Piermont's Mayor, however, is beneath contempt.
The Mayor of Piermont is named Bruce Edward Tucker. Mayor Tucker has been such a harmful disaster for the Village of Piermont and its resident taxpayers, that he quit in disgrace. In other words, Tucker just announced to local news outlet "News 12" a few weeks ago that he will not be running for re-election in November.
It is nevertheless the sworn mission of this Blog and Unhand Piermont! to force Mayor Bruce Tucker to resign immediately and apologize to the people of Piermont and Rockland County for his rank incompetence and all the damage that he has caused. We are not going to wait until Bruce Tucker’s mayoral term ends. Bruce Tucker needs to get out of office, now, and he needs to take his pathetically shady and corrupt land-use hustles with him.
Mayor Bruce Tucker has an awful track-record of economic and other failure. It is a track-record that Tucker concealed in at least large part if not entirely from the Piermont voters before first elected Mayor of Piermont in late 2017.
The Mayor of Piermont is named Bruce Edward Tucker. Mayor Tucker has been such a harmful disaster for the Village of Piermont and its resident taxpayers, that he quit in disgrace. In other words, Tucker just announced to local news outlet "News 12" a few weeks ago that he will not be running for re-election in November.
It is nevertheless the sworn mission of this Blog and Unhand Piermont! to force Mayor Bruce Tucker to resign immediately and apologize to the people of Piermont and Rockland County for his rank incompetence and all the damage that he has caused. We are not going to wait until Bruce Tucker’s mayoral term ends. Bruce Tucker needs to get out of office, now, and he needs to take his pathetically shady and corrupt land-use hustles with him.
Mayor Bruce Tucker has an awful track-record of economic and other failure. It is a track-record that Tucker concealed in at least large part if not entirely from the Piermont voters before first elected Mayor of Piermont in late 2017.
Essentially, Bruce Tucker is a loser from Jersey who
snuck into the Piermont mayoral space with little to no meaningful opposition.
Much of this was also the fault of the Piermont voters and local political
party operatives in Piermont and the Town of Orangetown, New York. They did
little to no due diligence on Bruce Tucker. They waited for me to dig up Bruce
Tucker’s sordid past and post it to this Blog.
Well, a new development has now been dug up.
As you have read on this Blog previously, Bruce Tucker was a former owner and operator of a greasy pig barbeque restaurant and sleazy bar in Elizabeth, New Jersey - named “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon” and “Lava Lounge” respectively. Tucker owned these two inter-related businesses right before he became Piermont Mayor. Yet Bruce Tucker appears to have told few if any Piermont residents about his twin Jersey antecedent disasters. That’s OK. I have now told you about them, on this Blog, accompanied by posted copies of primary-source documents obtained through use of New Jersey’s open records (OPRA) laws.
Bruce Tucker had two co-venturers in “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon” and “Lava Lounge”. One of the co-venturers was named Philip S. Costanza, who simply goes by "Philip Costanza". The name Philip Costanza is a name known to the New Jersey judiciary. You can look up Philip Costanza on PACER. I did.
Well, a new development has now been dug up.
As you have read on this Blog previously, Bruce Tucker was a former owner and operator of a greasy pig barbeque restaurant and sleazy bar in Elizabeth, New Jersey - named “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon” and “Lava Lounge” respectively. Tucker owned these two inter-related businesses right before he became Piermont Mayor. Yet Bruce Tucker appears to have told few if any Piermont residents about his twin Jersey antecedent disasters. That’s OK. I have now told you about them, on this Blog, accompanied by posted copies of primary-source documents obtained through use of New Jersey’s open records (OPRA) laws.
Bruce Tucker had two co-venturers in “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon” and “Lava Lounge”. One of the co-venturers was named Philip S. Costanza, who simply goes by "Philip Costanza". The name Philip Costanza is a name known to the New Jersey judiciary. You can look up Philip Costanza on PACER. I did.
Here is one of the things I found out about Mayor Bruce Tucker's former Smokehouse and Lava Lounge co-venturer Philip Costanza:
A garmento scamming other garmentos. Welcome to Elizabeth,
New Jersey.
So, three men – maintenance man Philip Costanza, another man named Bruce Kain, and the garmento who became Piermont Mayor Bruce Tucker, each owned one-third of “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon” and “Lava Lounge”. The three also appear to have each owned one-third of the holding corporation “BPB Holding Corp”. BPB in turn appears, at least for a time, to have owned or controlled the subject real estate upon which the restaurant and bar sat. Yet Bruce Tucker’s “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon” and “Lava Lounge” turned out to be abject economic failures. Would you bring your family to hang out on an Elizabeth, New Jersey waterfront in the dead of night? I didn’t think so.
It is not yet clear why Bruce Tucker decided to cut-in a building maintenance man in the form of Philip Costanza, as Tucker’s one-third co-venturer in an inherently-speculative restaurant and bar business. Did Philip Costanza appreciate the risks of putting his name on the documentation, or for that matter, the risks of co-venturing with a garmento scam-artist like Bruce Tucker?
In the liquor license application documentation,
Bruce Tucker claimed that the shareholder co-venturers funded the restaurant
and bar enterprise with personal funds. So, query. Did Bruce Tucker actually require a
maintenance man with a family to pony-up real money to buy-in to a waterfront
bar and restaurant in Elizabeth, New Jersey? You will need to ask Philip Costanza.
The public-record documentation has yet to reveal these particular answers.
In any event, the Bruce Tucker businesses crashed, just like anything else Bruce Tucker did in his adult life after college. Maintenance man Philip Costanza proceeded to file a voluntary Chapter 7 petition with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, D.N.J., in Newark, New Jersey, on June 16, 2014 (Case 14-22405-VFP). The bankruptcy case terminated less than a year later on April 27, 2015. Filing bankruptcy in Newark would be something almost as bad as dying in Secaucus or living in Camden.
The most telling piece of the Philip Costanza bankruptcy Court file printed in relevant part below, is found at Section 10 of Philip Costanza’s Voluntary Petition in bankruptcy. That Section 10 is titled “Other [T]ransfers”. I printed it above and print it again here:
In any event, the Bruce Tucker businesses crashed, just like anything else Bruce Tucker did in his adult life after college. Maintenance man Philip Costanza proceeded to file a voluntary Chapter 7 petition with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, D.N.J., in Newark, New Jersey, on June 16, 2014 (Case 14-22405-VFP). The bankruptcy case terminated less than a year later on April 27, 2015. Filing bankruptcy in Newark would be something almost as bad as dying in Secaucus or living in Camden.
The most telling piece of the Philip Costanza bankruptcy Court file printed in relevant part below, is found at Section 10 of Philip Costanza’s Voluntary Petition in bankruptcy. That Section 10 is titled “Other [T]ransfers”. I printed it above and print it again here:
As you can read from the printed “.jpeg” excerpt above, Philip Costanza's Section 10 (“Other [T]ransfers”) disclosed a May 14, 2014 transfer from Philip Costanza to Bruce Tucker of:
(A) “16.665% of the stock of BPB Holding Corp. for $1.00” [bold-face emphasis added], and
(B) “33.33 shares of stock for Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.”
These transfers therefore occurred but one calendar month and two days prior to Philip Costanza’s Chapter 7 filing with the Bankruptcy Court in Newark.
That’s right. Philip Costanza, presumably already well-aware that he was in financial distress by May 2014, dumped his then-existing interests in “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon” and “Lava Lounge” back to Tucker. (It's not yet clear how or when the Costanza one-third interest in the holding corporation was cut in half). Was the timing of the Costanza stock-dump intentional?
Come on.
Was Bruce Tucker involved
in the Costanza decision and the timing?
You may have your instinct on these particular answers, and I certainly do - but the
public-record documentation has yet to reveal them.
Whatever the case, as you can see from the disposition of the Costanza bankruptcy reflected in the uploaded “.jpeg” court documents below, the Philip
Costanza stock-dump prevented Costanza’s interests in “Front Street Smokehouse
& Saloon” and “Lava Lounge” from getting sucked-up into the Newark Chapter
7 bankruptcy proceeding. That means that the Philip Costanza stock-dump prevented Bruce Tucker, “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon”, and “Lava Lounge” from getting sucked-up into the Newark Chapter 7 Costanza bankruptcy proceeding, too. Given that the Costanza-to-Tucker transfers occurred
but one calendar month and two days prior to Costanza’s Chapter 7 filing with
the Bankruptcy Court in Newark, this certainly appears to be the closest of
close calls.
