Basking Ridge Cafe Offers Free Coffee To First Responders

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Blue Cafe in Basking Ridge is offering free coffee to first responders and health care workers to show their appreciation for their hard work amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Responders can call ahead and the cafe will bring the hot or iced coffee or tea out to their cars.

"We are so lucky to have our door open for take out orders. Therefore we want to start doing something for the community," said Barbara Chutnik, owner of the Blue Cafe at 60 S. Finley Ave.

Chutnik and her husband Chris of Warren opened the Blue Cafe last March and had planned to host a celebration to thank the community for their support. However, due to the coronavirus those plans were derailed.

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After Gov. Phil Murphy ordered all restaurants to shut down on March 16 Blue Cafe began offering delivery, take-out and curb-side pick up.

"So far it's been OK," Chutnik said of being open after a week.

They have been offering all day breakfast and lunch options and family-style meals (each tray feeds 4 to 6 people) available for curbside pickup from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Chutnik also offers organic coffee from Jersey City and that is what she would like to share with the first responders.

"I want to show our appreciation for being in business," Chutnik said. "I just feel like I need to do something."

For more information or to make an order visit bluecafe.net or facebook.com/BlueCafeNJ or call 908-766-6100.

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