I believe they also own Abbate Deli on WHP in Oaklyn - if so, you can look forward to some AWESOME cheese steaks and EXCELLENT hoagies !!!!!!

this place excites me...now all I have to hope is it stays open late enough to grab something for dinner or an impromptu picnic after work

Being that there is nowhere to go and eat, this is exciting and exactly what Collingswood needs, an Italian eatery. What ever happened to the "buy a brick" program for the Knight House restoration?

Glad to see a new business! However it would be nice to see something other than Italian fare. I'm married to an Italian, so don't get me wrong! But everything in Collingswood is Italian, pizza, or a quick bite. Not everything in town is white cloth - quite the contrary actually.

We have Primos, bistro do Marino, and kitchen consigliere. One is an Italian eatery, one is a bistro, and the other is casual Italian fare. Not to mention Blackbird diner and te pop shop...both very casual and open later. As a local guy that eats local, I guess I don't see the "gap" referenced in the story.

...Aren't all of the 'dining' experiences here laid back? I love the restaurants here but they are all casual,,,too casual actually. And cheapening and dumbing down another place is something that is a swing and a miss in my book. I would rather have seen something upscale,,,, or at least on the same plane with proper Italian cuisine. Oh well...

Laid-back family style - that would be Pop Shop. Pizza and sandwiches - well, we've got that, covered, too (Antonio's, Raymond's, Stella). Hope this isn't just more of the same.

@David - I hope you don't feel like we are beating you up! Many locals are just very protective of certain establishments, quality standards, and overall anything that has positively contributed to the image of Collingswood. My background is in estate development, and I tend to look for certain benchmarks or signals when I see new businesses or developments in progress. I hope I'm totally and utterly wrong, but it seems like they're moving awfully slow on this fit out. Collingswood tends to be very pro-business/development, so it's usually not the boro holding things up. I hope this isn't a low-budget job that turns out to be a bunch of hokey decor and so-so food. I'm familar with Cosi in Philadelphia. That look, feel, and atomosphere can be expensive to replicate. The fact that this is a corner property, only raises the stakes that much higher.

Not at all. I appreciate any and all feedback. What separates Collingswood from most other suburban South Jersey dining scenes is its embrace of privately owned, chef-driven eating establishments. Haddon Avenue is a beacon of light where you can eat Italian food without resorting to The Olive Garden, which is a rarity anymore. I do believe there is a gluttony of Italian restaurants in this city, and people commenting here are right in fearing more of the same. I believe for the most part that the dining scene is evolving, and with establishments such as Blackbird opening, others will be encouraged to try something new. (For those that believe there wasn't room for any new Italian, check out Zeppoli and stand corrected.) Lastly, I agree that a majority of the eateries on Haddon Avenue are "casual", but not in the same breath as garbage chain restaurants like Applebee's and Chili's and even Cheesecake Factory. Restaurants along Haddon Avenue offer an air of casualness, some more than others, but regardless, the standards at places as laid back as Bistro di Marino still exceed the faux upscale nonsense of Maggiano's or Macaroni Grill. Happy eating everybody, and let me know if you have any ideas or suggestions for the future!

@Potteringscollingswood, Nuzio's is actually my favorite and they do have a very good staff

@Porterincollingswood - believe me, I love our italian fare. I eat at consig and amore at least twice a week. I just lovingly criticize the number of italian places. Unless you are a super die hard italian fan, italian does get old after a while...even if there are subtle differences in style, etc. When I discovered IndieBlue, I was so excited. Heck, I'm not even a huge fan of Indian food. But it's nice to know there is a variety for every occasion, or when the mood strikes you, as they say.

At the end of the day, whatever your opinion may be, I think most locals can agree that it's a tad silly that the majority of our restaurant fare is Italian. Collingswood is a vibrant and fabulous place - not a one trick pony. Let our restaurant fare reflect that!