If Costanza had not dumped his stock in the Bruce Tucker businesses in time, instead of being tacitly acknowledged as belonging to Bruce Tucker for a dollar by virtue of apparent Court non-action, those Costanza interests may have been required to be instead included in the bankrupt estate and distributed in some proportionate manner to Costanza’s many unsecured creditors. Perhaps that assumes liquidation, quantification, appraisal, and net positive numbers. In any event, you can see all the names and addresses of those Costanza creditors in the “.jpeg” court documents posted below.
If Costanza had not dumped his stock in the Bruce Tucker businesses in time, instead of being tacitly acknowledged as belonging to Bruce Tucker for a dollar by virtue of apparent Court non-action, those Costanza interests may have been required to be instead included in the bankrupt estate and distributed in some proportionate manner to Costanza’s many unsecured creditors. Perhaps that assumes liquidation, quantification, appraisal, and net positive numbers. In any event, you can see all the names and addresses of those Costanza creditors in the “.jpeg” court documents posted below.
Bankruptcy court practice is a specialty-within-a-specialty. It is highly technical. There are also local court rules, procedures, and customs and practices to consider. What prevails on the Newark or Elizabeth streets, you cannot always locate in a code-book. Yet I ask the bankruptcy practitioners out there, these questions.
In a situation like this, especially wherein the purchase-price for a restaurant, a bar, and the holding company for the real estate upon which they sit, is cited in documentation filed with a United States federal court as a laughable token consideration of US$1.00 only, in this case on the proverbial eve of the Philip Costanza Chapter 7 filing:
(A) Is it already obvious to all bankruptcy counsel that such a transfer cannot be deemed a “preferential payment” within a 90-day preference-period look-back?
-and-
(B) Even if not a “preference” under the applicable bankruptcy statute or statutes, is it already obvious to all bankruptcy counsel that such conveyances are not otherwise improper? In that regard, wouldn’t the unsecured Costanza creditors have preferred inclusion of the Smokehouse Lava assets into the bankrupt estate, rather than exclusion?
What I am really wondering, is how common it is for imminent debtors to offload their common property with business co-venturers on the proverbial eve of a bankruptcy filing. Anytime that I ever saw a bankruptcy preference, it was money and not stock. What do you think?
I recognize that the stock and shares may have been determined to be economically-worthless in the Costanza matter, since the Bruce Tucker restaurant and bar were already admitted by Tucker himself in an Elizabeth, New Jersey public City Council hearing to have been fiscal failures almost at inception. Perhaps this makes my inquiry about the propriety vel non of the transfers, moot.
I also recognize that in his Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition, through counsel, Philip
Costanza disclosed the transfers that he made back to Bruce Tucker and their date - which would in turn lead me to believe that the filer was
not hiding anything from the United States Bankruptcy Court or otherwise.
Yet I am curious as to why Philip Costanza’s one-third interest in the restaurant, bar, and the holding corporation for the subject real estate were apparently not sought to be “clawed-back” into the bankrupt estate by the bankruptcy Trustee, for ultimate distribution to creditors. What key step might I be missing in the analysis?
And no, I cannot ask the Trustee these same questions now. Because that Trustee now sits as United States Bankruptcy Judge in the same Court.
What follows below are the Bankruptcy Court documents citing the Philip Costanza stock-dump back to Bruce Tucker, and then a written Bruce Tucker time-line as relating to Philip Costanza.
Sometimes, what happens in Jersey doesn't stay in Jersey.
The Costanza - Tucker - Smokehouse - Lava Lounge Time-Line:
2004 06 25. This is the date of the filing of the
New Jersey Certificate of Incorporation of Bruce Tucker’s “Front Street
Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” in Elizabeth, New Jersey. (Certificate Of
Incorporation Number 0100928385). The filing identifies Bruce Tucker as one of
the corporation’s three Directors, holding 100 of a total authorized 1,000
shares, along with a Director and Tucker co-venturer named “Philip Costanza”,
and a third Director and co-venturer named “Bruce L. Kain”. It is not clear
why Bruce Tucker includes Philip Costanza within the closed circle of the three
co-venturers.
2004 11 08. Bruce Tucker’s “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” files an Annual Special Tax Registration And Return form (ATF F 5630.5) with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
2004 11 09. Bruce Tucker’s “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” files its Retail Liquor License Application for a person-to-person transfer of a pocket liquor license from “South Sea, Inc.” with the State of New Jersey, Department Of Law And Public Safety, Division Of Alcoholic Beverage Control (“NJ State Liquor Authority”), State-Assigned License Number 2004-33-227-001, Sales Tax Registration Number B 221-694-399/000. The application suggests an activation date of 06-27-05. The application asks that the basement and first floor, only, be licensed. The application indicates that an additional business other than the sale of alcoholic beverages (presumably, restaurant food) will be conducted on the to-be-licensed premises. The application further indicates that the applicant both owns the building pursuant to an existing mortgage, also leases the building, and lists “BPB Holding Corp.” as the landlord. “BPB” is an acronym for “Bruce (Tucker), Philip (Costanza), and Bruce (Kain)”. The application further indicates that Bruce Tucker owns or controls 1/3 of the business by result of holding 100 shares of the corporation as a Stockholder and Vice-President. Bruce Kain and Philip Costanza each own or control their own 100 shares and 1/3 interest in the business, respectively. The NJ State Liquor Authority application appears to be signed by Bruce Kain, Philip Costanza, and Attorney Kugelman, but not by Bruce Tucker.
2004 11 09. A further New Jersey state “Plenary Retail Consumption” “Transfer Application” document approved by the Elizabeth Liquor Board with “Special Conditions Attached”, lists the License Number as 2004-33-227-002, with Effective Date of 12-20-2004.
2004 11 30. The Application For Bulk Sale Permit (BSP) filed by Bruce Tucker’s “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” with the New Jersey State Liquor Authority indicates that the former liquor licensee was “Frank J. Pawlicki, Executor”, and that alcoholic beverage inventory is not being purchased in connection with the requested pocket license transfer.
2004 12 06. The “Rider To Asset Purchase Agreement” indicates that it is contingent upon Buyers Bruce Tucker, Philip Costanza, and Bruce Kain purchasing from Frank J. Pawlicki the real property located at “1A South Front Street” and “3A-9A South Front Street” in Elizabeth, New Jersey. This document is signed by Bruce Tucker.
2004 12 07. An “Affidavit Of Source Of Funds” signed by Bruce Tucker indicates that personal funds of the Smokehouse shareholders are being used to acquire the license and the business - and that a purchase money mortgage loan from Abrams & Co., Inc. is being used to buy the real estate “with the balance of the purchase price from personal funds of the shareholders”.
2004 12 20. Effective as of this date, the City Of Elizabeth New Jersey City Council, convening as the Municipal Board Of Alcoholic Beverage Control Of The City Of Elizabeth, New Jersey (“Elizabeth Liquor Board”) approves the transfer of a pocket liquor license to Bruce Tucker’s “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” - with the express condition and restriction of “Go-Go and dancing prohibited”. Tucker and his company later appeal to overturn the dancing prohibition.
2004 12 20. But a few short months after its New Jersey Certificate of Incorporation was filed, this is the approximate date upon which Bruce Tucker’s “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” started economically failing, according to the admission that Bruce Tucker later made in a transcribed public hearing on January 25, 2010 to the City of Elizabeth liquor authority and City Council. (See below). However, the restaurant does not appear to have been announced in public-record sources as being open to the dining public until late 2005 or early 2006, suggesting that it had opened as a bar, alone, first-in-time, and that it was already economically failing as a bar by the time that the restaurant later opened.
2005 01 01. Although the exact date is yet uncertain, Bruce Tucker’s Smokehouse co-venturer Philip Costanza takes on a job in “Maintenance” with “Palin Enterprises” at 107 Trumbull Street in Elizabeth. 107 Trumbull Street is the address of Bruce Tucker’s “Rainbow Linens” garmento sheet and towel wholesale company. It is not clear why Bruce Tucker has made the building’s maintenance man a one-third owner and 100-share shareholder of “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” along with Bruce Kain.
