Better Days Restaurant and Bar & 143 Social Appoint Jon-James Vazquez as Executive Chef, Launches New Menu

Jon-James (JJ) Vazquez ∙ Photo Credit: Better Days Restaurant and Bar

​JERSEY CITY, March 22, 2025 (WHERE & WHAT TO EAT) – American dining establishment Better Days Restaurant has announced the appointment of Jon-James (JJ) Vazquez as Executive Chef. Vazquez will also oversee the kitchen operations at 143 Social, the speakeasy lounge located beneath the restaurant. A new seasonal menu under Vasquez’s direction launched publicly over the weekend.

Vazquez has more than ten years of experience in fine dining, with a background that includes roles at Betony, Le Coucou, Le Pavillon, The Pool, Flora Bar, and Hawksmoor in New York City. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and has worked under chefs including Daniel Boulud, Rich Torrisi, Bryce Schuman, Matt Bernero, and Ignacio Mattos.

"I'm incredibly excited to bring my vision to Better Days Restaurant and Bar. This menu is a reflection of my journey in the New York City culinary world and the incredible bounty of fresh produce available in the greater Tri-State area. It will evolve with the seasons, ensuring that each time our guests return, they'll find something new and exciting waiting for them. I'm beyond excited to bring this vision to life at Better Days and to share it with the Jersey City community and everyone who walks through our doors," said Jon-James Vazquez, Executive Chef.

According to a press release from the company, the new menu focuses on modern American cuisine and includes seasonally inspired ingredients, elevated comfort food, and dishes prepared using fine dining techniques. The launch aligns with the restaurant’s transition from a previous Bareburger location to a redefined culinary concept.

"We're thrilled to welcome Chef JJ to Better Days. With extensive experience in Michelin-starred kitchens, he brings a refined approach to flavor, technique, and innovation. His new menu showcases bold, ingredient-driven cuisine that elevates the dining experience while staying true to our vision. We can't wait for our guests to experience his creativity firsthand," said Arto Ozgun, Founder and Owner.

The restaurant’s interior design incorporates elements influenced by Turkish craftsmanship, including handmade tableware imported from Turkey and architectural features such as a live moss wall.

143 Social, located beneath Better Days Restaurant, offers a bar program focused on craft cocktails, a curated selection of small plates, and special events such as live performances and DJ nights.

For more information, visit www.betterdaysjc.com.

Source: Better Days Restaurant and Bar