WO Residents Fear Pals Cabin Will Close

CVS has applied to the West Orange Zoning Board for variances for the building and property at 265 Prospect Avenue in West Orange, according to the board's secretary Rose DeSena.

That address is the current site of Pals Cabin. 

Neighbors who received notices about the meeting expressed concern that the 80-year-old restaurant -- a local institution -- could become a CVS if the board approves the application at a special meeting on Nov. 8. According to the meeting agenda, the First Hartford Realty Corp., acting for CVS, has applied for a variance to have a 24-hour drive through lane.

"I will be so sad if this happens," one neighbor wrote to Patch. "We don’t need another drugstore!" 

Pals opened in 1932, when friends Martin L. (Marty) Horn and Bion Leroy (Roy) Sale joined forces. The Horn family has continued to operate the popular restaurant since that time, marking its 80th anniversary in May.

Reached by phone on Thursday afternoon, Pals co-owner Marty Horn, Jr. acknowledged the CVS application but said the restaurant was not closing.

"We are not selling the property," said Horn. "We are investigating the possibility of redeveloping the site."

Horn said he would release more information to the public after the Nov. 8 meeting.

Pals is well-known locally for its signature "Pals Famous Cream of Mushroom Soup" as well as its burgers. However, it has a including Bob Hope and Babe Ruth. The Entertainment Room also houses the piano Liberace played while he was the piano player for Pals. Unfortunately, the Horn/Liberace relationship soured when the young piano player requested a $20 raise. Martin Horn Sr. refused and Liberace headed west.