2005 02 17. Bruce Tucker changes the Registered Agent for service of process of “Rainbow Linens, Inc.”, to his own name at an Elizabeth, New Jersey P.O. Box.
2005 04 29. Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. files a liquor license renewal application with the New Jersey State Liquor Authority, and indicates that the license will be actively used at an operating place of business on 06-27-05. However, in this renewal application, Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. changes its tune and indicates that the applicant does not own the building, a change from the 11-09-2024 application. Again, the application appears to be signed by Bruce Kain and maintenance man Philip Costanza, but not by Bruce Tucker.
2005 05 31. A document filed by Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. with the New Jersey State Liquor Authority indicates the activation of the liquor license Number 2004-33-227-002, “actively used at an operating place of business”.
2005 06 27. This is the apparent activation date of Bruce Tucker’s “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” Retail Liquor License, per Tucker’s application for a person-to-person transfer of a pocket liquor license with the NJ State Liquor Authority, State-Assigned License Number 2004-33-227-001.
2005 08 27. Principals in Bruce Tucker’s “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” win the “Cabela’s BBQ Cookoff” barbeque competition in Hamburg, Pennsylvania, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum that may have been a planted comment by a social media publicist seeking to drum-up business. These principals were likely Bruce Kain and Bruce Tucker, but not maintenance man Philip Costanza.
2005 09 15. Two of the three principals in Bruce Tucker’s “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” appear on the Food Network, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum that may have been a planted comment by a social media publicist seeking to drum-up business. These two principals were Bruce Kain and Bruce Tucker, and not maintenance man Philip Costanza.
2005 09 23. A “tasting” is scheduled at Bruce Tucker’s “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.”, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum that may have been a planted comment by a social media publicist seeking to drum-up business. Scheduled to perform at the event are Bruce Tucker with “The Old No.7 Band” along with Bruce’s guitarist and friend Howard Cohen.
2005 09 27. “BPB Holding Corp”, a New Jersey corporation comprised of Bruce Tucker, Bruce Kain, and maintenance man Philip Costanza, executes a “Mortgage and Security Agreement” with Bruce Tucker as “Lender” over a US$400,000 purchase money mortgage loan for the Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon property on South Front Street in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
2005 10 15. This is the approximate date that Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. was invited to the Jack Daniels Invitational Barbeque Championship in Lynchburg, Tennessee, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum that may have been a planted comment by a social media publicist seeking to drum-up business.
2005 11 23. This was the approximate scheduled opening date for Bruce Tucker’s “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.”, characterized by Bruce Tucker as the Old No. 7 Band’s “new bar (& soon to be BBQ restaurant)”, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum that may have been a planted comment by a social media publicist seeking to drum-up business. The flyer for the event touts, inter alia, Bruce Tucker on banjo and guitar, Bruce Kain on bass, and Howard Cohen on guitar, and adds, “[A]nd try the Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon specialty drink, The PIGTINI!”
2006 02 17. This is the approximate opening date of Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc., according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum that may have been a planted comment by a social media publicist seeking to drum-up business.
2006 03 06. Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. is announced as “finally open for business”, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum. Prophetically, the comment notes that on a Saturday afternoon around 5:00, “the place was pretty empty”.
2006 03 17. Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. is announced as considering opening up its upstairs area, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum that may have been a planted comment by a social media publicist seeking to drum-up business. It is not yet clear if the upstairs ever opened.
2006 03 17. Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. is announced as virtually empty on a Saturday at around 5:00 PM, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum: “Only one other table was occupied and maybe 2 or 3 people at the bar ordering take-out”.
2006 03 19. Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. is again announced as virtually empty, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum: “I was surprised by how quiet it was when we got there...”
2006 03 20. Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. is considered “kind of off the beaten path”, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum. Other “eGullet” posts within the same general time-frame remark upon how “rough” and unsafe the neighborhood is, and how “unscenic” the drive is to get there and back. To similar effect, a post from 2006 03 21 assures us: “[A]s long as you are alert and aware of your surroundings, you should be fine”. [Emphasis supplied].
2006 03 22. Bruce Tucker himself chimes in on the “eGullet” forum, indicating that he has likely been reading the “eGullet” forum comments the entire time since the restaurant opened. In his post, Bruce Tucker assures us, “As with any urban area, you must always be vigilant”. He also admits that the fenced-in parking lot behind the restaurant has yet to be completed, and directs people to park on the street. Incidentally, what Tucker tells no one in this “eGullet” forum post is that Elizabeth, New Jersey is perennially one of the top 5 cities in New Jersey for car theft. Elizabeth recently clocked-in with the ignominious honor of being #3. Elizabeth’s average number of autos stolen? 1204. Elizabeth’s number of autos stolen per 1,000 people? 9.6. Sure, maybe not Newark, but Elizabeth tries harder.
2006 03 26. Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. is again announced as virtually empty, this time on a Saturday night at around 8:00 PM, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum: “[O]nly one other table-for-two was occupied”... “So - our concern is that on a Saturday night there was only us - and two other people eating”.
2006 04 01. Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. is announced as unacceptably smoky, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum: “I found it VERY smoky, and I had to air out my clothes that night (and I’m not particularly sensitive to smoke)”. It is clear from the context of the comment that this “eGullet” commenter was not referring to barbeque smoke, but to cigarette smoke from either patrons or staff.
2006 04 01. Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. is again announced as virtually empty, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum: “...[I]t was not really very crowded when we went, happy hour was just ending”.
2006 04 01. Another patron of Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. complains about the cigarette smoke, in a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum: “I’m extremely allergic to smoke, and on my first visit to [Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon], didn’t notice any smoke at all (we sat a[t] tables). My second time, we sat at the bar, and until two people a few seats away started smoking, I didn’t have a problem. Of course, once they did, it was all over, and the clothes I was wearing went in a bag of their own when I got home”. It is clear from the context of this comment, too, that this “eGullet” commenter was not referring to barbeque smoke, but to cigarette smoke from either patrons or staff.
2006 04 01. Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. is yet again announced as virtually empty, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum: “I was in a few afternoons ago... and the place was mostly empty”.
2006 04 03. Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. is announced as closed, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum: “Tried to go today for lunch, got there at 2:30 and FSS was closed, arghh[sic]. I thought [that] the place was open for lunch. There are no hours listed and no phone number either. I really like this place but this information should be available at the door. Did I miss it?”
2006 04 11. A comment on the “eGullet” forum slams Bruce Tucker’s “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon”, its food, and its music: “I was underwhelmed. I got the 2-part combo with baby backs and sausages, which was genuine BBQ, but the flavor was nothing special... At least on Saturday night, the 2-guitar combo was deafening, blotting out all conversation. It took me 45 minutes of wandering to get back on the Interstate, so leave a trail of breadcrumbs on the way in.”
2006 04 12. Defending their review, the commenter adds: “My baseline is a no-name place in Chattanooga, TN, on Dodson Avenue next to the bowling alley. It’s been run by a... grandfather, father and son since the 1950s. Their ribs have a great crust and burnt ends that raise the flavor level, which Front Street didn’t have. By comparison, Front Street had little pork flavor… [Front Street]’s sausages were, for me, too upper class, with too many spice notes. I prefer juicier ones with maybe one spice and the Southern amount of fat… [Front Street]’s cole slaw was very good, but again, an upper class version that called attention to too many flavors. It should be an accompaniment, not a co-star… The [Front Street] baked beans were blah. The sugar was under control, but I want more bean flavor, with some fatback rather than lean pork… BBQ should be a sin, not a gourmet dish. I want to pull off the meat and gnaw the marrow out of the soft ends of the bones.... Finally, I want the experience to be about the BBQ, not the music.”
2006 04 14. Another poster then replies on the “eGullet” forum to refute those critical comments. That reply commenter may have been operating as a social media publicist deputized to refute negative comments about the restaurant.
2006 04 14. Bruce Tucker’s “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon” in Elizabeth, New Jersey, is reviewed by the Newark Star Ledger, notably calling Bruce Tucker’s fries “limp and soggy”.
2006 04 14. In response to the Star Ledger review, a commenter on the “eGullet” forum chimes-in by way of reply: “[I] don’t recall the sweet potato fries being exactly crispy. [I] suppose “limp” is the other extreme. [P]ersonally [I] like them a bit crispier, but that’s a personal preference. [I]’m certainly not shocked to hear someone describe them as “limp”, though...”
