Scotch Plains Welcomes Two New Businesses: Meet Again Café and Sushi BBY Omakase

Scotch Plains welcomed two new restaurants with ribbon-cutting ceremonies on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The openings represent community business growth and commercial district expansion. Municipal officials from Scotch Plains attended both ceremonies to recognize the new restaurant launches.

Meet Again Café — Italian-Japanese Fusion

Meet Again Café opened at 1985 US-22 in the building that previously housed Dunkin' Donuts. The café fuses Italian coffee artistry with Japanese light bites, creating a culinary concept combining two cultural food traditions.

The menu features Italian espresso beverages—cappuccinos, mochas, iced lattes—paired with Japanese light bites. Italian-style sandwiches on fresh baked bread share menu space with Japanese onigiri rice balls wrapped in nori seaweed with fillings including shrimp and eel. Menu items like the "Purple Rice Roll," made with red cabbage, purple rice, lettuce, sweet radish, and pork, represent fusion culinary approach.

Co-owners Tony Chen and Catherine Zhuo described their restaurant concept and cultural mission. "We are bringing something different," Chen said. "We want to bring two cultures together—East meets West." The café brings Japanese and Italian culinary traditions into unified dining experience.

Sushi BBY Omakase — Upscale Omakase Restaurant

Sushi BBY Omakase opened at 1832 East 2nd Street near Park Avenue, the former location of a juice bar. The upscale eatery offers multi-course progressive dining built around daily catch. The restaurant operates with no printed menu—chefs create experiences based on available fresh fish and culinary creativity.

The restaurant offers two dining options: 12-course or 17-course omakase progressions. Seatings last approximately 90 minutes and are by reservation only. The reservation-only model creates intimate, personalized dining experiences.

Partners Carmen Gumina, Po Chen, and Xida Zhao lead the restaurant. The three chefs met while working as omakase chefs in northern New Jersey and decided to open their own establishment. Their shared professional background reflects collaborative approach to restaurant launch and culinary vision.

Demand for the restaurant has been strong. The chefs reported that reservations were already booked into October—indicating community interest and market readiness for upscale omakase dining.

The restaurant operates as BYOB (bring your own beverage), enabling patrons to select accompanying beverages matching their omakase progression.

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Community Business Development and Municipal Support

Scotch Plains officials attended both ribbon-cutting ceremonies, signaling municipal support for business development. Mayor Josh Losardo, Councilmembers Matt Adams, Elizabeth Stamler and Ellen Zimmerman, Township Manager Margaret Heisey, and Economic Development Director Tom Strowe participated in ceremonies.

Municipal attendance at business openings reflects community commitment to commercial district vitality and economic development.

Commercial District Revitalization

Both restaurants occupy previously commercial spaces—a former Dunkin' Donuts location and former juice bar. Building reuse and commercial space occupation strengthens retail district and supports property utilization.

Culinary Diversity and Food Culture

The two restaurants represent diverse culinary traditions—Italian-Japanese fusion and upscale Japanese omakase. Culinary diversity strengthens dining options and community food culture.

Restaurant Industry and Employment

New restaurant openings support local employment, supplier relationships, and service sector growth. Restaurant workforce development and community economic activity result from business launches.

Reservation Dining and Experience Economy

The omakase restaurant's reservation-only model represents experiential dining trend. Reservation-based service creates personalized, intimate dining experiences distinguishing upscale restaurants.

Seasonal Fresh Fish and Culinary Sourcing

Omakase concept depends on daily fresh fish sourcing and chef expertise in fish selection and preparation. Culinary sourcing and ingredient quality reflect professional omakase standards.

BYOB Policy and Beverage Flexibility

The BYOB policy enables cost flexibility for diners selecting beverages. Policy supports diverse dining budgets and enables wine/beverage pairing choices.

For Scotch Plains Residents and Diners

The two restaurant openings provide new dining options representing diverse culinary traditions. Residents can explore Italian-Japanese fusion casual dining or experience upscale omakase progression dining by reservation.

Find more Scotch Plains business, restaurants, and local news on Union County Life.

Photo Credit: Scotch Plains

FAQ

Q: What new restaurants opened in Scotch Plains?
A: Meet Again Café (Italian-Japanese fusion at 1985 US-22) and Sushi BBY Omakase (upscale omakase at 1832 East 2nd Street) opened August 18, 2026.

Q: What type of food does Meet Again Café serve?
A: Italian-Japanese fusion. The menu features Italian espresso drinks (cappuccinos, mochas, lattes), sandwiches on fresh baked bread, and Japanese onigiri rice balls with various fillings.

Q: What is on the Meet Again Café menu?
A: Cappuccinos, mochas, iced lattes, fresh baked bread sandwiches, Japanese onigiri rice balls with shrimp and eel fillings, and fusion items like the Purple Rice Roll.

Q: Who owns Meet Again Café?
A: Tony Chen and Catherine Zhuo are co-owners. They created the café to fuse Italian coffee artistry with Japanese light bites.

Q: How does Sushi BBY Omakase work?
A: It offers 12-course or 17-course multi-course progressions built around daily catch, no printed menu. Chefs create personalized experiences. Seatings take 90 minutes, reservation-only.

Q: Who runs Sushi BBY Omakase?
A: Partners Carmen Gumina, Po Chen, and Xida Zhao, who met while working as omakase chefs in northern New Jersey.

Q: Can I make a reservation at Sushi BBY Omakase?
A: Yes, reservations are required. As of August 18, 2026, the restaurant was already booked into October.

Q: Does Sushi BBY Omakase have a liquor license?
A: The restaurant is BYOB (bring your own beverage), so diners select their own beverages.