Former Aussie footballer’s coffee chain plans 4th NJ location (updated)

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Bergen Town Center in Paramus is adding popular Australian café Bluestone Lane to its lineup of dining options.

In a June 1 press release, the Urban Edge Properties-owned mall announced that the chain is slated to open later this year in a 2,400-square-foot-space situated across from Whole Foods Market.

The café’s exclusive menu of seasonal food features a to-go component as well as a full table service offering of all-day breakfast, brunch and lunch including items such as toasts, bowls, wraps, salads and pastries.

Bluestone was founded a decade ago by Melbourne, Australia, native Nick Stone, a former Australian Rules Football (AFL) player who hung up his cleats in 2005 and moved to New York to attend business school at Fordham University while working in finance.

After being assigned a project to come up with a business idea, Stone developed a concept that aimed to introduce an Aussie-style café’s premium coffee experience into the United States.

He wound up launching Bluestone Lane as a side hustle in 2013 and left his banking career three years later to focus on growing the chain full time.

It now has more than 60 locations throughout the U.S. – including spots in Hoboken, Jersey City and Newark Liberty International’s new Terminal A – and was named as one of Inc. 5000’s fastest-growing private companies.

Along with operating coffee shops and cafés, Bluestone Lane offers a suite of consumer package goods, including whole bean coffee, compostable espresso coffee, pods, teas, cold-pressed juices and bakery items.

In a statement, Stone said, “We are thrilled to bring Bluestone Lane’s unique café experience to Bergen Town Center and become a value addition to this thriving community.”

The chief executive officer of the New York City-based chain, said, “We are committed to creating a personalized daily ritual for our locals and we are excited to continue this in Bergen, bringing our premium coffee and healthy menu to new locals. We look forward to serving the community with a world-class hospitality experience and contributing to the vibrancy of this destination.”

Josh Birns, vice president of leasing for Urban Edge, said, “Bluestone’s combination of full-service and to-go options brings a terrific all-day concept for our consumers and neighbors.”

Birns went on to add, “Leasing momentum at Bergen Town Center continues to demonstrate the enormous value of this property in attracting premium and growing brands such as Bluestone Lane.”

The mall’s dining scene includes Bahama Breeze, Chopt Creative Salad Co., Olive Garden, Qdoba Mexican Grill, Sticky’s The Finger Joint, Sarku Japan, Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Dunkin’.

Editor’s note: The headline was updated at 3:36 p.m. ET June 5, 2023, to note this will be the fourth Bluestone Lane location in New Jersey. Additionally, the story was updated at 8:33 a.m. ET June 6, 2023, to correct Josh Birns’ name.