2006 05 02. Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. files an application with the New Jersey State Liquor Authority for a “Place to Place Transfer” seeking to transfer License Number 2004-33-227-002 for the period 2006 to 2007, and for an expansion of the premises rear patio, effective 05-23-06. Grounds adjacent to the building under license are intended to be included as part of the licensed premises. Unlike prior liquor license application documents, Abrams & Co. is no longer listed as holder of the mortgage on the real estate, and the “mortgagee/holder of mortgage” is instead identified as Bruce Tucker. This document does not appear to bear Bruce Tucker’s signature.
2006 05 13. A commenter on the “eGullet” forum notes: “[T]he atmosphere is more bar-like than restaurant-like”, a prophetic signaling of the end of Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon in favor of the disreputable “Lava Lounge” to follow.
2006 05 21. Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. is again announced as considering opening up its upstairs area as well as an outdoor patio, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum that may have been a planted comment by a social media publicist seeking to drum-up business. It is not yet clear if the upstairs or outdoor patio ever opened.
2006 05 28. Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. is again announced as empty, this time on a Friday night, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum: “The place was empty other than a couple of people at the bar”. A photo of the bar and restaurant accompanying the “eGullet” post confirms this. The commenter also laments that the brisket is “machine-sliced, which I think is a shame”, indicates no love lost for the sausage, and berates the restaurant for having no greens on the menu: “NO GREENS? At a BBQ joint?”.
2006 06 06. Bruce Tucker’s Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. files a liquor license renewal application with the New Jersey State Liquor Authority, for license term 2006-2007, with City of Elizabeth identified as the Issuing Authority.
2007 06 05. Bruce Tucker’s Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. files a liquor license renewal application with the New Jersey State Liquor Authority, for license term 2007-2008, with City of Elizabeth identified as the Issuing Authority - now as License Number 2004-33-227-003.
2008 03 07. A poster on the “eGullet” forum comments that he hasn’t “heard boo about [Bruce Tucker’s Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon] in ages”.
2008 06 09. Bruce Tucker’s Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. files a liquor license renewal application with the New Jersey State Liquor Authority, for license term 2008-2009, with City of Elizabeth identified as the Issuing Authority.
2008 11 24. The City Of Elizabeth Liquor Board puts forth a resolution now allowing dancing at the licensed Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon premises, issued on these special conditions: “No promotions, no outside promoters, no charge at the door, no Go-go”.
2008 11 29. An apparent liquor license transfer occurs relating to Bruce Tucker’s liquor license in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
2009 05 01. This is the approximate date upon which Mrs. Ferrera, a resident of the City of Elizabeth and residential neighbor of Bruce Tucker’s “Lava Lounge” on Front Street, claims to have first heard unacceptable noise emanating from Bruce Tucker’s “Lava Lounge” - as she later reports to the Elizabeth alcohol authority and City Council in a January 25, 2010 hearing. (See below).
2009 05 21. This is the approximate date that Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon closed, according to a post on the “eGullet” forum. It appears that by this date, Bruce Tucker has closed the restaurant solely in favor of neighborhood blight “Lava Lounge”.
2009 06 05. Bruce Tucker’s Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. files a liquor license renewal application with the New Jersey State Liquor Authority, for license term 2009-2010, with City of Elizabeth identified as the Issuing Authority.
2009 07 30. This is the date of Bruce Tucker’s Alternate Name Filing Certificate with the State of New Jersey Division Of Revenue identifying “Lava Lounge” as a “restaurant and tavern”, and as an alternate identity of “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” This document is signed by Bruce Tucker.
2009 12 14. The City Of Elizabeth Liquor Board writes Bruce Tucker a letter slamming him and Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. for loud music complaints by neighborhood residents, and demanding his presence at a 1-25-2010 hearing. The letter contemplates a suspension of the liquor license, demands that the offending activities cease, and notifies agencies to inspect the premises for compliance with local ordinances.
2010 01 25. The City of Elizabeth Liquor Board and City Council shame and humiliate Bruce Tucker and his “Lava Lounge”, in a memorable transcribed public hearing. Residents of the City of Elizabeth angrily testify against Bruce Tucker and his “Lava Lounge” at this hearing.
2010 01 25. In the same public hearing, Bruce Tucker admits to the City of Elizabeth liquor board and City Council, that he was compelled to open “Lava Lounge” out of “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon”, because “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon” had been failing since approximately December 2004 - just a few short months after it had opened.
2010 02 04. Front Street Smokehouse lawyer William Kugelman writes the City of Elizabeth Alcohol Board explaining a client gaffe failure to perfect the alternate name filing, a gaffe in payment for a dance hall license, a gaffe in dancing permissions, and fire code and fire sprinkler issues involving the Elizabeth Fire Department.
2010 02 09. Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. files another liquor license application with the New Jersey State Alcohol Authority, listing “Lava Lounge” as “trade name under which business is to be conducted”, with the license “actively used at an operating place of business”.
2010 05 18. Bruce Tucker’s Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. files a liquor license renewal application with the New Jersey State Liquor Authority, for license term 2010-2011, with City of Elizabeth identified as the Issuing Authority.
2011 03 13. Less than two months after the public hearing before the City of Elizabeth liquor board and City Council, there is a large fight at the site of Bruce Tucker’s “Lava Lounge” in Elizabeth, New Jersey, with a report of possibly one shot fired. The City of Elizabeth Police Department is called to the scene.
2011 05 03. Bruce Tucker’s Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. files a liquor license renewal application with the New Jersey State Liquor Authority, for license term 2011-2012, with City of Elizabeth identified as the Issuing Authority.
2011 07 05. Noise is again reported at the site of Bruce Tucker’s “Lava Lounge” in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The City of Elizabeth Police Department is again called to the scene.
2011 07 20. A disturbance is again reported at the site of Bruce Tucker’s “Lava Lounge” in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The City of Elizabeth Police Department is again called to the scene.
2011 08 08. There are multiple reports of loud noise and a disorderly group, at the site of Bruce Tucker’s “Lava Lounge” in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The City of Elizabeth Police Department is again called to the scene.
2011 08 25. Noise and “loud and disorderlies”[sic] are reported at the site of Bruce Tucker’s “Lava Lounge” in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The City of Elizabeth Police Department is again called to the scene.
2011 08 27. Victim Bryan Cleza is beaten-up gang-style while exiting Bruce Tucker’s “Lava Lounge”. Cleza is beaten-up by the Bruce Tucker Lava Lounge disc jockey and seven of the disc jockey’s male associates. The City of Elizabeth Police Department is again called to the scene. Victim Cleza is left to be driven to the hospital by Cleza’s father.
2011 10 02. Multiple reports of loud noise emanating from one or more open bar doors are again reported at the site of Bruce Tucker’s “Lava Lounge” in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The City of Elizabeth Police Department is again called to the scene.
2011 10 29. Multiple reports of loud music and noise are again reported at the site of Bruce Tucker’s “Lava Lounge” in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The City of Elizabeth Police Department is again called to the scene.
2011 10 30. Loud noise is again reported at the site of Bruce Tucker’s “Lava Lounge” in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The City of Elizabeth Police Department is again called to the scene.
2011 10 30. Loud noise is again reported at the site of Bruce Tucker’s “Lava Lounge” in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The City of Elizabeth Police Department is again called to the scene.
2011 12 25. As Bruce Tucker’s Christmas present to his City of Elizabeth residential neighbors with families, loud music is again reported at the site of Bruce Tucker’s “Lava Lounge” in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The City of Elizabeth Police Department is again called to the scene.
2011 12 30. As Bruce Tucker’s New Year’s present to his City of Elizabeth residential neighbors with families, loud music is again reported at the site of Bruce Tucker’s “Lava Lounge” in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The City of Elizabeth Police Department is again called to the scene.
2012 01 29. Another incident is reported at the site of Bruce Tucker’s “Lava Lounge” in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The City of Elizabeth Police Department is called to the scene.
2012 01 30. Bruce Tucker is yet again summoned before the City of Elizabeth liquor board and the City Council, due to more noise complaints from neighborhood residents. 2009 12 14. The City Of Elizabeth Liquor Board again writes Bruce Tucker a letter slamming him and Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. for loud music complaints by neighborhood residents, and demanding his presence at a 2-27-2012 hearing. The letter again contemplates a suspension of the liquor license, demands that the offending activities cease, and notifies agencies to inspect the premises for compliance with local ordinances.
