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The basics:

• Capon’s Chophouse set for The Shops at Riverside
• Concept by celeb chef Josh Capon and his VCR Group hospitality firm
• Part of Simon Property Group‘s ongoing upgrades to the Hackensack mall

The Shops at Riverside is tapping celebrity chef and restaurateur Josh Capon to launch a new steakhouse concept.

Scheduled to open in late 2025 as part of a partnership with mall owner Simon Property Group, Capon’s Chophouse will take over space previously occupied by The Grill at Riverside on Level 1. Billed as a “modern day steakhouse” in an upscale casual setting, the eatery’s menu will revolve around bold favors, prime cuts and seafood.

A 25-year industry veteran, Capon is known for his acclaimed restaurants, award-winning burgers and frequent television appearances. After working under several famed chefs in New York City, such as Hazlet native David Burke, Capon went on to open several successful restaurants, including Lure Fish Bar, Burger & Barrel Winepub, El Toro Blanco and Bowery Meat Co.

The Tenafly resident’s latest venture is VCR Group, a hospitality firm he co-founded in 2021 with David Rodolitz, Gary Vaynerchuk and Conor Hanlon.

Since then, VCR Group has unveiled ITO NY, Flyfish Club and Little Maven in New York City, as well as Bar ITO, ITO Vegas and Capon’s Burgers in Las Vegas. Capon’s Chophouse will be the team’s next project.

In a social media post, Capon shared, “Very Excited about this one!! Capon’s Chophouse coming this fall to @theshopsatriverside with @simonpropertygroup. Lots of people been asking ‘When am I doing something in Jersey?!?’ Well here we Go! This one hits close to home, and is right in my backyard, so you know I am going to give it Everything I got to make it Extraordinary! If you are interested in getting involved on any level please reach out.”

He added, “Looking forward to seeing you soon for some Good Steaks and some Good Times! Get ready to Start ‘Livin’ It Up’!!! New Jersey Here I Come!!!”

Time to eat

Other eateries at the Hackensack mall include The Cheesecake Factory, Houston’s, Maggiano’s Little Italy, Morton’s Steakhouse, Rosa Mexicano, P.F. Chang’s, Sweetgreen and True Food Kitchen.

It will soon welcome specialty ramen concept Jinya Ramen Bar, too. After making its debut last fall in Totowa through a collaboration with Allendale-headquartered restaurant group Doherty Enterprises, the partners will launch their second outpost at the Shops at Riverside.