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After GAC Hospitality temporarily closed The Hudson Rose for a rebrand in July, the team is unveiling the modern Italian eatery that will take its place on Franklin Avenue in Nutley.
Scheduled to open Aug. 14, Bacarosa will feature items like wood-fired pizza, antipasti and handmade seasonal pastas. It will also serve small plates and large-format dishes for sharing. Additionally, the restaurant will offer a wine list of over 90 selections designed to pair with the menu, as well as cocktails inspired by Italian wines and ingredients. During Happy Hour, it will price select wines and cocktails at $6 and under, owners said.
Bacarosa will launch with dinner service but will add lunch and weekend brunch in the coming weeks, according to GAC Hospitality. The restaurant’s private event space, The Harlow Room, remains available for gatherings of up to 200 guests.
Andrew Riccatelli, The Hudson Rose’s chef and Food Network “Chopped” champion, and Eric Binder, the restaurant’s general manager, spearheaded the update. According to GAC Hospitality, the pair spent months working on the new concept.
Turning the page
Since its August 2024 grand opening, The Hudson Rose became known locally for its elevated American cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails.
According to the team, the name Bacarosa is a tribute to the former establishment.
“Bacaro is Italian for bar or tavern serving small places, so the name is inspired by that and also pays homage to The Hudson Rose,” the spokesperson said.
Riccatelli said, “We loved everything The Hudson Rose stood for and now we’re turning the page to something a little more convivial and a lot more Italian. Bacarosa is a place where bold flavors and fresh ingredients come together and every meal feels like a celebration. We can’t wait to share what we’ve been cooking up with our guests.”
GAC Hospitality’s first restaurant, Point Pleasant casual dining spot Pop’s Corner, opened two years ago.
Dining and Cooking