OMG these men have said it all, in fact far too much. Makes me hungry. Can't wait for the opening and I will judge for myself. Porter, as far as how most local's think, this one will think for herself. No reply necessary.

Does anyone know whenand where they will be holding interviews?

I've checked out the progress, and unfortunately it looks like many of our concerns are coming true. Knights Bistro has amounted to nothing more than a glorified pizza shop. What a shame, and what a waste of corner property. I'm really glad they came to town to fill that "gap" in our dining repertoire.

Went to the May Fair today (which was utterly fantastic! A great showcase for our town's dedication for local flair, community and family fun) Only gripe was the Collingswood Fire Dept handing out children's grab bags and they had letter opener razors in them,,, clearly somebody was NOT thinking on that one) but as I digress...

Checked out Knights Bistro, or as much of it I could stomach. This establishment is a disgrace. It's a cheap 'Italian' McDonald's, with picture boards for ordering (are we that much of imbeciles now?) And watching the people pile up and waddle in was even more saddening. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, an American will stick anything in their mouth and declare it a meal. Really not for sure if a vacant lot would be a worse off scenario, because as it stands now, our corner lot is a lost cuisine black hole for many years to come with no possibility for dignity.

I felt like a fool just standing in there checking it out, however faith was renewed and checked into Villa Barone for lunch,,, pleasant as always! Loved the hostess and waitress as always, such a pleasure.

What's with all of the Haterade on here. Someone decided to invest in our town. That's good news.

Standards ..dignity ..pride..not really what I'd call 'hate' ...We ought to be wanting more along the lines of striving for excellence. I for one will not apologize for wanting quality.

All of the griping on here just inspired me to walk down there for lunch. The pizza didn't look like the best, but the cheesesteak I ordered was quite good.

I suppose I should weigh in on this. I stopped in and got the chicken parm entree and my girlfriend had a chicken pesto panini. The chicken parm was good. It wasn't ground breaking; it was simple and well executed. I'd eat there again for lunch. The free roll was stale and flat, and the service was confusing, but the food was good, and the employees were friendly. I'm not sure where the Lo Bianco space is, but if it's the open shop next to Blackbird, I'm almost positive a hibachi place will be opening there soon. I expect to hear griping soon about the new abundance of Asian cuisine :)

I was hoping for a bistro, not another pizza joint serving food that's been sitting out for hours. They should have asked the people in town what we wanted. They can still save it. Get suggestion box and make a few changes please!

There really is a lot of hating going on here... And while I haven't been inside the Knight's Bistro, I was in there when it was Kenmac... and that place is SMALL. I don't know how you people expected a full service restaurant to go into there... let alone a kitchen to cook. I think a quick-service pizza and sandwich place is a great little addition there, and yes we do have quite a few pizza places in town, but last time I checked they are almost all always busy, and each is a little different. For instence, I prefer pizza from one and sandwiches from another... so lighten up and take it in stride.. We have tons of restaurants that are too expensive for myself (your average college student) to afford... and I would love to eat in my town. But I find myself leaving to go to the 'Olive Garden's of the world because I can't afford the high price points charged in Collingswood. I welcome a more affordable dining experience, even if it may be pizza and sandwiches.

Thank you @Seth. I will take a look. My main problem is that I see entrees upwards of $25-30/per person... not including a beverage or a salad.

And I know that Dining out is a luxury, but there is no reason that the 1% should be the only ones allowed to dine out. Just because I can't afford Bistro or Villa doesn't mean I don't want to go there.

Just my two cents... and sorry that you took offense to my observations of how you all choose to judge (see: hate) Knight's Bistro without trying it. I intend to try it next time I am in town before I write it off.

Also, @One road town... just to let you know I graduated with honors with a B.S. in Hospitality as well as a Minor in Business Studies... so there's no reason you need to be arrogant just because I suggested you take this in stride.

