Since 1933 the Faatz family has maintained ownership of the notorious Orange Lantern, a sports bar located in Paramus. Now, after 90 years, Gene and Maria Faatz have decided to sell the bar, releasing it to new ownership as stated in an announcement on the restaurant’s Facebook page.
Gene Faatz started at the Orange Lantern working for his father over 60 years ago, running the place for the last 35. Now with the announcement of his retirement he thanks his co-workers and customers for all of the joy they have brought him throughout the years.
“This would not have been possible without the most amazing employees over the years with a very special thank you to each and every one of them,” said the Facebook post. “The most amazing part of my time here has been meeting the greatest customers and friends that every owner in this business would absolutely love to have.”
Faatz also expressed gratitude for his wife Maria saying, “The biggest THANK YOU goes to my wife Maria for putting up with me and all the late nights, weekends and holidays that we missed.”
Originally purchased in 1933 as a gas station, package store, and bar, Faatz’s grandpa Herman converted the location into a bar and restaurant. After his passing Herman’s son Eugene took over eventually retiring and leaving the establishment to Gene Faatz.
Customers and friends are sad to see Faatz go, expressing their love for the Orange Lantern and their congratulations for Faatz with more than 70 comments and over 250 likes within the first two hours of the announcement. They thanked him for all the wonderful times they have had at his restaurant over the years.
The menu includes classic American bar food such as wings, pizza, burgers, and more. With almost 600 reviews and 4.3 stars on Google, customers often rave about the great staff, live music, delicious drinks, and good food.
NJ newsNJ election results 2023: State Senate, Assembly seats decided
Rumors about the restaurant’s sale have seemingly been around for a while, leaving customers concerned about the future of the Orange Lantern. In May, one Google reviewer wrote, “There have been rumors that the owner of the Orange Lantern wants to sell and who knows what’ll be there next? A Walgreens? Geez, I hope not because the Orange Lantern is the authentic thing.”
Faatz responded to this saying, “You just can’t replace an original, and we certainly don’t plan to.”
“The good news is that the new ownership is keeping the OL running just the way that you have grown to love, with all the existing staff staying on,” said the announcement.
“Thank you – we will miss you all!”