Montclair Hospitality Group plans to unveil several new restaurants this fall as part of a coast-to-coast expansion effort.

Following the launch of its popular Italian-style ramen restaurant concept PastaRamen, MHG plans to add a location at the Intercontinental Bellevue at the Avenue, a hotel in Bellevue, Wash., as well as a permanent spot in Miami.

A partnership between Robbie Felice – the James Beard Award-nominated chef-owner of Viaggio Ristorante in Wayne and Osteria Crescendo in Westwood – and Montclair Hospitality Group founder Luck Sarabhayavanija, PastaRamen is the first ramen shop that marries Japanese and Italian cuisines in a style called “Wafu-Italian,” blending ingredients, textures and techniques from both worlds.

Originally launched during the pandemic as an exclusive, invite-only pop-up in North Jersey, Miami and Los Angeles, PastaRamen received such a positive response that MHG gave the restaurant a home in Montclair last January. 

Montclair will welcome another concept created by MHG and Felice in October – Fatto Con Amore. Set to open at 349 Bloomfield Ave., the Italian sandwich shop and market will use freshly baked breads and meats, cheeses, vinegars and olive oils imported from Italy.

MHG also plans to open an Ani Ramen location in Hoboken, at 99 Washington St. Known for its signature Japanese ramen and other Izakaya items, the eatery has several spots across the metropolitan area, such as Montclair, Jersey City, Summit, Maplewood, Manhattan and Larchmont.

Rounding out the slate of fall openings is a new luxury sushi dining concept developed in partnership with famed Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. The restaurant, MM by Morimoto, will launch at InterContinental Bellevue at the Avenue and is the first of several planned eateries with the chef, according to MHG.

In addition to PastaRamen and Ani Ramen, MHG has added several other brands to its portfolio since launching in 2014, including doughnut concept Mochinut and Thai restaurant Kai Yang.

The upcoming launches come a few months after MHG named industry veteran Joey Simons to serve as its new chief executive officer. In addition to leading the group’s business units, Simon oversees development, growth and strategy.

Previously, Simons was chief operating officer of Los Angeles-based SBE, the parent to brands including Umami Burger, Katsuya, Casa Dani and virtual brands such as Krispy Rice and Sam’s Crispy Chicken.

In a statement to NJBIZ, Simons said, “It is an exciting time to lead a group of dedicated professionals who are determined to disrupt the hospitality industry. With Ani Ramen being our tried-and-true brand, it was important for us to continue to collaborate with the best culinary talents in the world. Our partnership with James Beard nominated Chef Robbie Felice on pastaRAMEN and Fatto Con Amore has defined what MHG is capable of doing; changing the culinary landscape through truly unique, dynamic food and an unmatched guest experience.”

He stated, “Our newest chef partner is the Iron Chef himself Masaharu Morimoto. Drawing inspiration from both Japanese tradition and Western culinary techniques, our newest brand MM by Morimoto will not only be culinarily satisfying, but also a one of a kind immersive dining experience that only MHG can curate.”