College biz.. I'm not of really concerned of your entitlement 1% mentality .. nor your assessment of my comment. The terms you have used are revealing as to who you are, and thus continuing a dialogue is a waste. Good day.

@Seth -- thanks! Glad someone on here has some common sense. I would love to be able to afford everything in town but I just can't. That said I think i'll definitely have to check out il fiore now, thank you for recommending it.

@One road town -- My entitlement 1% mentality? I'm just simply stating that I can't afford to pay $45/person for dining out all the time so I look towards establishments that cater to those seeking more affordable meals. I wish there were more establishments like that in town. I can only think of a few. Pop Shop offers me a different experience at a price I can afford. As does Tortilla Press. But I can't say the same about 90% of the other restaurants in town. The fact that you won't give one the chance to continue this healthy discussion and debate shows a lot about who YOU are as well, just so you know.

@One road town... I do live there... I am currently staying out of town with family because I am working a temporary job that has me out of town but I have lived in collingswood for 22 years of my life since I was a child. I grew up there, attended the schools, and had one of my first jobs in town at The Pop Shop as part of the opening team.

As a hospitality major I know how restaurants work, I have personal experience of the ins and outs of hospitality and restuarant management and I understand the need to fill a niche that is unfilled, which is what the Abbate brothers are doing, and that is more family-friendly (and family-budget-friendly) eateries for the suburban family atmosphere of Collingswood.

I am NOT just some troll looking for a reaction... I was merely adding my two cents to a converstaion that I found interesting. Honestly, if I knew you were going to be this hostile, I would have kept my comments to myself. I would have thought that a resident of Collingswood would have been accepting of the opinions of others, as that is how families in town have always been when I was growing up.

Sorry to have bothered you.

Lo I'm not being hostile cbw.. take it however you wish.

The fact you continually make this post and hijack it over your budget and financial issues and then you firing back at me with name calling is silly

... bon appetit

We were disappointed when we visited this place. The decor has a nice bistro feel to it. However, the food was nothing more than a mediocre pizzeria. We honestly expected to see the likes of Portabella burgers, homemade soups, Pommes Frites, Roasted eggplant, Kale salads, Hummus platters, etc. Or maybe some Charcuterie/Salumi, Pat LaFreida style burgers, etc. (you get the point). Instead, they serve your typical Mozzarella sticks, Pizza, Calzones/Sromboli's, a few pasta dishes, wraps, etc.

The Panini's were completely flavorless. Each individual ingredient was lackluster. We were insulted with a small bag of boring Lay's potato chips on the side? We thought they would of at least served some house made potato chips or skin-on french fries, etc. The mussels had a frozen taste (nothing compared to Treno, Pour House, Iron Hill Brewery, etc.). I would rather pay a few extra dollars more and eat the Panini's at the Kitchen Consigliere Cafe down the street (the difference in quality is like night and day....those panini's are made with love & come with a small mix green salad AND sweet potato fries). In this day and age, even the local bars/taverns in Westmont are kickin' out some gourmet'ish food, you have to step up to the plate. Take a look at the menu at the 'Corner Bistro' or the 'Apron' in Haddonfield, then compare it to Knights Bistro. I really think this place has potential. However, they will need to do a complete overhaul of the menu or this place will not last.

For the record... I just want to say that I ate at Knight's the other day and definitely enjoyed the meal. It was a great atmosphere and the waitress was very helpful. Also the home-made cannoli's for dessert were absolutely delicious! I would eat fifty of them if I could.

Don't see what all the fuss is about. Also, what's a "pommes frites"?

IF dining out please be careful not to park near Firehouse and Knight Bistro .. If not eating in their Resturant they will have you towed !At your expense !!!! There is a sign Customer parking which my friends thought mean Firehouse type parking but Customer Resturant parking .. Please be careful .. You could come out to no car!!

... The sign does Not say Knight Bistro Parking only.. Many people may not realize that lot belongs to them.. Customer parking could mean all customers of Collingswood