Home Celebrity Buzz Daily 2

The End Of An Era: What Happened To The Fox & Falcon By David Burke In South Orange?

• minute read
Contents

The Fox & Falcon by David Burke, once a vibrant cornerstone of the South Orange, New Jersey, dining scene, has officially closed its doors, marking the end of a high-profile culinary chapter for the area. As of late December 2025, the celebrated modern American tavern at 19 Valley Street is permanently shuttered, leaving a significant gap in the local restaurant landscape that was defined by celebrity chef David Burke’s signature creative cuisine. The closure has sparked intense local curiosity about the fate of the iconic property and what new operator will eventually take over this prime piece of Essex County real estate.

The history of the establishment is one of ambition and culinary star power, beginning with local restaurateur David Massoni and later revitalized by one of New Jersey’s most famous chefs. The space, known for its multi-level dining and spirited atmosphere, quickly became a destination, but like many high-end ventures, it ultimately succumbed to the challenges of the modern restaurant industry. The focus now shifts to the future of the 9,583-square-foot space, which is actively being marketed for sale or lease to a new, potentially equally ambitious, dining concept.

The Culinary Legacy of The Fox & Falcon: From Massoni to Burke

The journey of the 19 Valley Street location is a fascinating tale of two distinct eras, both aiming to elevate the South Orange dining experience. The original concept was the brainchild of local resident and veteran restaurateur David Massoni, who envisioned a sophisticated, multi-faceted neighborhood pub and restaurant.

  • Original Concept (The Fox & Falcon): A popular, multi-level establishment that aimed to be a community hub with a refined menu and bustling bar scene.
  • Key Restaurateur: David Massoni (who later opened Massoni Ristorante, a related South Orange venture).
  • The Transformation: The restaurant later joined the far-reaching group of celebrity Chef David Burke, relaunching as The Fox & Falcon by David Burke. This revamp brought a new name, a completely new menu, and the prestige of one of America’s most inventive chefs.

The David Burke Era: Signature Dishes and Modern American Tavern

Chef David Burke, a New Jersey native known for his innovative approach and numerous restaurants, brought his unique brand of creative American cuisine to South Orange. The concept was a modern American tavern that fused pub fare with high-end culinary artistry.

The menu was a masterclass in Burke’s signature flair, attracting diners from across Essex County and beyond. These dishes, which quickly became local legends, highlight the topical authority of the restaurant:

  • Clothesline Bacon: A theatrical and indulgent appetizer, where thick-cut bacon is served hanging from a miniature clothesline, often glazed with maple and black pepper. This was arguably the restaurant’s most famous and Instagrammable dish.
  • Lobster Dumplings: A sophisticated twist on pub fare, showcasing Burke’s ability to blend high-end ingredients with comfort food presentation.
  • Butternut Squash Ravioli: A seasonal favorite, representing the more refined and Italian-influenced side of the menu.
  • Egg Yolk Raviolo: A classic, decadent dish that demonstrated the kitchen's technical prowess.
  • Atlantic Salmon: A popular entrée choice alongside other creative American dishes.

The restaurant also distinguished itself by actively participating in the community, notably serving as the inaugural Restaurant Partner for the SOPAC (South Orange Performing Arts Center) 2023-24 Season, further cementing its role as a cultural fixture in downtown South Orange.

The Closure and The $2.8 Million Property Sale

Despite its high-profile partnership and the star power of Chef Burke, the restaurant ultimately ceased operations. The closure of The Fox & Falcon by David Burke occurred in late 2024, leading to a significant transaction involving the valuable property and its liquor license.

In a major piece of South Orange real estate news, the restaurant and its liquor license were part of a deal that traded for a reported $2.8 million. This transaction, involving the original restaurateur David Massoni's project, was explicitly structured to bring a new operator to the space.

The reasons for the closure were multifaceted, echoing the struggles of many post-pandemic dining establishments, but the result is a massive, fully-equipped space now awaiting its next tenant. The closure of such a high-caliber establishment, even one led by a legendary restaurateur, serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of the New Jersey culinary scene.

What’s Next for the Iconic 19 Valley Street Location?

As of late 2025, the former home of The Fox & Falcon is not simply sitting empty; it is a highly sought-after commercial property. The fate of the location is currently in the hands of B&D Holdings, with local resident Daniel Harrison overseeing the leasing and development of the space.

The property at 19 Valley Street is being actively marketed as a "turnkey" restaurant opportunity. This means the next operator will inherit a massive, well-maintained space that is fully built out for a high-volume restaurant, a significant advantage in the costly world of New Jersey dining. Commercial real estate listings, updated as recently as November 2025, confirm the building’s status as a premier retail and restaurant opportunity.

Entities and LSI Keywords Related to the Future:

The future of the location is a hot topic for the South Orange community, with speculation centering on several key factors:

  • Turnkey Restaurant: The existing infrastructure minimizes startup costs for the new operator.
  • Liquor License Value: The value of the liquor license, included in the $2.8 million sale, is a massive draw for any serious dining concept.
  • South Orange Village Center: The location is ideally situated in the heart of the business district, ensuring high foot traffic.
  • New Operator: The community is eagerly awaiting news of who the new operator will be and what type of cuisine they will bring—be it Italian, another modern American concept, or something entirely new.
  • Commercial Real Estate: The property’s listing is a major piece of New Jersey commercial real estate news, highlighting the continued investment in the Maplewood-South Orange area.

While the closure of The Fox & Falcon by David Burke is a loss for the New Jersey dining scene, the sale of the property and its prime location ensures that the space will not remain dormant for long. The high-value real estate transaction and the active search for a new tenant confirm that a fresh, exciting chapter for 19 Valley Street is on the horizon, promising to keep the spirit of high-quality dining alive in South Orange, NJ.

The End of an Era: What Happened to The Fox & Falcon by David Burke in South Orange?
fox and falcon south orange
fox and falcon south orange

Detail Author:

  • Name : Marie Trantow
  • Username : dstark
  • Email : gus.oconner@gmail.com
  • Birthdate : 1976-09-20
  • Address : 2852 Zboncak Mountains Suite 485 Nikolausbury, CT 27395
  • Phone : (803) 360-2712
  • Company : Jacobs, Morar and Boehm
  • Job : Skin Care Specialist
  • Bio : Magni qui aspernatur aut et enim et nemo. Sint blanditiis quam nihil nesciunt expedita autem. Minima tenetur eos eveniet voluptas facere omnis.

Socials

linkedin:

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/ebba_senger
  • username : ebba_senger
  • bio : Maiores fugit sed ea sed et porro. Deleniti voluptate tempore in corporis.
  • followers : 2106
  • following : 788

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/ebbasenger
  • username : ebbasenger
  • bio : Vitae et eveniet qui non tenetur reiciendis. Amet deleniti consequatur minus dolor dignissimos molestias. Voluptas minima soluta quia omnis quos.
  • followers : 429
  • following : 1398

Random Posts