Charley Closes in Harrison as Ani Ramen Team Plans New Japanese Restaurant
A popular restaurant near the Harrison PATH station has closed—but another major North Jersey hospitality group is already preparing to take over the space.
Charley closed in late August 2026 after four years inside the Harrison Urby apartment community. The 65-seat neighborhood restaurant was located at 202 Angelo Cifelli Drive in Harrison, New Jersey.
Montclair Hospitality Group, the company behind Ani Ramen House, will replace Charley with a new Japanese restaurant created specifically for Harrison Urby.
The new concept is expected to open in early 2027.
Why Did Charley in Harrison Close?
Charley announced its closing through social media after operating at Harrison Urby since 2022.
The restaurant was created through a collaboration between developer David Barry and chef Kurt Gutenbrunner, whose restaurant experience includes the Michelin-starred Wallsé in New York City.
Charley became known for Central European dishes, cocktails and weekend brunch. No specific reason for the closing was publicly announced.
What Is Replacing Charley at Harrison Urby?
Montclair Hospitality Group plans to open a new restaurant connected to its popular Ani Ramen brand.
The Harrison restaurant will feature Ani Ramen’s signature Tokyo-style craft ramen alongside new Japanese-inspired dishes created for the location.
A final restaurant name, complete menu and official opening date have not yet been announced.
The new restaurant will be located on the ground floor of Harrison Urby, close to the Harrison PATH station and Red Bull Arena.
Ani Ramen Continues Expanding in New Jersey
Ani Ramen began in Montclair in 2014 and has since expanded across New Jersey and the surrounding region.
The brand is known for ramen, bao buns, crispy gyoza and Japanese-inspired small plates. Montclair Hospitality Group also operates other restaurant concepts, including pastaRAMEN.
The upcoming Harrison location will continue the company’s expansion into walkable North Jersey communities with strong residential and commuter traffic.
Why This Harrison Restaurant Change Matters
Charley’s closing demonstrates how quickly the restaurant landscape can change around North Jersey’s growing luxury apartment developments.
Even restaurants with experienced chefs, strong reviews and built-in residential traffic are not guaranteed to remain open permanently.
At the same time, established hospitality groups are continuing to target these developments for new restaurant concepts. Harrison Urby will lose its Central European neighborhood restaurant but gain a recognizable Japanese brand with an established following across New Jersey.
Harrison Urby Restaurant Information
Former restaurant: Charley
Address: 202 Angelo Cifelli Drive, Harrison, NJ 07029
Location: Harrison Urby
Closed: August 2026
Replacement: New Japanese concept from the Ani Ramen team
Expected opening: Early 2027
Status: Announced, not yet open
Our Take
The biggest story is not simply that one Harrison restaurant closed and another is opening.
It is the continued transformation of Harrison into a North Jersey dining destination. Residential developments near the PATH station are attracting recognizable restaurant groups that want access to commuters, apartment residents and visitors attending events at Red Bull Arena.
The new Ani Ramen concept already has brand recognition throughout New Jersey. Its challenge will be creating something unique enough to feel like a Harrison restaurant—not simply another Ani Ramen location.
More information about the restaurant’s name, menu and opening date is expected closer to its early 2027 debut.