Burn Boot Camp plans to open at 730 Morris Turnpike in Short Hills by the end of the year, while two familiar names have left downtown Millburn: Starbucks and Casa de Natas.
The openings and closings appear in an economic vitality report prepared by Michelle Lemieux for the Explore Millburn Short Hills board of trustees' annual meeting on Thursday, Oct. 22.
Two recent arrivals also made the report. YK Salon at 321 Millburn Ave. opened Oct. 6, with a ribbon cutting set for Nov. 12. Peel'd at 346 Millburn Ave. was expected to hold a soft opening the weekend of Oct. 16.
No details on why Starbucks or Casa de Natas closed appeared in the agenda materials.
Beyond the storefronts, the district is rolling out its first-ever walking food tour. The "Taste of Millburn," a three-hour guided walk featuring four to five restaurant stops, runs Sunday, Nov. 15 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Max Gray, who founded Chow Town Food Tours in 2024, pitched the concept to the board at its Sept. 17 meeting. Board member Robert Wasserman moved to negotiate an agreement with Chow Town, and the board approved unanimously. Explore Millburn Short Hills agreed to subsidize ticket prices with a promotional code saving $25, capped at $500 total.
"Millburn's dining scene reflects an incredible range of culinary traditions," Gray said in a Jersey Bites article. "This tour will allow folks to travel around the world by taking an easy stroll across town. …"
The board also approved a $1,875 cooperative marketing grant for Paper Mill Playhouse, tied to a state grant. The condition: the theater must display Explore Millburn Short Hills QR codes on its marketing materials and handouts to drive exposure for local businesses.
Two seasonal events round out the calendar. A Halloween event is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 30 from 2:30 to 6 p.m. The annual Winter Villages will run Friday, Dec. 11 and Saturday, Dec. 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. Expected construction at Town Hall Plaza pushed the event to Lot 6.
The board's next meeting is Thursday, Nov. 19 at 6:30 p.m.