2012 02 03. Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. lawyer William Kugelman writes back to the City Of Elizabeth Liquor Board, requesting copies of each citizen noise complaint, as well as the names of the complainants and the substance of each complaint. The letter is cc’d to “Mr. Bruce Tucker”.
2012 02 27. Bruce Tucker is hauled before the City of Elizabeth liquor board and the City Council for another personal appearance, due to noise complaints from neighborhood residents. When City Council member Manny Grova, Jr. asks during the hearing if anyone is present representing the neighborhood which is subject of the complaint(s), there is no answer.
2012 05 30. Bruce Tucker’s Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. files a liquor license renewal application with the New Jersey State Liquor Authority, for license term 2012-2013, with City of Elizabeth identified as the Issuing Authority, with “Lava Lounge” identified as the trade name, with the license “actively used at an operating place of business”, with the “entire building to be licensed”, and with the patio (as grounds adjacent to the building) to be included as part of the licensed premises. The document indicates that restaurant business will also be conducted on the premises to be licensed. Bruce Tucker is again documented as “Vice President” of “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.”
2013 05 07. Bruce Tucker’s Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. files a liquor license renewal application with the New Jersey State Liquor Authority, for license term 2013-2014, with City of Elizabeth identified as the Issuing Authority.
2014 05 13. Approximately one month before Bruce Tucker’s Smokehouse co-venturer, maintenance man Philip Costanza, files a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Newark, Bruce Tucker buys-out Costanza’s interest in “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” and “Lava Lounge” pursuant to a “Stock Purchase Agreement” and 05-14-2014 “Bill Of Sale” and “Irrevocable Stock Power”, reciting Tucker-paid consideration of US$1 therefor. Costanza thereby resigns as officer, director, and employee pursuant to the paperwork. Attorney Kugelman disclaims representation of either party to the Stock Purchase Agreement.
2014 05 14. According to maintenance man Philip Costanza’s Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing in Newark approximately one month later, Costanza indicates that this 5-14-2014 date is the date upon which Costanza transferred 16.665% of the stock of BPB Holding Corp. to Bruce Tucker for US$1.00, along with a transfer to Tucker of Costanza’s 33.33 shares of stock in Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. as well. As Costanza is likely to have already been experiencing financial distress by this 5-14-2014 date, the Costanza dump of shares to Tucker may well have been an attempt to ensure that Bruce Tucker’s Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Lava Lounge, and related property would not get sucked up into a Newark-filed federal bankruptcy proceeding.
2004 11 08. Bruce Tucker’s “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” files an Annual Special Tax Registration And Return form (ATF F 5630.5) with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
2004 11 09. Bruce Tucker’s “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” files its Retail Liquor License Application for a person-to-person transfer of a pocket liquor license from “South Sea, Inc.” with the State of New Jersey, Department Of Law And Public Safety, Division Of Alcoholic Beverage Control (“NJ State Liquor Authority”), State-Assigned License Number 2004-33-227-001, Sales Tax Registration Number B 221-694-399/000. The application suggests an activation date of 06-27-05. The application asks that the basement and first floor, only, be licensed. The application indicates that an additional business other than the sale of alcoholic beverages (presumably, restaurant food) will be conducted on the to-be-licensed premises. The application further indicates that the applicant both owns the building pursuant to an existing mortgage, also leases the building, and lists “BPB Holding Corp.” as the landlord. “BPB” is an acronym for “Bruce (Tucker), Philip (Costanza), and Bruce (Kain)”. The application further indicates that Bruce Tucker owns or controls 1/3 of the business by result of holding 100 shares of the corporation as a Stockholder and Vice-President. Bruce Kain and Philip Costanza each own or control their own 100 shares and 1/3 interest in the business, respectively. The NJ State Liquor Authority application appears to be signed by Bruce Kain, Philip Costanza, and Attorney Kugelman, but not by Bruce Tucker.
2004 11 09. A further New Jersey state “Plenary Retail Consumption” “Transfer Application” document approved by the Elizabeth Liquor Board with “Special Conditions Attached”, lists the License Number as 2004-33-227-002, with Effective Date of 12-20-2004.
2004 11 30. The Application For Bulk Sale Permit (BSP) filed by Bruce Tucker’s “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” with the New Jersey State Liquor Authority indicates that the former liquor licensee was “Frank J. Pawlicki, Executor”, and that alcoholic beverage inventory is not being purchased in connection with the requested pocket license transfer.
2004 12 06. The “Rider To Asset Purchase Agreement” indicates that it is contingent upon Buyers Bruce Tucker, Philip Costanza, and Bruce Kain purchasing from Frank J. Pawlicki the real property located at “1A South Front Street” and “3A-9A South Front Street” in Elizabeth, New Jersey. This document is signed by Bruce Tucker.
2004 12 07. An “Affidavit Of Source Of Funds” signed by Bruce Tucker indicates that personal funds of the Smokehouse shareholders are being used to acquire the license and the business - and that a purchase money mortgage loan from Abrams & Co., Inc. is being used to buy the real estate “with the balance of the purchase price from personal funds of the shareholders”.
2004 12 20. Effective as of this date, the City Of Elizabeth New Jersey City Council, convening as the Municipal Board Of Alcoholic Beverage Control Of The City Of Elizabeth, New Jersey (“Elizabeth Liquor Board”) approves the transfer of a pocket liquor license to Bruce Tucker’s “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” - with the express condition and restriction of “Go-Go and dancing prohibited”. Tucker and his company later appeal to overturn the dancing prohibition.
2004 12 20. But a few short months after its New Jersey Certificate of Incorporation was filed, this is the approximate date upon which Bruce Tucker’s “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” started economically failing, according to the admission that Bruce Tucker later made in a transcribed public hearing on January 25, 2010 to the City of Elizabeth liquor authority and City Council. (See below). However, the restaurant does not appear to have been announced in public-record sources as being open to the dining public until late 2005 or early 2006, suggesting that it had opened as a bar, alone, first-in-time, and that it was already economically failing as a bar by the time that the restaurant later opened.
2005 01 01. Although the exact date is yet uncertain, Bruce Tucker’s Smokehouse co-venturer Philip Costanza takes on a job in “Maintenance” with “Palin Enterprises” at 107 Trumbull Street in Elizabeth. 107 Trumbull Street is the address of Bruce Tucker’s “Rainbow Linens” garmento sheet and towel wholesale company. It is not clear why Bruce Tucker has made the building’s maintenance man a one-third owner and 100-share shareholder of “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” along with Bruce Kain.
2005 02 17. Bruce Tucker changes the Registered Agent for service of process of “Rainbow Linens, Inc.”, to his own name at an Elizabeth, New Jersey P.O. Box.
2005 04 29. Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. files a liquor license renewal application with the New Jersey State Liquor Authority, and indicates that the license will be actively used at an operating place of business on 06-27-05. However, in this renewal application, Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. changes its tune and indicates that the applicant does not own the building, a change from the 11-09-2024 application. Again, the application appears to be signed by Bruce Kain and maintenance man Philip Costanza, but not by Bruce Tucker.
2005 05 31. A document filed by Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. with the New Jersey State Liquor Authority indicates the activation of the liquor license Number 2004-33-227-002, “actively used at an operating place of business”.
2005 06 27. This is the apparent activation date of Bruce Tucker’s “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” Retail Liquor License, per Tucker’s application for a person-to-person transfer of a pocket liquor license with the NJ State Liquor Authority, State-Assigned License Number 2004-33-227-001.
2005 08 27. Principals in Bruce Tucker’s “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” win the “Cabela’s BBQ Cookoff” barbeque competition in Hamburg, Pennsylvania, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum that may have been a planted comment by a social media publicist seeking to drum-up business. These principals were likely Bruce Kain and Bruce Tucker, but not maintenance man Philip Costanza.
2005 09 15. Two of the three principals in Bruce Tucker’s “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” appear on the Food Network, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum that may have been a planted comment by a social media publicist seeking to drum-up business. These two principals were Bruce Kain and Bruce Tucker, and not maintenance man Philip Costanza.
2005 09 23. A “tasting” is scheduled at Bruce Tucker’s “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.”, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum that may have been a planted comment by a social media publicist seeking to drum-up business. Scheduled to perform at the event are Bruce Tucker with “The Old No.7 Band” along with Bruce’s guitarist and friend Howard Cohen.
