About US

Essex Restaurant Group is a family owned, ever-evolving hospitality company located in the heart of Essex County, NJ. The Crosby Montclair opened its doors for the first time in April 2017, quickly becoming one of the most admired nightlife spots in town.

Best known for its craft cocktails, spacious venue, and energetic nightlife – The Crosby’s appeal was undeniable. Next door sat Fin Raw Bar & Kitchen, a cozy seafood spot that served clean, light fare paired with your favorite glass of Pinot Grigio.

Like the rest of the industry, our world was turned upside down in March of 2020 when we were forced to close our doors due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Instead of taking this time to mourn what once was – we decided to take this opportunity and get to work. Instead of reopening as The Crosby and Fin, we wanted to give Montclair what it was missing. Steak, Pan-Asian cuisine, and a taste of New York City nightlife.

After three years of bouncing around ideas, renovations, and a complete rebrand – we are pleased to present The Maddox: New American Steakhouse and Musuko: Pan Asian Sushi Bar. We combined both spaces to construct a dual-establishment with two separate concepts – creating a culinary titan.

Both serving craft cocktails, a 60+ wine list, draft beer, and top shelf liquor – The Maddox and Musuko’s modern ambiance will have you feeling like you’re dining in the big city.

Corporate Executive Chef Michael Penaranda comes from a long resume of New York City restaurants including fan favorites Dos Caminos, La Pecora Bianca and The Smith. And how he decided to bring New York City to a small town.

In addition, we formed our management team from The Crosby staff and decided to stick together over the years to create the next big thing. That next big thing is The Maddox & Musuko.

Be part of a passionate group dedicated to providing exceptional dining experiences. We believe in growth and challenging ourselves to be the best. If you share our commitment to excellence, we'd love to hear from you! Check out our job openings and apply now to start your journey with us.