Randolph’s Corner Bistro Receives Morris County Small Business Grant

Published on June 07, 2022

Corner Bistro Small Business Grant 6 7 2022 2.jpg
Morris Hispanic-American Chamber & Randolph Join in Delivering $15,000 Check

The Morris County Board of County Commissioners delivered a $15,000 Small Business Grant Program check to The Corner Bistro in Randolph this afternoon with township officials and the Morris County Hispanic-American Chamber of Commerce (MCHACC).

Owners Oscar and Emma Vargas greeted Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen and Commissioners Deborah Smith and Stephen Shaw, who delivered the grant with a group of partners helping to promote local businesses. Among them were MCHACC Chairman Ralph Tejeda, Co-founder Esperanza Field, Karl Alvarez and Nelson Bohorquez.

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Randolph Mayor Marie Potter, Councilman Jim Loveys and Township Manager Steve Mountain attended as well, with the Mayor promoting the Randolph Economic Development Committee’s “shop local” campaign and services offered by the EDC.

Corner Bistro Small Business Grant 6 7 2022 3.jpg More than 600 applications have been filed since Morris County Small Business Program was launched on Valentine’s Day with the slogan, “Morris County Loves Small Business.” The Morris County Board of County Commissioners created the grant program using pandemic relief funding issued through the American Rescue Plan Act.

The Commissioners dedicated $10 million to the effort, and Morris County is still accepting applications.

Most of applications heading for final approval will provide each of the qualified businesses and nonprofits the maximum grant amount of $15,000.

“Our small business program is designed to assist entrepreneurs and nonprofits who were impacted by the pandemic. We know they have had many challenges in surviving the lockdowns and economic downturn related to the pandemic, and we are hope this will help,” said Director Selen.

The Corner Bistro, located in a corner portion of the College Plaza mall off Route 10 East in Randolph Township, has been open since 2014, but was forced to close for several months and lost customers for aCorner Bistro Small Business Grant 6 7 2022 4.jpg period while still trying to pay expenses. The restaurant remains a popular eatery, with outdoor seating as well as a quiet indoor atmosphere that permits patrons to bring their own alcoholic beverages.

The pandemic ended the Bistro’s offer of twice-weekly, musical entertainment, but the owners indicate they are planning on returning the musicians.

Photos:

Top Right: Director Selen presents a Small Business Grant check to Emma and Oscar Vargas (left). Behind them (l-r) are Celeste Leon, Commissioner Deborah Smith, Commissioner Stephen Shaw, MCHACC Co-Founder Esperanza Field, MCHACC Chair Ralph Tejeda, and Karl Alvarez.

Center Left: Outside The Corner Bistro (l-r) Randolph Councilman Jim Loveys, Township Manager Steve Mountain, Mayor Marie Potter, Morris County Commissioners Stephen Shaw and Deborah Smith, Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen, Corner Bistro owner Carlos Vargas and MCHACC members, including Co-Founder Esperanza Field, Nelson Bohorquez, Celeste Leon and Karl Alvarez.

Bottom Right: Corner Bistro owner Carlos Vargas (left) talks about business during an on-air interview with Celeste Leon, Director Selen and Esperanza Field.

 

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