JACKSON, NJ – Several generations of Ocean County residents grew up spending their weekend nights speeding around the rink at the Jackson Skating Center on Countyline Road, but that is coming to an end in October.
“Thank you for being loyal customers to Jackson Skating Center,” the company posted on its Facebook page on Friday. “If you have not heard already, Jackson Skating Center will be closing on October 3, 2022.”
The company invited residents to visit its nearest location in South Amboy.
The closing of the Jackson rink leaves Youngs Skating Park in Mays Landing as the last roller skating rink at the Jersey Shore.
In recent decades, many communities have opened skate parks that allow for rollerblading, skating boarding, and scooter riding.
The company did not say why it is closing. No plans for the venue have been announced at this time.
MILLSTONE, NJ – The traffic in and out of Six Flags Great Adventure was not enough to keep an aspiring new sub shop open as Hot Shot Subs announced it closed down this week. The company did, however, leave the door open to reopening elsewhere.
“We would like to Thank All Our Great Customers for your support these past two years. Unfortunately, we will not be reopening. It has been our pleasure to have met and gotten to know you.
We look forward to the possibility of serving you again in the future,” Hot Shot Subs said in a final post on Facebook.
Hot Shot Subs was a favorite stop for guests to Six Flags Great Adventure and Hurricane Harbor as one of the last stops en route to the park to avoid the high-cost food items inside the park.
It had a 4.0 rating on Yelp! Not too shabby for a new restaurant chain that sought to compete with the big players in the sub game.
The restaurant was the vision of retired military veteran firefighter John Erichsen. Erichsen did not say why the restaurant was being closed. Instead, the decision was made as the summer tourism season at Great Adventure winds down from seven days per week to weekend and winter holiday hours.
The closing of Hot Shot Subs, one of many new businesses to open in recent years along the newly developed Six Flags corridor between Interstate 195 and the theme park could send mixed signals to investors in the area.
The store’s location put itself smack in the middle of competition for food sales between Burger King, McDonald’s, WaWa, 7-Eleven, Taco Bell, and KFC. The closing of the store leaves a restaurant open for a future investor.
TOMS RIVER, NJ – KPOT is coming to Toms River. The widely enjoyed Korean BBQ and Asian hot pot franchise will be opening a new restaurant, the first restaurant at the Jersey Shore.
KPOT has multiple locations in New Jersey, all located in North Jersey. Now, the chain is making a significant push to expand in the Garden State with two other planned openings in Neptune and Secaucus, in addition to Toms River.
If you haven’t been to KPOT, it’s part hibachi, part Melting Pot, in a sort of way. You get to cook your own food from a massive menu of options. You can choose to BBQ your food, create a hot soup pot, or both.
Did we mention that it’s all you can eat?
According to the company, “KPOT is leading a cultural dining revolution! Born from four friends from different backgrounds who blended their cuisines over a shared table, KPOT is a unique, hands-on, all-you-can-eat experience that merges traditional Asian hot pot with Korean BBQ flavors.”
KPOT is about trying new things or sticking to what you like best. You can have it either way.
“But it’s more than just a meal. KPOT is for both the food adventurers and the social eaters. It’s about tasting the global spices and seasonings all while feeling a sense of community,” the company says in its about statement. “It’s modernized hot pot and Korean BBQ with a full bar and nightlife atmosphere. But in the true spirit of those four friends, KPOT is mostly about gathering together for lively conversation over a feast of good food.”
The restaurant has a hibachi-like atmosphere, but you are the cook.
The menu is endless, and you can prepare your food exactly how you like it with whatever ingredients you enjoy. It’s truly a unique occasion-type venue that the restaurant critics of Toms River will enjoy.
The restaurant will be located within the Crossroads Commons Plaza at the intersection of Route 166 and Route 37 in the spot of the former Social 37 restaurant.
BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ – A three-home subdivision has been approved on Herbertsville Road in Brick Township, across the street from the Herbertsville Fire House. The application was approved by the Brick Township Planning Board.
What it says
Notice of Decision by the Brick Township Planning Board On August 24, 2022 the Brick Township Planning Board adopted a Resolution memorializing the approval granted to the applicant, Pinnacle Commercial Development, on Application No. PB-2898-MS-V-4/2022 for Minor Subdivision approval for the following relief for property known as Block 1386.03, Lot 31, located within the R-20 Single Family Residential Zoning District, Brick Township: The applicant was granted approval to construct to remove the existing dwelling and accessory structures and is proposing to develop three (3) new single two-story dwellings. The Resolution approving the application along with all plans and related documents are on file in the at the Brick Township Planning Board, located at 401 Chambers Bridge Road, Brick Township, New Jersey during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Attorney for the Applicant Michael J. Deem, Esquire R.C. Shea & Associates Toms River, New Jersey.
What it means
The planning board has approved the construction of three new single-story homes on a lot with one existing dwelling.
TOMS RIVER, NJ – Texas Roadhouse is coming to the Ocean County Mall complex in Toms River. While no formal announcement has been made, many residents were hoping the former Charlie Brown’s restaurant at the intersection of Hooper Avenue and Kettle Creek Road could one day become a Texas Roadhouse, a public notice for a liquor license was issued by Toms River Township officials.
You can read the public notice below.
