Jai-Alai, Dover's beloved family restaurant, won't reopen after devastating 5-alarm fire

A popular Dover restaurant forced to close after a five-alarm fire devastated the property in September will not reopen, the family owners announced on Facebook.

"It is with a heavy heart that I inform you all that we are closing the final chapter on our beloved Jai-Alai," the post reads. "There is substantial damage from the fire, financial restraints, and personal reasons that will prevent any possibility of reopening at this time."

Known for serving authentic Basque cuisine and its signature sangria, the Jai-Alai was founded more than four decades ago by Ignacio "Nick" Cenicacelaya after he immigrated to the U.S. from Spain. After the longtime Rockaway resident died in 2017, his family took over the business.

Tucked into the far western corner of Blackwell Street, the Jai-Alai lured residents and visitors alike with a menu that reflected Cenicacelaya's roots in northern Spain, where the sport that gave the restaurant its name was developed.

"Ignacio was a master chef and took pride in his cooking," his obituary stated. "He was very skilled in many trades, including hunting, however cooking was his passion. Above anything else, his family was number one in his life."

The owners could not be reached for comment this week. On Facebook, fans posted tributes to the establishment, which would have celebrated its 43rd anniversary in February.

What made Jai-Alai so popular?

"So very sorry to hear this news. We loved your restaurant," Lois Vander Hort wrote. "The food and service were top-notch. Everything was beyond delicious. Everyone is raving about the sangria."

"We will miss those incredible stuffed mushrooms, great sangria, and Mariscada Roja," Diana Tracey posted. "Not to mention, the escargot, stuffed lobster and garlic shrimp. Nobody did it better."

"You guys set the bar that all restaurants were striving to reach. You will be missed," added Angel Cordero Jr.

September fire displaced 29

The business was forced to close after the blaze that broke out during the afternoon of Sept. 16. Fire officials said at the time that the fire appeared to have started on the second of two residential floors above 71, 73 and 75 West Blackwell St., where Jai-Alai and a tattoo parlor are also located. The restaurant, in particular, suffered extensive water damage, officials said.

Firefighters initially tried to extinguish the blaze from inside the three-floor structure behind the Jai-Alai's Blackwell Street entrance, near the corner of Dewey and Whitewell Street. But flames forced them to evacuate. A sagging roof complicated efforts to fight the fire from above.

The New Jersey Red Cross counted six families and 29 people displaced by the fire whom the organization was assisting. Including evacuated residents of neighboring buildings, who were let back into their apartments the next day, a total of 14 families and 71 people were aided by the Red Cross.

More:After 20 years, North Jersey memorial to clergy abuse victims still stirs strong emotions

"I'm devastated by the loss of a wonderful, longstanding business in our town," said Council Member Sandra Wittner, who represents Jai-Alai in Dover's First Ward. "I'm very sad for the family but I'm grateful for everything they gave to our community. They always offered up the best sangria in Dover, the best paella and were just always being so warm, welcoming and kind to everyone who walked through their doors."

Wittner was unsure of the status of the fire-damaged buildings, but more than eight months after the fire, the family has decided to move on.

Owners say goodbye 'until we meet again'

In the Facebook post, which was unsigned, the owners "thanked all of our family and friends for your support and kindness over the years."

"My dad, Nick, passed away 7 years ago today and as many of you know, we suffered a devastating fire at the restaurant last year as well," it continued. "Over the years we have enjoyed meeting all of you and serving you as guests. We would have celebrated 43 years in the restaurant this past February and we enjoyed every single moment with our great customers and friends. But time moves on, and nothing is forever."

"We hope to keep in touch with the many, many, great friends we have met along the way. You have a special place in our hearts and always will. So it's adios, until we meet again. Thanks for the memories, the laughs and the love."

William Westhoven is a local reporter for DailyRecord.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: wwesthoven@dailyrecord.com 

Twitter: @wwesthoven