New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy visits Princeton businesses

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy visited three Princeton businesses Saturday after a campaign event for Democrats who are running for the 16th Legislative District. The governor visited Hamilton Jewelers, Small World Coffee, and Mezzaluna.

Murphy also has highlighted other Princeton-based businesses and nonprofits in a few of his press briefings in recent weeks.

On. Sept. 29. the governor highlighted the Meeting House, the Witherspoon Street restaurant owned by Princeton residents Amar Gautam and Amanda Maher that opened less than four months before the pandemic began. The owners of the Meeting House quickly pivoted to offer take-out food after the pandemic began, and partnered with the nonprofit Share My Meals to feed people who are food insecure. Through a grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, the Meeting House was able to remain open and keep staff on payroll during the toughest part of the pandemic.

On Sept. 29, the governor praised Ron and Kristen Menapace, the owners of the furniture, decor, and design services store Homestead Princeton on Witherspoon Street, for contributing to the region’s economy during the pandemic. Homestead Princeton is located in the building that once housed the Princeton Packet newspaper. Homestead has its own line of sustainable custom furniture built from reclaimed vintage barn wood, and is the only furniture store to be recognized by the New Jersey Sustainable Businesses Initiative. During the pandemic, Homestead Princeton received a grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to expand its warehouse and staging area.