The bug of local businesses closing has claimed another victim just off one of Downtown’s most notable corridors, as a restaurant and performance venue has announced they won’t be lasting much past New Year’s Eve.
FM opened at 340 Third Street back in early 2017 as a 1970s-themed restaurant. After re-launching later that year, the venue began to showcase local bands, DJs, and art groups focusing on up-and-coming acts throughout Jersey City.
Besides live music, the space hosted Lillian Bustle’s hugely popular JCBurlesque series during their run. But FM apparently couldn’t make it work long-term and last week the Jersey Journal broke the news via co-owner Tony Susco that the restaurant will be closing up shop early next year.
There are still shows scheduled over the next few weeks for those wishing to stop by before the end of FM’s run, but the venue’s final night will be January 31. There is reportedly no new tenant set to take over the space.
While there have certainly been high-profile restaurant openings like DomoDomo over the last few months, Downtown Jersey City’s business community has been hit with a spate of recent closings that include Piggyback Bar, Third and Vine, Talde, TapHaus, and even the Golden Cicada. While they all certainly have different reasons for shutting, the glut of closings is undoubtedly a trend that locals hope stays in 2019.
While FM’s days are numbered, Jersey City does have a few other music and performance venues like White Eagle Hall, WFMU’s Monty Hall, and the upcoming Provost Listening Room that can fill the void.
