Beloved Seafood Restaurant Closes In Morris Co. After Nearly A Decade

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — H2Ocean Restaurant & Raw Bar in Morris County will officially close its doors after nearly a decade of operation after being purchased by a developer.

The upscale Cedar Knolls restaurant, located at 41 Ridgedale Avenue, serves locally sourced seafood with classic dishes like a Maine lobster roll, Maine clam chowder, and wild seafood linguine, among dozens of other popular options.

The restaurant was sold to a developer, according to owners Sylvia and Michael Frodella. The developer who bought the land on which H2Ocean sits is committed to working with the town of Cedar Knolls and has been given permission to build an assisted living facility.

"One concern many of you had was, 'Were you strong-armed?' the answer is 'no!' We were never bullied or intimidated through the entire process. It was a decision that we did not take lightly, however, it is the best decision for our family," Frodella wrote in her announcement of the closure.

H2Ocean, which opened in 2014, will close its doors on April 1, 2023. Frodella expressed gratitude to the restaurant's loyal customers, the Cedar Knolls community, and the entire Hanover Township for their support.

"As you all know, H2Ocean managed to find ways to weather the storm of the COVID-19 pandemic. From re-inventing the restaurant by moving away from traditional dining, leveraging technology to offer online ordering, curbside takeout, and delivery services. However, it was because of our incredible staff, that H2Ocean managed to stay afloat during those difficult times," Frodella said.

While Frodella did not reveal the company's future plans, she did state that they will keep the H2Ocean name, logo, liquor license and all of its contents.

"H2Ocean Restaurant was proud to call New Jersey her home. New Jersey, is home to many wonderful restaurants. No need to travel to NYC! Let’s continue to show support to all the fine eateries, bars, and small businesses that continue to struggle operating with food cost, labor shortages, rent, mortgage, insurance costs and supply shortages," Frodella said.

H2Ocean Restaurant & Raw Bar will soon be posting a countdown to all specials, events and festivities leading up to the restaurant's closure, which can be found here.