PATERSON, N.J., June 22, 2015 – The Christie Administration joined local officials and the Paterson business community to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of a new IHOP restaurant in the Paterson Center City Mall today. The much anticipated 280-seat eatery is a welcomed addition to downtown Paterson and once fully operational will employ approximately 120 full-time workers. 

“It is a pleasure to be here to cut the ribbon for a new business in Paterson. Our successful partnership with the IHOP franchise has helped to connect local residents with new job opportunities,” said Commissioner Harold J. Wirths of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. “New business developments are positive steps towards fortifying our economy. It’s a great day for the city of Paterson and a great day for New Jersey.” 

The New Jersey Redevelopment Authority (NJRA), an affiliate of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, provided a $600,000 direct loan for the project through the Redevelopment Investment Fund (RIF).   

“It is these types of investments that contribute to the overall redevelopment of cities like Paterson, said state Department of Community Affairs Acting Commissioner Charles A. Richman.  “Amenities like the IHOP and the Center City Mall itself add livability and enliven the City.  We are delighted that IHOP is making a commitment to the continuing revitalization of downtown Paterson.” 

“NJRA is pleased to be a partner in the IHOP project,” said NJRA Executive Director Leslie A. Anderson.  “This project further stimulates the rebirth of Paterson and will make a substantial impact in the Main Street Redevelopment Area.” 

The state Department of Labor and the Passaic County Workforce Investment Board (WIB) assisted restaurant management in recruiting, training and hiring 68 people to staff the new restaurant by facilitating hiring events and referring job-seekers to apply for positions ranging from assistant managers and crew chiefs to wait staff. 

The state granted 12 on-the-job training contracts for the location, helping unemployed residents gain the skills necessary to compete in one of the state’s key industries. 

IHOP restaurant manager Joseph Knight is a former Passaic County One-Stop Career Center customer, having participated in its Summer Youth Employment Program. This is the second IHOP franchise owned and operated by Adenah Bayoh, a local entrepreneur who opened a successful IHOP franchise in Irvington at age 27, making her the youngest IHOP franchisee in the nation.