It’s official: the owner of the building that houses the former Highland Place restaurant in Maplewood Village has signed a lease with a restauranteur who will completely renovate the space and open a new restaurant this fall.
“It’s going to be something like the town has never had,” said Max Kian, the building owner. “Like a brand-new restaurant.”
Kian declined to disclose the identity of the new lessee; however, his attorney has previously told the Township Committee Kian was in talks with the owner of a restaurant in Mountainside. (The Village Green was unable to reach the restaurateur for comment after several attempts; we will update this article if we receive more information.)
Kian said both the new operator was taking the lead with renovations though Kian was also involved. The new place is slated to open by October or early November, said Kian, before the holidays.
Meanwhile, Kian still must wait for the Township Committee to vote on whether to reverse its earlier decision not to renew Kian’s liquor license, something it indicated it would be amenable to if Kian showed proof of a lease or agreement.
