The culinary superstore that shuttered in December was bought by Bed Bath & Beyond.
PARAMUS-- Chef Central, the longtime culinary superstore on Route 17 that shuttered in December, was bought by Bed Bath & Beyond last week.
The purchase paves the way for Chef Central to be re-born at over 50 Bed, Bath & Beyond locations across the country, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission report filed by the company Wednesday.
The N.J. based retailer of home goods, with headquarters in Union, bought the Chef Central brand for $1,000,000 and payouts of up to $1,250,000, according to the report.
A Route 17 institution for almost two decades, Chef Central closed due to what owner Ron Eisenberg said was rising operating costs and competition from the internet.
Ron Eisenberg is the son of Warren Eisenberg, Bed Bath & Beyond's Co-Chairman, according to the report. Ron Eisenberg is expected to join the company to help build up the brand.
Bed Bath & Beyond said it plans to operate up to 50 free-standing stores, or specialty departments in current stores, under the Chef Central name or agreed upon branding.
Fausto Giovanny Pinto may be reached at fpinto@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @FGPreporting. Find NJ.com on Facebook.