J. Rooster's: New Neighborhood Nook

Jeremy Haney always wanted to have his own little nook for locals — a place where they could get together over a bottomless pit cup of coffee, a hearty breakfast or lunch and good conversation.

So, he opened J. Rooster's just two weeks ago where sat not too long ago in the small strip of stores by the TD Bank in Fair Haven.

The transition happened with the flip of a burger, you could say. One day it was Lil’ Masters. The next day it was J. Rooster’s.

But the quick change didn’t faze Haney, who has had his own culinary/community concoction in mind for many years.

“I grew up right around the corner,” he said. “I even worked here when I was younger, a couple of owners back. I always thought about what I’d do with this place.”

And now all that cooking up of ideas has materialized into his life’s main course. Haney had always remembered the café on the corner around the block being everyone’s neighborhood niche. And what better way to make it so than by serving up a good early day menu with good company to start people’s day? So, Haney decided café’s hours would be 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“I knew the dinner idea wouldn’t work in this spot,” Haney said. “Ever since I was a kid, I remembered people coming to here to get a bite to eat and talk — start their day. I thought I should have a menu of standard affordable breakfasts and lunches. I like the idea of going back to this being a sort of casual meeting place.”

And, that it is, so far, he said.

The breakfast menu has all the standard platters, sandwiches, eggs, meats, waffles, pancakes, omelets, oatmeal, granola and yogurt. And, yes, there are a couple of special dishes thrown in for those who like to deviate from the norm. For instance, Haney has a Crab Cake Benedict, Huevos Rancheros and Stuffed French Toast.

And, for lunch, he does the same sort of thing — many standards, like good griddle hot dogs and burgers with a unique spinach salad and Monte Cristo sandwich tossed into the mix. 

Stop by and see for yourself. Haney welcomes all for a bottomless cup of coffee and conversation. He wants everyone to see what it’s all about and make it a regular stop.

“I’ll be here,” he said. “See you again.” See you there, neighbors.

Take-out orders can be placed by calling 732.747.2300. Visit J. Rooster's Web site at jroosters.com.