MORRISTOWN, NJ–A three-story space at the restored Vail Mansion has been leased to New York restaurateur Chris Cannon for creation of the Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen.
The Roseland division of Mack-Cali Realty and Woodmont Properties, co-developers of the historic property, made the deal after several years of searching for the right tenant.
The mansion was converted to commercial space years ago, and condominiums were built around it.
“After years of searching, we were finally able to locate the right New York City restaurateur to make this incredible space work as a four-star dining establishment,” said Stephen Santola of Woodmont. The developers had insisted that the only businesses they would consider had to perfectly complement the character of the one-time home of AT&T's first president Theodore Vail, Santola said.
Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen will offer contemporary American and Italian-inspired cuisine and an oyster and wine bar with a casual menu at a 1920's-style cocktail lounge, according to Cannon.
Theodore N. Vail built his mansion between 1916 and 1918, with the idea of creating an Italian Renaissance Palazzo-style mansion to house his extensive collection of art and family inventions.
Santola says Cannon “fell in love” with Vail Mansion at first sight and recognized its potential to become an iconic restaurant space. Cannon has commissioned eight artists to create original pieces for the restaurant, which is set beside the Mayo Performing Arts Center.
“Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen is an exceptional use for this space and a great way to connect the public to Vail Mansion while adding a unique flair to Morristown's thriving downtown restaurant scene,” said Roseland's Debra Tantleff. “Guests will be able to enjoy an elegant dining experience and revel in the historic ambience and architectural splendor of this one-of-a-kind location.”
“I couldn't imagine a more ideal location in New Jersey for a restaurant,” Cannon said. “There's no way I could ever find anything remotely like this in New York City, or even in New Jersey.”
Cannon, who lives in Mountain Lakes and was a principal in such restaurants as Palio, Convivio and James Beard Award winner Marea, intends to bring upscale farm-to-table dining to Morristown, he said.
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