Kim with Pork Roll Festival mascot
MBCJ, stands for Mercer Bucks and Central Jersey Eateries, with over 32.9K members. MBCJ is a Facebook group that shares information on Restaurants and Eateries in the areas of New Jersey and sometimes across the Delaware River into Pennsylvania. Now expanding into Monmouth County, however not yet located in North or South Jersey.
Her name is Kim Janel and she created this Facebook group back on March 12, 2021. While we were deep into the Covid pandemic.
This group offers POSITIVE REVIEWS, comments and feedback however it is much different than Yelp. The group IS a positive review sight designed to introduce new places. Never containing mixed reviews and always keeping it optimistic and cheerful and informative.
Kim likes to keep her group in categories making it easier for the members to navigate in the, Featured tab, at the top of the page. If you do not have anything kind to offer, then keep scrolling. Keeping everything consolidated makes the group more user-friendly. If a person cannot reach a thread, or seek an answer to a place they are researching, you can always reach out to Kim on Facebook messenger and she will respond back and help you locate it.
This site does NOT include franchises or chains. This group is reserved for local mom and pop places in Central New Jersey, and Bucks and as stated above, now reaching outside of New Jersey and into Pennsylvania.
Containing first person reviews, often with pictures with NO paid advertisements. People can ask questions and get instant replies, encouraging others to share their experiences with restaurants and eatery establishments, sharing positive experiences.
If you are recommending your own restaurant, or place of employment, Kim asks that you mention who you are in the comments you share, as a requirement.
Recently I reached out to Kim with these questions...
How did it all get started?
The restaurants in my community have always supported fund raisers, so when they were struggling through COVID, I saw an opportunity to support them back.
Tell us a little about yourself?
Sure! I am a happily married mom of four plus four dogs, one grand pup and a grand cat. I am an artist and I love nature, animals and the outdoors.
What has been your favorite experience yet?
Meeting people who tell me how much my group has helped their business. It is rewarding!
What was/is your career before you started this group site?
I was a stay at home mom, raising my four kids. I have always been involved with their sports and activities. I have always volunteered with animal rescue and fundraisers.
Did you ever expect to gain SO many members in just four years?
Not at all, it is a nice surprise.
Has there been a request that has ever stumped you?
Yes, and that is the reason I expanded this group to include counties beyond Mercer and Bucks. Middlesex county has a lot of Asian cuisine options that were otherwise hard to find.
Where and what else do you see branching out to?
Not sure yet, I guess we will see!
Have you had this vision for awhile and how did it come to you?
I did not, it happened organically.
Were you raised a Foodie, back when you were growing up?
Not so much growing up but once I became old enough to appreciate restaurants, my mom took me regularly to restaurants in Philadelphia, where we lived.
I love that you have included your older children in this site. What do they bring to the table, so to speak ?
Thanks! They offer another perspective which is something I appreciate. However I only post photos of my adult children sparingly. I want the focus to remain on food and not us.
I thought it was very cool, you recently reached out to group members for suggestions on local food favorites to purchase and send (mail) to your kids away at college. How did that work out?
It worked out very well! Our group members are a wonderful resource and always eager to help. We really do have an engaging caring group.
First a Facebook public group page, then a website and now a magazine, what more is in store moving forward?
I have a new project in the works. I am always working on multiple things.
Have you ever thought of covering restaurants located in travel destinations, nationally and internationally?
Yes I have. Recently I traveled to Nashville, I’ve never been before and I reached out to the group for dining suggestions, that were helpful. I am currently working on a project that includes restaurants in other states. It’s very exciting!
On average, would you say you have more female group members than male members and why?
Yes, we do have more female group members. Not sure why? There are lots of males that are engaging especially chefs and restaurant owners.
How many days a week, a month, would you say the average family goes out to dinner together?
It really varies so much from person to person. I think a few times a month seems accurate.
Do you feel parents are taking their children out to lunch/dinner more so now compared to years ago?
Yes, I think so. There are places that cater to moms and dads, “on the go” and they make it easy to grab dinner.
Kim with her husband
Would you consider printing a coupon booklet highlighting restaurants containing discount coupons?
