Sandi's Soulbites Closes In Morristown With Plans To Relocate

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Sandi's Soulbites, a beloved family-style restaurant, recently closed its doors following months of internal staffing issues after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The restaurant first opened its doors in 2019 at 82 Speedwell Avenue in Morristown.

Restaurant owners chose to briefly close down during the COVID-19 pandemic and ultimately decided to stay open only to fulfill catering orders and offer weekend brunches for the remainder of their lease term.

Sandi's Soulbites was known for its small bite plates, which were packed with Southern flavor.

Sandi Rogers, the founder and head chef of Sandi's Soulbites, said she always dreamed of opening a restaurant.

Her grandmother, a private chef for many years, believed soul food wasn't ethnic cooking but a patient, intentional process of cooking each dish with love and soul. She helped kick-start Rogers's love of cooking, according to the restaurant's website.

Last fall, an application in Roger's name was submitted to the Morris Township Planning Board, requesting a complete site remodel at 255 Speedwell Avenue, formerly known as the Hunan Chinese Room.

According to project engineer and planner Michael Petry, the current lot is in poor condition, with potholes of various sizes littered throughout the space, necessitating a complete revamp of the property.

The project includes a complete exterior renovation, new materials, new windows, and new doors. An outdoor patio area surrounded by plantings would also be included in the updated site.

The patio area would seat approximately 44 people and include a variety of seating options, including a large banquette seating piece with additional tables and chairs.

Following several planning board meetings, the project was ultimately approved by all members, with township mayor Mark Gyorfy praising the endeavor.

"I just want to thank the applicant for revitalizing this property that has been vacant since the beginning of COVID. Hunan has a long legacy in the Fairchild neighborhood and I think everyone in the township is very happy to see another restaurant go into that location," Gyorfy said.

This week, Rogers took to social media to announce the official closing, saying, "I'm thankful to have served to so many and, most of all, to have had the opportunity to build the foundation of my legacy within a community I have settled in and called home for over 25 years. Although this chapter is closing, another one begins. Stay tuned and follow for updates on our reopening."

A timeline for the reopening has not yet been revealed.