2005 09 27. “BPB Holding Corp”, a New Jersey corporation comprised of Bruce Tucker, Bruce Kain, and maintenance man Philip Costanza, executes a “Mortgage and Security Agreement” with Bruce Tucker as “Lender” over a US$400,000 purchase money mortgage loan for the Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon property on South Front Street in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
2005 10 15. This is the approximate date that Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. was invited to the Jack Daniels Invitational Barbeque Championship in Lynchburg, Tennessee, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum that may have been a planted comment by a social media publicist seeking to drum-up business.
2005 11 23. This was the approximate scheduled opening date for Bruce Tucker’s “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.”, characterized by Bruce Tucker as the Old No. 7 Band’s “new bar (& soon to be BBQ restaurant)”, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum that may have been a planted comment by a social media publicist seeking to drum-up business. The flyer for the event touts, inter alia, Bruce Tucker on banjo and guitar, Bruce Kain on bass, and Howard Cohen on guitar, and adds, “[A]nd try the Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon specialty drink, The PIGTINI!”
2006 02 17. This is the approximate opening date of Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc., according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum that may have been a planted comment by a social media publicist seeking to drum-up business.
2006 03 06. Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. is announced as “finally open for business”, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum. Prophetically, the comment notes that on a Saturday afternoon around 5:00, “the place was pretty empty”.
2006 03 17. Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. is announced as considering opening up its upstairs area, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum that may have been a planted comment by a social media publicist seeking to drum-up business. It is not yet clear if the upstairs ever opened.
2006 03 17. Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. is announced as virtually empty on a Saturday at around 5:00 PM, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum: “Only one other table was occupied and maybe 2 or 3 people at the bar ordering take-out”.
2006 03 19. Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. is again announced as virtually empty, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum: “I was surprised by how quiet it was when we got there...”
2006 03 20. Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. is considered “kind of off the beaten path”, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum. Other “eGullet” posts within the same general time-frame remark upon how “rough” and unsafe the neighborhood is, and how “unscenic” the drive is to get there and back. To similar effect, a post from 2006 03 21 assures us: “[A]s long as you are alert and aware of your surroundings, you should be fine”. [Emphasis supplied].
2006 03 22. Bruce Tucker himself chimes in on the “eGullet” forum, indicating that he has likely been reading the “eGullet” forum comments the entire time since the restaurant opened. In his post, Bruce Tucker assures us, “As with any urban area, you must always be vigilant”. He also admits that the fenced-in parking lot behind the restaurant has yet to be completed, and directs people to park on the street. Incidentally, what Tucker tells no one in this “eGullet” forum post is that Elizabeth, New Jersey is perennially one of the top 5 cities in New Jersey for car theft. Elizabeth recently clocked-in with the ignominious honor of being #3. Elizabeth’s average number of autos stolen? 1204. Elizabeth’s number of autos stolen per 1,000 people? 9.6. Sure, maybe not Newark, but Elizabeth tries harder.
2006 03 26. Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. is again announced as virtually empty, this time on a Saturday night at around 8:00 PM, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum: “[O]nly one other table-for-two was occupied”... “So - our concern is that on a Saturday night there was only us - and two other people eating”.
2006 04 01. Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. is announced as unacceptably smoky, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum: “I found it VERY smoky, and I had to air out my clothes that night (and I’m not particularly sensitive to smoke)”. It is clear from the context of the comment that this “eGullet” commenter was not referring to barbeque smoke, but to cigarette smoke from either patrons or staff.
2006 04 01. Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. is again announced as virtually empty, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum: “...[I]t was not really very crowded when we went, happy hour was just ending”.
2006 04 01. Another patron of Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. complains about the cigarette smoke, in a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum: “I’m extremely allergic to smoke, and on my first visit to [Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon], didn’t notice any smoke at all (we sat a[t] tables). My second time, we sat at the bar, and until two people a few seats away started smoking, I didn’t have a problem. Of course, once they did, it was all over, and the clothes I was wearing went in a bag of their own when I got home”. It is clear from the context of this comment, too, that this “eGullet” commenter was not referring to barbeque smoke, but to cigarette smoke from either patrons or staff.
2006 04 01. Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. is yet again announced as virtually empty, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum: “I was in a few afternoons ago... and the place was mostly empty”.
2006 04 03. Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. is announced as closed, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum: “Tried to go today for lunch, got there at 2:30 and FSS was closed, arghh[sic]. I thought [that] the place was open for lunch. There are no hours listed and no phone number either. I really like this place but this information should be available at the door. Did I miss it?”
2006 04 11. A comment on the “eGullet” forum slams Bruce Tucker’s “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon”, its food, and its music: “I was underwhelmed. I got the 2-part combo with baby backs and sausages, which was genuine BBQ, but the flavor was nothing special... At least on Saturday night, the 2-guitar combo was deafening, blotting out all conversation. It took me 45 minutes of wandering to get back on the Interstate, so leave a trail of breadcrumbs on the way in.”
2006 04 12. Defending their review, the commenter adds: “My baseline is a no-name place in Chattanooga, TN, on Dodson Avenue next to the bowling alley. It’s been run by a... grandfather, father and son since the 1950s. Their ribs have a great crust and burnt ends that raise the flavor level, which Front Street didn’t have. By comparison, Front Street had little pork flavor… [Front Street]’s sausages were, for me, too upper class, with too many spice notes. I prefer juicier ones with maybe one spice and the Southern amount of fat… [Front Street]’s cole slaw was very good, but again, an upper class version that called attention to too many flavors. It should be an accompaniment, not a co-star… The [Front Street] baked beans were blah. The sugar was under control, but I want more bean flavor, with some fatback rather than lean pork… BBQ should be a sin, not a gourmet dish. I want to pull off the meat and gnaw the marrow out of the soft ends of the bones.... Finally, I want the experience to be about the BBQ, not the music.”
2006 04 14. Another poster then replies on the “eGullet” forum to refute those critical comments. That reply commenter may have been operating as a social media publicist deputized to refute negative comments about the restaurant.
2006 04 14. Bruce Tucker’s “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon” in Elizabeth, New Jersey, is reviewed by the Newark Star Ledger, notably calling Bruce Tucker’s fries “limp and soggy”.
2006 04 14. In response to the Star Ledger review, a commenter on the “eGullet” forum chimes-in by way of reply: “[I] don’t recall the sweet potato fries being exactly crispy. [I] suppose “limp” is the other extreme. [P]ersonally [I] like them a bit crispier, but that’s a personal preference. [I]’m certainly not shocked to hear someone describe them as “limp”, though...”
2006 05 02. Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. files an application with the New Jersey State Liquor Authority for a “Place to Place Transfer” seeking to transfer License Number 2004-33-227-002 for the period 2006 to 2007, and for an expansion of the premises rear patio, effective 05-23-06. Grounds adjacent to the building under license are intended to be included as part of the licensed premises. Unlike prior liquor license application documents, Abrams & Co. is no longer listed as holder of the mortgage on the real estate, and the “mortgagee/holder of mortgage” is instead identified as Bruce Tucker. This document does not appear to bear Bruce Tucker’s signature.
2006 05 13. A commenter on the “eGullet” forum notes: “[T]he atmosphere is more bar-like than restaurant-like”, a prophetic signaling of the end of Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon in favor of the disreputable “Lava Lounge” to follow.
2006 05 21. Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. is again announced as considering opening up its upstairs area as well as an outdoor patio, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum that may have been a planted comment by a social media publicist seeking to drum-up business. It is not yet clear if the upstairs or outdoor patio ever opened.
2006 05 28. Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. is again announced as empty, this time on a Friday night, according to a comment posted on an “eGullet Society” forum: “The place was empty other than a couple of people at the bar”. A photo of the bar and restaurant accompanying the “eGullet” post confirms this. The commenter also laments that the brisket is “machine-sliced, which I think is a shame”, indicates no love lost for the sausage, and berates the restaurant for having no greens on the menu: “NO GREENS? At a BBQ joint?”.
2006 06 06. Bruce Tucker’s Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. files a liquor license renewal application with the New Jersey State Liquor Authority, for license term 2006-2007, with City of Elizabeth identified as the Issuing Authority.