Yes! I created a Discount Dining Card already, which was the precursor to a booklet.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
There is a Feature Tab, you can click on for Events, Festivals, Restaurants thread for people hiring and people searching for restaurant jobs.
After doing a little more research, I’ve found that Kim has started a once a month gathering that anyone can attend by reserving their space ahead of time. This way members of the group can meet face to face, while dining together at a discounted rate, as a combined group.
The Feature page includes anything and everything related to certain restaurants that offer discounted rates and Dining cards for the group to purchase and the establishments rotate from month to month. These discounted cards often have an expiration date that usually lasts up to one year with a QR code on the card.
Kim not only interacts and attends these group dining experiences in person. She also keeps categories in the groups directory. A brand new website, mbcjeateries.com, has been added recently and a magazine is being designed to offer listing promotions and Foodie gift cards. You can also follow on Instagram @ mbcj_eateries. Kim holds promotional contests from time to time, to engage group members only.
A Dog Friendly Dining thread just started in 2025. Along with Group Holiday Dining Passport Card, that was offered in late November 2024, offering Free meals, Free appetizers, Free sides and Free Desserts and more!
In just one months time, 1 million views were obtained. Kim also offers Social media services for Businesses, as a Graphic Designer, with a Bachelors of Arts Degree from Moore College of Art and Design specializing in Social media, marketing,photography and online community management. Kim provides an online presence for your Business Brand Marketing.
There is a private group to join called Mercer Bucks & Central Jersey Eateries Singles with group activities with over 208 members to date. Just reaching the fourth year on March 12, 2025.
Kim’s son, Jacob Janel shares in administrator with Brooke Janel, Kim’s daughter as Moderator along with Tammy Marciante Corinine,Angela Tong, Joanna Tong and Lisa Wolff, as additional moderators.
Kim with her son
Some of the Subgroups offer categories in Vegan, Vegetarian, Catering, Gluton Free, Outdoor Seating, Baby & Bridal Showers, Birthday Celebrations, Party Venues, Kid Friendly, Pizza, Sushi, Bagels, Indian Food, Creole/ Cajun Food, Bourbon, BBQ, Italian, Crab Cakes, Steak Guide, Food Truck Guide, Sports Bar, Farm Stand, Keto Friendly, Sugar Free, Preservative Free, Breweries, Wineries, Cuban Food, German Cuisine, Nut Allergy Safe Eateries, Pride Dining and Restaurants that provide Music, Good Jewish Deli's, Best place for PHO, Lactose Intolerant Restaurants, Authentic Filipino, Puerto Rican, Dominican Republic, Holiday Restaurants, that will be open and what will they offer and SO much more.
Additional categories for Special Occasion's, Best Butcher Shops, Take-Out and Easy Meals to prepare, Authentic Tapas, Date Nights, Bakeries, Fun Environments, Amish Markets, Seasonally Decorated Restaurants, Catering, restaurants that you do not need advance reservations and so on and so on.
I hope to be assisting with the newest category, Restaurants and Eateries in Mercer County and Monmouth County, and beyond, that offer music. Which will be right up my alley with over 24 years experience booking live music locally and out of the area.
When I was growing up, my parents did not take us on many vacations however we were always treated to fine dining experiences. I have a vivid memory of how grateful and appreciative I felt being able to dine at restaurants in my local area and beyond. These memories are implanted in my mind and as an adult I cherish the times my parents took us out of the way to experience good food and fine dining. Whether it was for ice cream or fresh bagels on a Saturday night, or a very Special place that we celebrated Birthdays together, it’s no wonder my older brother was involved in Restaurant Management and I pursued Hospitality for over 17 years. It was engrained in us at an early age.
Kim spends most of her time answering group questions, reviewing restaurants and taking photos of dishes she feels should be promoted and shared.
Recently my mom and I went out for cinco de mayo, when we got home I posted photos on this group site as a member and a review of our experience. Within one day the post has garnered over 120 likes and comments. With over 5.4k reached readers and growing. Wow, right?!
It was just a matter of time that this Group would be created and thanks to Kim Janel for bringing it to the forefront. I cannot wait to see what else she has in store for us.
Give the page a visit and join us and share what places you have frequented and have been pleased with. The group is always interacting and Kim keeps everyone updated and involved.
Bon appetite and Cheers2ya!
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