Matthew Borowski is a key figure in New Jersey’s hospitality scene, known for his innovative approach to the industry. As the author of The Death of Hospitality, he champions breaking away from traditional norms to redefine success in modern hospitality. His flagship establishment, 618 Restaurant in Freehold, has earned significant acclaim, including being named one of OpenTable’s Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America five years in a row, ranking among the Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S. this year by Yelp, and placing in the Top 1% of Restaurants Worldwide by OpenTable.

In 2025, Matthew expanded his culinary footprint with the launch of Mezcal, a modern Mexican steakhouse that quickly became one of New Jersey’s most talked-about dining destinations. He has also partnered with, playing a key role it its franchising growth, for the beloved local brand Jersey Freeze, opening the Colts Neck location in August 2025, with a new Old Bridge location set to debut this spring. Franchising for Jersey Freeze will begin in 2026.

Also slated to open in 2026, Matthew’s next venture, Elizabeth’s Italian, is an elevated Italian restaurant offering a vibrant, modern interpretation of classic Italian cuisine. Designed to blend the warmth of tradition with a contemporary edge, it represents an exciting continuation of his impact on New Jersey’s dining scene.