Muscle Maker Grill in Edgewater is already is a major Hudson Riverfront attraction, thanks to in large part to Victor Martinez's magnetic personality and a crack, non-stop staff that runs its own form of circuits every day. To put it simply: The place is going great guns -- pun intended.
His business also features nutritional supplements and just about any kind of workout drink you thirst for. You can eat clean AND hang out in a cool place with big screen TVs, with no hassles from friendly, hard-working staff. Makes it even more enjoyable with the kitchen right behind the counter.
Victor also designed a VIP lounge in back for athletes and celebrities who live in the area. We promised we'd keep most of those names secret, but we are allowed to mention that Tuck and Osi of the Giants like to watch "Monday Night Fooball" in back.
As a spokesman for the company, Victor is hoping his restaurant becomes the showpiece: Owner Rod Silva sold 150 Muscle Maker Grills nationwide in less than 18 months and isn't showing any signs of stopping. There's one coming to Hoboken, another to Jersey City.
It will be interesting to see whether they become the beehives that Victor's is. Drop in any time of day, or night, and a large and knowledgeable staff is hustling full-time. Victor's business partner, Ande Taylor, keeps them hopping -- though Victor's presence doesn't hurt.
Much as he would like to, Victor can't lace into some of the offerings now that he's in training for the Mr. Olympia competition in Las Vegas next month (For a brief video, click here: Pro Bodybuilder Victor Martinez).
The purposeful, single-minded approach he takes to training comes with him to the store. He'll notice the slightest thing off center that most others miss. Yet once he points it out, he'll follow with a huge, warm smile that hides the fact that he could lift you, and me, over his head without much effort.
People have marveled at Victor's genuine kindness amid intense pain. Earlier this summer, his sister was murdered in a downtown Manhattan office building. The case made national headlines: Sister's murder drives bodybuilder.
Although Victor had to identify the body, he somehow found his way back to the store, helping to fill the drink machine and make certain that shifts were covered leading up to the opening. It was only after police made an arrest that he was finally able to exhale: Arrest in sister's murder pumps up popular bodybuilder.
"That man has an inner strength that most people could only hope to have," Taylor said of her partner. "He just refuses to be brought down. He takes whatever challenge he has and uses it as a catalyst to rise above."
That strength draws people to him, the same way he hopes Muscle Maker Grill will draw customers.
Try the steak. And don't forget to tell Victor or Ande you read about Muscle Maker Grill here.
Muscle Maker Grill, 725 River Road, Edgewater. 201.699.0893. Hours: 10:30 AM to as late as 9:00 PM, Monday thru Friday, and 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturday. For more, click here: MUSCLE MAKER GRILL
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Anna Aranda
said:
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... That's one BIG MOHICAN!! At first, I thought this was a gym ad! What a unique concept! I hope the steaks are as beefy as the owner. lol On a serious note...I recall the news items about the death of his sister. Tragic and so sad. I hope Victor, and his family as well....are all coping with strength and unity. May God see them through. I wish him the greatest success with his restaurant! And I'll refer it to all the "gym junkies" and health-conscious people I know! Great story, Jerry!! |
