Popular Morristown Restaurant to Change Name After 20 Years

What’s in a name?

Plenty, according to one ownership duo, and that’s why they’re altering the title of one of Morris County’s most notable and popular restaurants.

Since 1995 Tim Schaefer’s Restaurant on Speedwell Avenue has offered fine dining and cuisine, and will continue to do so, but now under the designation of Chef Fredy’s Table.

Fredy Umanzor, who has been the head chef at the restaurant since 1999, co-owns the business along with general manager Nestor Bedoya. The pair bought the business from Schaefer in 2005.

“When we bought the business we talked about changing the name,” Bedoya said. “[Schaefer] has been out of town for ten years now, and we’ve been wanting to push Chef Fredy out to our customers. It’s time to have our own identity.”

Bedoya promises there will be no other changes aside from the name, which will be official sometime over the next few weeks. The general manager said the restaurant will likely advertise with a “formerly Tim Schaefer’s Restaurant” disclaimer for the next year.

Umanzor has been a professional chef for nearly three decades and has concocted creations like Creole Jambalaya with Shrimp & Sea Scallops as well as Long Island Duckling for the restaurant’s Prix Fixe dinner menu.

“The food and service will remain the same,” Bedoya said. “It’s just time for our own identity.”