Montclair, NJ – When it comes to liquor, cups on Montclair’s Church Street will soon runneth over.
The street already got its first restaurant with a liquor license when Fresco Da Franco scored a coveted one earlier this year.
Now Fresco Da Franco owner, Hollywood producer Franco Porporino Jr., has announced plans that will allow him to bring even more cocktails to Church Street.
Coming soon to the Montclair dining scene is Bar Franco, described as a “high-end, bespoke aperitivo bar.”
Porporino, who has owned Fresco Da Franco for more than 10 years, describes a fresh vision for Bar Franco, which will be located in a space adjacent to Fresco.
“When I had the idea to expand Fresco Da Franco, I knew it had to be something that Montclair has never seen before. This is going to be an experience, not just a bar. Think bespoke elegance and opulence when it comes to the atmosphere,” says Porporino. “Our specialty mixologists, who all hail from Italy, will not only be providing incredible cocktails, but a performative show. They are true artists when it comes to crafting cocktails.”
Selecting custom fixtures and furnishings to make the space one of a kind has been a labor of love for Porporino and his team.
“I spent over five months conceptualizing the design and feel of the bar. After several meetings with my interior designer and architect, Rachael Grochowski of RHG Architects + Design, we’ve designed a space that is old Hollywood meets the famous Harry Cipriani restaurant in Venice.”
In addition to Bar Franco, Porporino says renovations will begin soon for a private, members-only speakeasy club located directly beneath Bar Franco.
“It’s going to be the SOHO house of New Jersey, ultra exclusive, with membership by invitation only.”