FSR Magazine – March 2025

Better Days Restaurant and Bar and 143 Social Name Chef JJ Vazquez Executive Chef

Better Days Restaurant and Bar and 143 Social are excited to welcome Chef Jon-James (JJ) Vazquez as Executive Chef, bringing his extensive fine dining experience and creative culinary vision to both establishments. With a new, elevated menu that officially launched to the public over the weekend, guests can now enjoy bold, ingredient-driven cuisine that seamlessly blends fine dining techniques with an approachable, modern touch.

As Better Days Restaurant and Bar continues to evolve, it remains committed to creating a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and travelers alike, offering an unparalleled dining experience in the heart of Jersey City.

A Chef with Michelin-Starred Expertise

Born and raised in the Hudson Valley, Chef JJ is a Culinary Institute of America graduate whose impressive career in New York City’s fine dining scene spans over a decade. His resume includes time at Betony, Le Coucou, Le Pavillon, The Pool, Flora Bar, and Hawksmoor, among others, working alongside some of the most renowned chefs in the industry, including Daniel Boulud, Rich Torrisi, Bryce Schuman, Matt Bernero, and Ignacio Mattos. His culinary philosophy is rooted in the balance of technique, tradition, and innovation, resulting in dishes that celebrate seasonality and high-quality ingredients while remaining approachable and full of character.

“I’m incredibly excited to bring my vision to Better Days Restaurant and Bar. This menu is a reflection of my journey in the New York City culinary world and the incredible bounty of fresh produce available in the greater Tri-State area. It will evolve with the seasons, ensuring that each time our guests return, they’ll find something new and exciting waiting for them. I’m beyond excited to bring this vision to life at Better Days and to share it with the Jersey City community and everyone who walks through our doors.” Chef Jon-James (JJ) Vazquez, Executive Chef

Introducing the New Menu – Now Available

As Executive Chef, JJ Vazquez brings a refined approach to modern American cuisine at Better Days Restaurant and Bar. The new menu showcases a dynamic selection of seasonally inspired dishes, elevated comfort food, and expertly crafted flavors-each dish reflecting his passion for bold ingredients and thoughtful execution.

Chef JJ’s highly anticipated menu officially launched over the weekend, redefining modern American dining in Jersey City. Reserve your table now and experience why Better Days Restaurant and Bar is setting a new standard for culinary excellence. The new menu can be found on the Better Days Restaurant and Bar’s website.

A Transformation from Bareburger to Better Days Restaurant and Bar

Before becoming Better Days Restaurant and Bar, the space previously housed a Bareburger location-but in 2024, it was transformed into an entirely new concept under Arto’s vision. The restaurant now reflects a more refined, elevated dining experience, incorporating global influences, locally sourced ingredients, and an atmosphere rooted in warm hospitality.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Chef JJ to Better Days. With extensive experience in Michelin-starred kitchens, he brings a refined approach to flavor, technique, and innovation. His new menu showcases bold, ingredient-driven cuisine that elevates the dining experience while staying true to our vision. We can’t wait for our guests to experience his creativity firsthand.” Arto Ozgun, Founder & Owner

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