2007 06 05. Bruce Tucker’s Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. files a liquor license renewal application with the New Jersey State Liquor Authority, for license term 2007-2008, with City of Elizabeth identified as the Issuing Authority - now as License Number 2004-33-227-003.
2008 03 07. A poster on the “eGullet” forum comments that he hasn’t “heard boo about [Bruce Tucker’s Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon] in ages”.
2008 06 09. Bruce Tucker’s Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. files a liquor license renewal application with the New Jersey State Liquor Authority, for license term 2008-2009, with City of Elizabeth identified as the Issuing Authority.
2008 11 24. The City Of Elizabeth Liquor Board puts forth a resolution now allowing dancing at the licensed Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon premises, issued on these special conditions: “No promotions, no outside promoters, no charge at the door, no Go-go”.
2008 11 29. An apparent liquor license transfer occurs relating to Bruce Tucker’s liquor license in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
2009 05 01. This is the approximate date upon which Mrs. Ferrera, a resident of the City of Elizabeth and residential neighbor of Bruce Tucker’s “Lava Lounge” on Front Street, claims to have first heard unacceptable noise emanating from Bruce Tucker’s “Lava Lounge” - as she later reports to the Elizabeth alcohol authority and City Council in a January 25, 2010 hearing. (See below).
2009 05 21. This is the approximate date that Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon closed, according to a post on the “eGullet” forum. It appears that by this date, Bruce Tucker has closed the restaurant solely in favor of neighborhood blight “Lava Lounge”.
2009 06 05. Bruce Tucker’s Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. files a liquor license renewal application with the New Jersey State Liquor Authority, for license term 2009-2010, with City of Elizabeth identified as the Issuing Authority.
2009 07 30. This is the date of Bruce Tucker’s Alternate Name Filing Certificate with the State of New Jersey Division Of Revenue identifying “Lava Lounge” as a “restaurant and tavern”, and as an alternate identity of “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” This document is signed by Bruce Tucker.
2009 12 14. The City Of Elizabeth Liquor Board writes Bruce Tucker a letter slamming him and Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. for loud music complaints by neighborhood residents, and demanding his presence at a 1-25-2010 hearing. The letter contemplates a suspension of the liquor license, demands that the offending activities cease, and notifies agencies to inspect the premises for compliance with local ordinances.
2010 01 25. The City of Elizabeth Liquor Board and City Council shame and humiliate Bruce Tucker and his “Lava Lounge”, in a memorable transcribed public hearing. Residents of the City of Elizabeth angrily testify against Bruce Tucker and his “Lava Lounge” at this hearing.
2010 01 25. In the same public hearing, Bruce Tucker admits to the City of Elizabeth liquor board and City Council, that he was compelled to open “Lava Lounge” out of “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon”, because “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon” had been failing since approximately December 2004 - just a few short months after it had opened.
2010 02 04. Front Street Smokehouse lawyer William Kugelman writes the City of Elizabeth Alcohol Board explaining a client gaffe failure to perfect the alternate name filing, a gaffe in payment for a dance hall license, a gaffe in dancing permissions, and fire code and fire sprinkler issues involving the Elizabeth Fire Department.
2010 02 09. Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. files another liquor license application with the New Jersey State Alcohol Authority, listing “Lava Lounge” as “trade name under which business is to be conducted”, with the license “actively used at an operating place of business”.
2010 05 18. Bruce Tucker’s Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. files a liquor license renewal application with the New Jersey State Liquor Authority, for license term 2010-2011, with City of Elizabeth identified as the Issuing Authority.
2011 03 13. Less than two months after the public hearing before the City of Elizabeth liquor board and City Council, there is a large fight at the site of Bruce Tucker’s “Lava Lounge” in Elizabeth, New Jersey, with a report of possibly one shot fired. The City of Elizabeth Police Department is called to the scene.
2011 05 03. Bruce Tucker’s Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. files a liquor license renewal application with the New Jersey State Liquor Authority, for license term 2011-2012, with City of Elizabeth identified as the Issuing Authority.
2011 07 05. Noise is again reported at the site of Bruce Tucker’s “Lava Lounge” in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The City of Elizabeth Police Department is again called to the scene.
2011 07 20. A disturbance is again reported at the site of Bruce Tucker’s “Lava Lounge” in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The City of Elizabeth Police Department is again called to the scene.
2011 08 08. There are multiple reports of loud noise and a disorderly group, at the site of Bruce Tucker’s “Lava Lounge” in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The City of Elizabeth Police Department is again called to the scene.
2011 08 25. Noise and “loud and disorderlies”[sic] are reported at the site of Bruce Tucker’s “Lava Lounge” in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The City of Elizabeth Police Department is again called to the scene.
2011 08 27. Victim Bryan Cleza is beaten-up gang-style while exiting Bruce Tucker’s “Lava Lounge”. Cleza is beaten-up by the Bruce Tucker Lava Lounge disc jockey and seven of the disc jockey’s male associates. The City of Elizabeth Police Department is again called to the scene. Victim Cleza is left to be driven to the hospital by Cleza’s father.
2011 10 02. Multiple reports of loud noise emanating from one or more open bar doors are again reported at the site of Bruce Tucker’s “Lava Lounge” in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The City of Elizabeth Police Department is again called to the scene.
2011 10 29. Multiple reports of loud music and noise are again reported at the site of Bruce Tucker’s “Lava Lounge” in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The City of Elizabeth Police Department is again called to the scene.
2011 10 30. Loud noise is again reported at the site of Bruce Tucker’s “Lava Lounge” in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The City of Elizabeth Police Department is again called to the scene.
2011 10 30. Loud noise is again reported at the site of Bruce Tucker’s “Lava Lounge” in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The City of Elizabeth Police Department is again called to the scene.
2011 12 25. As Bruce Tucker’s Christmas present to his City of Elizabeth residential neighbors with families, loud music is again reported at the site of Bruce Tucker’s “Lava Lounge” in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The City of Elizabeth Police Department is again called to the scene.
2011 12 30. As Bruce Tucker’s New Year’s present to his City of Elizabeth residential neighbors with families, loud music is again reported at the site of Bruce Tucker’s “Lava Lounge” in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The City of Elizabeth Police Department is again called to the scene.
2012 01 29. Another incident is reported at the site of Bruce Tucker’s “Lava Lounge” in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The City of Elizabeth Police Department is called to the scene.
2012 01 30. Bruce Tucker is yet again summoned before the City of Elizabeth liquor board and the City Council, due to more noise complaints from neighborhood residents. 2009 12 14. The City Of Elizabeth Liquor Board again writes Bruce Tucker a letter slamming him and Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. for loud music complaints by neighborhood residents, and demanding his presence at a 2-27-2012 hearing. The letter again contemplates a suspension of the liquor license, demands that the offending activities cease, and notifies agencies to inspect the premises for compliance with local ordinances.
2012 02 03. Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. lawyer William Kugelman writes back to the City Of Elizabeth Liquor Board, requesting copies of each citizen noise complaint, as well as the names of the complainants and the substance of each complaint. The letter is cc’d to “Mr. Bruce Tucker”.
2012 02 27. Bruce Tucker is hauled before the City of Elizabeth liquor board and the City Council for another personal appearance, due to noise complaints from neighborhood residents. When City Council member Manny Grova, Jr. asks during the hearing if anyone is present representing the neighborhood which is subject of the complaint(s), there is no answer.
2012 05 30. Bruce Tucker’s Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. files a liquor license renewal application with the New Jersey State Liquor Authority, for license term 2012-2013, with City of Elizabeth identified as the Issuing Authority, with “Lava Lounge” identified as the trade name, with the license “actively used at an operating place of business”, with the “entire building to be licensed”, and with the patio (as grounds adjacent to the building) to be included as part of the licensed premises. The document indicates that restaurant business will also be conducted on the premises to be licensed. Bruce Tucker is again documented as “Vice President” of “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.”
2013 05 07. Bruce Tucker’s Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. files a liquor license renewal application with the New Jersey State Liquor Authority, for license term 2013-2014, with City of Elizabeth identified as the Issuing Authority.
2014 05 13. Approximately one month before Bruce Tucker’s Smokehouse co-venturer, maintenance man Philip Costanza, files a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Newark, Bruce Tucker buys-out Costanza’s interest in “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” and “Lava Lounge” pursuant to a “Stock Purchase Agreement” and 05-14-2014 “Bill Of Sale” and “Irrevocable Stock Power”, reciting Tucker-paid consideration of US$1 therefor. Costanza thereby resigns as officer, director, and employee pursuant to the paperwork. Attorney Kugelman disclaims representation of either party to the Stock Purchase Agreement.
