Both residents and visitors traveling the Garden State Parkway in the first week of the new year may have been surprised to see that a fast food staple is not available to them.
A statement from the New Jersey Turnpike Authority said a contract for McDonald’s to operate two service areas, Brookdale South in Bloomfield and Vauxhall in Union, expired in late 2021, and Mickey D’s restaurants in both locations closed.
As of last summer, Brookdale South is now known as the Connie Chung Service Area, and Vauxhall has been named the Whitney Houston Service Area.
The NJTA statement said take-out and sell options will be offered to hungry motorists and passengers at both rest stops until spring, when McDonald’s buildings will be demolished and new construction will begin.
If completed as scheduled for 2023, each location promises a variety of dining options.
In Brookdale / Connie Chung, the NJTA said, there will be a Burger King, Chick-fil-A and Starbucks, and in Vauxhall / Whitney Houston, a Dunkin ‘, Popeyes and Shake Shack.
Both service areas will also operate convenience stores, according to the NJTA.
Patrick Lavery is the evening news anchor for New Jersey 101.5. FOLLOW on Twitter @ plavery1015 or email patrick.lavery@townsquaremedia.com.
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