local shops have been specializing in just that for decades. We’ve compiled a list of these old-fashioned gems located throughout Northern New Jersey. Read on for our favorite candy and chocolate shops in the Northern New Jersey area.
Bromilow’s Chocolates | 350 Rifle Camp Road, Woodland Park + 891 Bloomfield Avenue, West Caldwell
View this post on Instagram
Bromilow’s Chocolates is not only a local favorite but was also named a historic landmark by Woodland Park. Bromilow’s has been churning out a selection of homemade candies and chocolates for over 60 years. Upon entry, fill your box with a variety of bite-sized chocolates, truffles, and even sugar-free chocolates from the candy case, or choose from pre-packaged bags and boxes to take home. Bromilow’s also has a second location with more room to shop in West Caldwell.
Read More: A Definitive List of Hoboken Desserts You Must Eat ASAP
Candy Connections | 327 Lakeview Avenue, Clifton
Candy Connections in Clifton is a one-stop-shop for all things candy and baking. The sweet-tooth haven sells Mercken's chocolate, baking supplies, chocolate molds and special holiday treats. The kind staff is also available to guide shoppers through their unique stash of hard-to-find baking items.
Chocolates with Love | 47 Interstate Shopping Center, Ramsey + 68 Ridgefield Avenue, Ridgefield Park
View this post on Instagram
Jumbo turkeys, Santa Clauses, hearts, jack-o-lanterns, and the Easter Bunny are among the specialty chocolate molds that can be found at Chocolates with Love. For over 40 years, customers have been indulging in homemade chocolates and chocolate-covered goodies. We’re thinking about the white chocolate peanut butter cups, chocolate and rainbow sprinkle-covered pretzels, and, of course, the classic chocolate-covered strawberries.
Conrad's Confectionery | 107 Westwood Avenue, Westwood
Conrad's Confectionery has been creating homemade candy since 1928. The long-standing ice cream and candy shop in Westwood is a North Jersey staple with old-school vibes. From holiday specialties like chocolate covered strawberries to mobile sweet treat events, Conrad's is a classic go-to for all of your sugary needs.
Dayton Homemade Chocolates | 1053 Bloomfield Avenue, Clifton
View this post on Instagram
This family-owned and operated business has been serving the Clifton community since 1912. Dayton has assorted boxes of chocolates available for purchase. Gourmet truffles and sugar-free chocolates are other alternatives to try out. For the holiday season, hot cocoa bombs, Santa-shaped chocolates, and peanut butter holiday-shaped chocolates are sold. Dayton’s catalog can be viewed here.
Enjou Chocolat | 8 Dehart Street, Morristown
View this post on Instagram
Enjou Chocolat is a luxurious chocolate experience in Morristown. The chocolate shop serves up specialty selections such as chocolate covered pretzels, nonpareils, sea salt caramels, and more. In addition, Enjou Chocolat is known for its curated gift baskets and unique molds.
Gary's Sweet Shoppe | 444 West Side Avenue
For over 50 years, Gary's Sweet Shoppe has been an iconic part of Jersey City. The cozy spot serves more than just popular candies too as locals can stop by for coffee quick bites, and other convenience items. The shop is open from 3:30AM to 7PM daily for a candy fix nearly any time of day.
Genevieve’s Chocolates | 174 Ray Street, Garfield
Customers describe Genevieve’s Chocolates as “a chocolate lovers paradise” and home to the best chocolate on the planet. Since its opening in 1944, Genevieve’s has been family-owned and operated, producing the finest handcrafted chocolate. Some of the everyday favorites include chocolate-covered marshmallows, Oreos, and nuts. Celebrate special holidays with loved ones from afar with a gift from Genevieve’s, which can be shipped via USPS between November and May.
Kilwins | 1 Towne Centre Suite #1011, Cliffside Park + 121 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
View this post on Instagram
Kilwins has been a staple in the ice cream and chocolate game since 1947. The business is rooted in strong family values dating back decades. Now, Kilwins has expanded with locations all over the country serving high-quality ice cream, chocolate creations, and confections.
Krause’s Homemade Candies | 50 Bergen Boulevard, Fairview + 203 McLean Boulevard, Paterson
View this post on Instagram
Known for its famous chocolate-covered strawberries made fresh daily, Krause’s Homemade Candies has been a staple for the chocolate lover since 1929. Whether for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or a simple thank you, Krause’s has everything to make the perfect gift. For those who can’t make it to a store, place orders online throughout the fall and early spring (before it gets too hot) and have them shipped to a loved one… or your front door.
Laurie's Homemade Candies | 600 Berdan Avenue, Wayne
View this post on Instagram
Laurie Walker’s story began just over fifty years ago when she opened her chocolate store after following her passion in the kitchen and studying candy making. After walking into Laurie’s, the shopper’s senses are bombarded by the chocolate scent in the air and the entire wall of assorted Jelly Belly jelly bean flavors and jelly fruit slices. Laurie’s Homemade Candies can also be found at various retail partners around North and Central Jersey such as Demarest Farms in Hillsdale and Richfield Farms in Clifton.
Lee Sims Chocolates | 743 Bergen Avenue, Jersey City
The family behind Lee Sims Chocolates is now in its fourth generation of ownership and operates from the same storefront where it all started way back when. There is now a factory not too far away from where much of the chocolates are produced. No matter what the occasion or celebration, Lee Sims Chocolates is ready to make all the chocolate treats of your dreams come true. HG pro tip: go for one of the pyramid boxes which has various assortments and try a little bit of everything!
Lepore’s Chocolates | 105 4th Street, Hoboken
Family-owned since 1980, this Hoboken chocolate shop is beloved by both Hudson County residents and people like the Sinatra Family. The owner got his inspiration from traveling and working in Europe, bringing what he learned to Lepore’s. The chocolates are made on-site each day, and the shop has all kinds of custom chocolates, gift baskets, occasion favors, and more to customers.
The Chocolate Nook | 11-11 River Road, Fair Lawn
The Chocolate Nook in Fair Lawn is known for its specialty selection of truffles and custom favors, baskets, and platters. The chocolate-centric business has unique holiday molds for every occasion and even has same-day delivery.
Vesta Chocolate | 598 Valley Road Suite #2, Upper Montclair
Vesta Chocolate is owned and run by hospitality veterans Julia Choi and Roger Rodriguez. The couple uses their food expertise to bring mouth-watering chocolate treats to Montclair. On Vesta’s menu, there are Vesta Bars that come in flavors like matcha, golden latte, and maca ashwaganda. For sweeter cravings, chocolate baked goods are available — ranging from brownies to cookies.
See More: The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Spots in Montclair
Zigarelli Chocolates | 34 Deforest Avenue, East Hanover
View this post on Instagram
Originally from Belleville, Zigarelli Chocolates has been a family-owned operation for more than 55 years. The Gennarelli family pulls out all the stops for handmade chocolates like chocolate-covered strawberries and pretzels, truffles, and hazelnut bark. Consider a hot cocoa bomb, which makes for the perfect dessert, especially during these cold winter nights.