2014 05 14. According to maintenance man Philip Costanza’s Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing in Newark approximately one month later, Costanza indicates that this 5-14-2014 date is the date upon which Costanza transferred 16.665% of the stock of BPB Holding Corp. to Bruce Tucker for US$1.00, along with a transfer to Tucker of Costanza’s 33.33 shares of stock in Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. as well. As Costanza is likely to have already been experiencing financial distress by this 5-14-2014 date, the Costanza dump of shares to Tucker may well have been an attempt to ensure that Bruce Tucker’s Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Lava Lounge, and related property would not get sucked up into a Newark-filed federal bankruptcy proceeding.
2014 05 20. Bruce Tucker’s Front Street Smokehouse
& Saloon, Inc. files a liquor license renewal application with the New
Jersey State Liquor Authority, for license term 2014-2015, with City of
Elizabeth identified as the Issuing Authority. The application identified the
License Number as 2004-33-227-004, and cites a “Change of Corporate Structure”.
2014 06 16. Bruce Tucker’s former “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” and “Lava Lounge” co-venturer, maintenance man Philip Costanza, files a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court, District of New Jersey.
2015 01 12. Bruce Tucker’s Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. files a liquor license renewal application with the New Jersey State Liquor Authority. The application identifies the License Number as 2004-33-227-004 actively used at an operating place of business, cites “Lava Lounge” as the trade name under which business is to be conducted, cites restaurant business as continuing at the location, and cites a “Change of Corporate Structure” whereby Bruce Tucker now owns or controls “83.33%” of the business by holding 200 shares. Bruce Kain is now acknowledged as owning or controlling “16.67%” of the business by holding 100 shares. It is not clear how the parties arrived at those particular percentages.
2015 04 27. The Chapter 7 bankruptcy case filed by Bruce Tucker’s former “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” and “Lava Lounge” co-venturer, maintenance man Philip Costanza, in the United States Bankruptcy Court, District of New Jersey, is terminated.
2015 05 14. A New Jersey newspaper advertisement appears, mentioning Bruce Tucker’s name in connection with the change of stock ownership in the Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon in Elizabeth, New Jersey. (See above).
2016 [01 01]. Although the exact date of the document is uncertain, an Agreement For Sale Of Assets is drafted and executed as between Bruce Tucker’s Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc., and Hossein Sarrafian’s “3 Front Street Restaurant, LLC”, for the transfer of “Lava Lounge” and all unopened liquor inventory for US$80,000 cash - US$60,000 of which is attributed to the liquor license. A purchase of 1A and 3A-9A S. Front Street from BPB Holding Corp. is also contemplated.
2016 06 28. On this date, “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” files its last Annual Report with the State of New Jersey.
2016 07 21. The State Of New Jersey Department Of The Treasury, Division Of Taxation issues an Alcoholic beverage Retail Licensee Clearance Certificate commemorating the Bruce Tucker-to-Hossein Sarrafian pocket liquor license transfer.
2016 08 12. “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” is indicated as a “Former Licensee” on an Application For Bulk Sale Permit (BSP) relating to an apparent proposed transfer of a liquor license corresponding to Bruce Tucker. Contrary to what is indicated in the (undated) Agreement For Sale Of Assets, the Application For Bulk Sale Permit (BSP) states that alcoholic beverage inventory is not being purchased in connection with the license transfer.
2016 08 18. In a Liquor License Application filed by Hossein Sarrafian’s LLC with the New Jersey State Liquor Authority, Sarrafian indicates that the business will now operate as “Waterfront Lounge”, and that “Highrise Management 2” is now the owner of the real estate. However, it is not clear from the written record whether Sarrafian operated “Waterfront Lounge” at any time after 11-28-2016.
2016 11 28. The City Of Elizabeth Liquor Board commemorates the Bruce Tucker-to-Hossein Sarrafian liquor license transfer, in a City Council Resolution.
2016 11 28. Bruce Tucker’s “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon” in Elizabeth, New Jersey ceases operations, according to the State of New Jersey, Department of Law & Public Safety, Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control, and according to “pocket license” Tucker-transferee Hossein Sarrafian.
2016 12 13. Bruce Tucker’s “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” in Elizabeth, New Jersey lists as “Inactive” with the State of New Jersey Department of Labor “Employer Accounts” program area.
2016 12 13. Bruce Tucker discharges the US$400,000 purchase money mortgage loan taken out in 2005 for the Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon property in Elizabeth, New Jersey by “BPB Holding Corp”, the New Jersey corporation comprised of Bruce Tucker, Bruce Kain, and Philip Costanza.
2014 06 16. Bruce Tucker’s former “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” and “Lava Lounge” co-venturer, maintenance man Philip Costanza, files a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court, District of New Jersey.
2015 01 12. Bruce Tucker’s Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc. files a liquor license renewal application with the New Jersey State Liquor Authority. The application identifies the License Number as 2004-33-227-004 actively used at an operating place of business, cites “Lava Lounge” as the trade name under which business is to be conducted, cites restaurant business as continuing at the location, and cites a “Change of Corporate Structure” whereby Bruce Tucker now owns or controls “83.33%” of the business by holding 200 shares. Bruce Kain is now acknowledged as owning or controlling “16.67%” of the business by holding 100 shares. It is not clear how the parties arrived at those particular percentages.
2015 04 27. The Chapter 7 bankruptcy case filed by Bruce Tucker’s former “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” and “Lava Lounge” co-venturer, maintenance man Philip Costanza, in the United States Bankruptcy Court, District of New Jersey, is terminated.
2015 05 14. A New Jersey newspaper advertisement appears, mentioning Bruce Tucker’s name in connection with the change of stock ownership in the Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon in Elizabeth, New Jersey. (See above).
2016 [01 01]. Although the exact date of the document is uncertain, an Agreement For Sale Of Assets is drafted and executed as between Bruce Tucker’s Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc., and Hossein Sarrafian’s “3 Front Street Restaurant, LLC”, for the transfer of “Lava Lounge” and all unopened liquor inventory for US$80,000 cash - US$60,000 of which is attributed to the liquor license. A purchase of 1A and 3A-9A S. Front Street from BPB Holding Corp. is also contemplated.
2016 06 28. On this date, “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” files its last Annual Report with the State of New Jersey.
2016 07 21. The State Of New Jersey Department Of The Treasury, Division Of Taxation issues an Alcoholic beverage Retail Licensee Clearance Certificate commemorating the Bruce Tucker-to-Hossein Sarrafian pocket liquor license transfer.
2016 08 12. “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” is indicated as a “Former Licensee” on an Application For Bulk Sale Permit (BSP) relating to an apparent proposed transfer of a liquor license corresponding to Bruce Tucker. Contrary to what is indicated in the (undated) Agreement For Sale Of Assets, the Application For Bulk Sale Permit (BSP) states that alcoholic beverage inventory is not being purchased in connection with the license transfer.
2016 08 18. In a Liquor License Application filed by Hossein Sarrafian’s LLC with the New Jersey State Liquor Authority, Sarrafian indicates that the business will now operate as “Waterfront Lounge”, and that “Highrise Management 2” is now the owner of the real estate. However, it is not clear from the written record whether Sarrafian operated “Waterfront Lounge” at any time after 11-28-2016.
2016 11 28. The City Of Elizabeth Liquor Board commemorates the Bruce Tucker-to-Hossein Sarrafian liquor license transfer, in a City Council Resolution.
2016 11 28. Bruce Tucker’s “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon” in Elizabeth, New Jersey ceases operations, according to the State of New Jersey, Department of Law & Public Safety, Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control, and according to “pocket license” Tucker-transferee Hossein Sarrafian.
2016 12 13. Bruce Tucker’s “Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon, Inc.” in Elizabeth, New Jersey lists as “Inactive” with the State of New Jersey Department of Labor “Employer Accounts” program area.
2016 12 13. Bruce Tucker discharges the US$400,000 purchase money mortgage loan taken out in 2005 for the Front Street Smokehouse & Saloon property in Elizabeth, New Jersey by “BPB Holding Corp”, the New Jersey corporation comprised of Bruce Tucker, Bruce Kain, and Philip Costanza.
