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The basics:

• Morimoto, famed Iron Chef, plans new restaurant in Morristown
• Created with Montclair Hospitality Group, concept will feature six themed dining areas, mixology bar
• Replaces Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen, which closed earlier in 2025
• Project aims to blend Morristown’s history with modern fine dining

After Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen abruptly closed earlier this year, the restaurant space inside of Vail Mansion in Morristown will find another life as a new concept from famed Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto.

As part of a collaboration with Montclair Hospitality Group, Morimoto will open a second outpost of his acclaimed MM by Morimoto brand. The first location opened this past summer in Montclair. The spot offers a menu that blends modern Japanese flavors with steakhouse influences.

According to MHG, it will reimagine the 15,000-square-foot space on South Street into six uniquely themed areas that blend “the building’s historic integrity with refined modern elegance.”

“The result will be a striking and immersive environment that reflects the innovation and artistry of Chef Morimoto’s global culinary brand. The restaurant will also introduce standout steak and mixology programs, ensuring a dining experience unlike any other in the region,” the group added.

MHG founder and Chief Business Officer Luck Sarabhayavanija, said, “Our goal with MM by Morimoto at Vail Mansion is to create something truly extraordinary, a destination that brings global culinary excellence to one of New Jersey’s most storied landmarks. Together with Chef Morimoto, we’re honoring the legacy of Vail Mansion while reimagining what fine dining can be in this region.”

‘Where history, culture, and ambition meet’

According to hyperlocal news site Morristown Green, a Madison group acquired the 3.4-acre, century-old property two years ago for $2.8 million. The transaction also included 36 luxury condos adjacent to Vail Mansion known as The Residences at Vail Mansion.

In early January, Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen owner Chris Cannon announced he was closing after a decade in business. The former New York City restauranteur cited the pandemic, changing consumer behavior and rising costs as factors that made “operating and producing the high-quality product we have been known for, increasingly difficult.”

Morristown officials then “worked swiftly to ensure the preservation and revitalization” of the property. They struck a long-term lease with MHG in March, according to a press release from Mayor Tim Dougherty’s office.

In a statement, Dougherty said, “Morristown has always been a place where history, culture, and ambition meet. This project reflects those values and exemplifies what can happen when public and private partners come together with a shared vision of excellence.

“Our administration is deeply committed to attracting top-tier partners who share our vision for Morristown’s future, and we’re proud that Chef Morimoto and the Montclair Hospitality Group see what we see, a town that honors its past while embracing innovation and world-class opportunity.”

MHG and local officials are now working to fulfil all building requirements, the release said. It added that further information on opening dates will be announced “shortly.”

More Morimoto in Montclair

Morimoto also recently launched a new dining concept adjacent to MM by Morimoto in Montclair.

Another collaboration with MHG, OEN by Morimoto offers a 14-seat, chef-driven omakase experience with a 12- to 15-course menu priced at $300 per person.

Guests can expect a selection of seasonal fish sources from Japan and around the world, with the offerings evolving at the chef’s discretion. A curated sake and wine list is also available a la carte.

Located at 189 Glenridge Ave., OEN by Morimoto operates as its own distinct concept from MM by Morimoto. According to MHG, after entering through a separate entrance, guests enjoy a signature welcome cocktail in a lounge space before coming together for dinner.

After the meal, the lounge remains open for after-dinner drinks. Cocktail menu highlights include the Wagyu Wash Old Fashioned with wagyu chocolate jerky, a Wasabi Gimlet with shiso paint and the MM Manhattan made with Morimoto Single Malt.

‘The next evolution’

According to MHG, it designed the space in collaboration with Brooklyn-based design firm Blank Design. The venue includes antiques sourced in Japan by Morimoto.

Following the Oct. 15 grand opening, reservations are available on Resy.

OEN is open Wednesday through Sunday for a single seating that begins at 6:15 p.m. According to a spokesperson, the meal lasts between two-and-a-half to three hours.

In a statement to NJBIZ, Sarabhayavanija said, “OEN Omakase represents the next evolution of Montclair Hospitality Group’s partnership with Chef Morimoto and our shared commitment to redefining fine dining in Montclair. We wanted to create an experience that feels both intimate and transportive, where every detail, from the handcrafted courses to the design elements sourced from Tokyo, reflects artistry, precision, and a true celebration of Japanese culinary tradition.”

Best known as the star of “Iron Chef” and “Iron Chef America,” Morimoto is also an acclaimed restauranteur with nearly 30 restaurants around the world.

Morimoto has written two cookbooks, won two IACP [International Association of Culinary Professionals] awards and was a James Beard Award nominee. He most recently served as an executive producer and head judge on Roku’s Sushi Master.