The former iconic bar and restaurant The Crow’s Nest, 309 Vincent Ave., Hackensack, New Jersey is up for lease by NAI Hansen. Located along the bustling convenient corridors of routes 4, 17, and I-80, the location has exceptional vehicle and foot traffic.
Highlights include 14,000 Sq Ft available for lease, with .52 acres of land, with direct entry and exit available via Route 17, West Pleasant Avenue, and Summit Avenue. Vehicles Per Day (VPD) is 78,884 at Rt. 17 & Pleasantview Avenue and 148,151 VPD at I-80 and Polifly Road.
The Back Story
Launched as Andy’s Fishery in 1974, the 400-seat Crow’s Nest was firstly owned by Andreas and Angela Hajiyerou before closing permanently on Oct. 21, 2023. A family-run establishment, their sons Peter and Evan took over after their parents retired.
“Thank you to all who given us such amazing support. We have truly cherished you all and the memories that we created together. You are all a part of our family and we will never forget you. Due to your amazing patronage, we have sold through our inventory and have decided that today was our last day of business. Sadly we have to say goodbye. We will miss you and we love you. Thank you,” they said on Instagram at the time of the announced closing.
The Property
Located at 100 First St., 102-108 First St., 114-124 First St. and 203 Beech St., the property is located in contiguous parcels across from Hackensack Meridian Health’s John Theurer Cancer Center and adjacent to the Helena Theurer Pavilion and the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital, as well as Hackensack University Medical Center.
The site spans two subzones and is eligible for a long-term tax abatement. The site could become a mixed-use project of up to 553,500 buildable square feet, NAI Hanson said in a news release, whether for medical office space, hotel space, multifamily or other housing, or more.
“Hackensack has been the beneficiary of nearly $2 billion of private capital investment over the last decade, and continues to be one of the most in-demand communities in the state,” Kristofich said in a prepared statement. “With its exceptional location in Hackensack just steps from Hackensack University Medical Center, this property is an unmatched opportunity for investors seeking an irreplaceable location next to Hackensack University Medical Center.”
The Crow’s Nest
Alexander D. Sotirellis and Arthur Haby opened the Crow’s Nest in 1966. The restaurant was known for its roast beef sandwiches, cocktails, and live music. Andreas and Angela Hajiyerou bought the restaurant from the previous owners in 1991; they had previously operated a local fishery that supplied seafood to local restaurants for 20 years.
Over the years, The Crow’s Nest remained an affordable spot to grab an excellent meal and it’s what their children, Peter and Evan Hajiyerou, tried to uphold in daily operations until doors closed in 2023.
Technically, a crow’s nest is a barrel-like structure mounted high onto the side of a ship’s mast, allowing a sailor to see further while mostly protected from the elements. They upheld the ever-popular wrap-around bar and continued drinks and food specials, live music, and anytime entertainment.
The family stated that they sold the joint so that Andreas and Angela can finally retire after a lengthy career in hospitality. Peter also stated that they received an offer on the property that was simply too good to pass up. In 1972, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office raided 10 locations that were suspected of running illegal gambling operations. The Crow’s Nest was one of those locations, and some of the owners were arrested for “maintaining a gambling resort and conspiracy.” Those owners arrested, including Arthur Haby, were indicted. However, it appears that history shows Haby beat those charges.
In 1974, The Crow’s Nest applied for permits to enlarge the restaurant. Opening a new space, the restaurant started advertising music acts. Furthermore, by 1990, they branched out to include comedy acts.