New kids on The Block: Bell Works adds retail, wellness offerings

Somerset Development on Monday announced four new retailers slated to open on The Block at Bell Works.

The latest businesses to join the metroburb’s ground-floor ‘pedestrian street’ are Renaissance Pilates + Wellness, Justin’s Barbershop, Jersey Freeze and The Gathering Shops.

“We’re excited to welcome an exciting mix of local retailers to ‘The Block at Bell Works,’ each of which offers a unique contribution to the evolution of our pedestrian street,” said Ralph Zucker, president of Somerset Development. “Now, both visitors and daily workers alike will have access to an even wider array of shopping, lifestyle, and wellness options, as ‘The Block’ becomes a bonafide retail destination that rivals those of some of New Jersey’s great downtown cores.”

The first venue to open will be Renaissance Pilates + Wellness, a pilates studio founded by fitness innovator and Holmdel-native Danielle Buccellato. With another location in Red Bank, the new venue at Bell Works is a result of Buccellato’s new business partnership and venture with her sister Joelle.

Steps away, Justin’s Barbershop, a first-class salon that originated in Jackson in 2005, is also set to open on The Block. Founder Justin D’Esposito expanded his vision in 2007 by opening a second location in Manalapan along with his brother Timothy. Since 2011, the duo opened two more locations in New Jersey, with the Bell Works spot marking the fifth overall for the growing company.

Adding to the Metroburb’s dining options, Jersey Freeze, a local restaurant that originated in Freehold, will open its second location along The Block at Bell Works offering visitors and employees gourmet ice cream, homemade cakes and an assortment of shakes that have helped establish the creamery as a regional favorite.

Also joining The Block is The Gathering Shops, a retail service company that puts a spin on the traditional pop-up concept across apparel, jewelry, beauty, wellness and home goods. Founded in 2018 by Sal Martorano, The Gathering Shops’ vision is to unite up-and-coming designers with shoppers seeking something new and different.

Bell Works will be the second New Jersey location for the company whose flagship location is at the Garden State Plaza in Paramus.

Sabre Real Estate Advisors Principal Justin Korinis, Director Dina Santarelli, Senior Associate Sean Pyle and Associate Julian Alvarez represented Somerset Development in each of the transactions.