What is says
NOTICE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL Take notice that an application has been made to Toms River Township, 33 Washington Street, Toms River, New Jersey, to transfer Plenary Retail Consumption License Number 1507-33-014-004, heretofore issued to Ocean Ventures Liquor I LLC as a pocket license, to Texas Roadhouse Holdings LLC for a restaurant located at 1201 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, New Jersey 08753. The person(s) who will hold an interest in this license is/are: Texas Roadhouse, Inc. 6040 Dutchmans Lane, Suite 200 Louisville…, if any, should be made immediately in writing to: Township Clerk, Toms River Township, 33 Washington Street, Toms River, New Jersey 08753. Texas Roadhouse Holdings LLC c/o Skene Law Firm 2614 Route 516, 2nd Floor Old Bridge, NJ 08857 ($96.80)
What it means
Texas Roadhouse is planning on coming to Toms River. The address in the public notice shows the location as being in the Ocean County Mall shopping complex. It would be an ideal spot for the restaurant. Currently, the closest Texas Roadhouse to Toms River is on Route 9 in Howell Township.
Texas Roadhouse is a much anticipated and requested addition by residents on social media. It would be the first location in Ocean County. Aside from Howell, the chain operates in Hamilton, Holmdel, Old Bridge, and Egg Harbor. There is also a Texas Road House just across the Delaware River in Bensalem, Pennsylvania.
The company has not yet publicly confirmed this addition to its restaurant chain.
TOMS RIVER, NJ – The Toms River Township Council has voted to change the township’s parking ordinance to prohibit parking on Pantzer Street during daytime school hours. This ban on parking will be in effect Monday through Friday between the hours of 7 am and 3pm.
What is says
TOMS RIVER TOWNSHIP NOTICE ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF TOMS RIVER, OCEAN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING SECTION 477-60 (SCHEDULE II: NO PARKING CERTAIN HOURS) OF CHAPTER 477 (VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC) OF THE TOWNSHIP CODE (NO PARKING BOTH SIDES OF PANTZER STREET FROM 7:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M./SCHOOL DAYS FOR THE ENTIRE LENGTH) (NO PARKING BOTH SIDES OF PANTZER COURT FROM 7:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M./SCHOOL DAYS FOR THE ENTIRE LENGTH) PURPOSE: TO PROHIBIT PARKING ON BOTH SIDES OF PANTZER COURT AND PANTZER STREET FOR THE ENTIRE LENGTH FROM 7:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M./SCHOOL DAYS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the ordinance published herewith was introduced and passed upon first reading at a meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Toms River, in the County of Ocean, New Jersey, held on September 14, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. It will be further considered for final passage at a public meeting to be held in the L. Manuel Hirshblond Meeting Room of the Municipal Building in said Township on September 28, 2022 at 6:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as this matter can be reached, at which time all persons interested shall be given an opportunity to be heard concerning this ordinance. Prior to the second reading, a copy of this ordinance shall be posted on the bulletin board in the Municipal Building and copies shall be made available at the Township Clerk’s Office in said Municipal Building to members of the general public who shall request such copies. MICHAEL CRUOGLIO TOWNSHIP CLERK APPROVED AS TO FORM: ANTHONY MERLINO ASSISTANT TOWNSHIP ATTORNEY MUNICIPAL BUILDING 33 WASHINGTON STREET TOMS RIVER, N.J. 08753 L-Sept 14, 2022-10 NOTICE ($39.60)
What it means
Community complaints were lodged after visitors to Toms River High School East to use the street for overflow parking and to provide safety for pedestrians and drivers along Raider Way, the main access road to the High School. Raider Way is also a no-parking zone, but vehicles are often parked in that area.
TOMS RIVER, NJ – The Exit 82 Theatre Company has applied for an alcoholic beverage sales license with the township of Toms River and the New Jersey ABC.
What it says
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF TOMS RIVER WITH INTENT TO ISSUE A “NEW” LICENSE WITH THEATRE EXCEPTIONS July 27, 2022 WHEREAS, Exit 82 A Toms River Theatre Co. Inc. has applied to both the A.B.C. and the Township for a special plenary retail consumption license; and WHEREAS, the application form submitted to the Township is complete in all respects, and pending approval by the Director of the A.B.C.; and WHEREAS, the applicant has exclusive possession and control of the premises to be licensed and the premise meets the requirements of 33:1-19.7; and WHEREAS, the applicant and premises are qualified for licensure and are in compliance with all applicable provisions of the law; and WHEREAS, this resolution is a prerequisite to A.B.C. approval: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of Toms River, in the County of Ocean, State of New Jersey as follows: 1. Toms River Township intends to issue a New Special Plenary Retail Consumption License (Theatre Exception “37) pending approval from the A.B.C. to Exit 82 A Toms River Theatre Co. 2. A certified copy of this resolution shall be provided by the Office of the Township Clerk to each of the following: a) Police Department b) Chief Financial Officer c) Township Attorney d) Exit 82 A Toms River Theatre Company 73 Main Street Toms River, NJ 08753 e) State of New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control 140 East Front Street P.O. Box 087 5th Floor Trenton, NJ 08625-0087
What it means
The Exit 82 Theatre Company is a performing arts venue now located inside the old Crave restaurant space at the corner of Washington Street and Main Street in Downtown Toms River. This license will allow the theater to sell and serve alcoholic beverages to its customers.
Township Action
The Toms River Township Council had enacted a resolution of intent to issue the license with exceptions on July 27th.
Here’s a copy of that resolution:
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF TOMS RIVER WITH INTENT TO ISSUE A “NEW” LICENSE WITH THEATRE EXCEPTIONS July 27, 2022 WHEREAS, Exit 82 A Toms River Theatre Co. Inc. has applied to both the A.B.C. and the Township for a special plenary retail consumption license; and WHEREAS, the application form submitted to the Township is complete in all respects, and pending approval by the Director of the A.B.C.; and WHEREAS, the applicant has exclusive possession and control of the premises to be licensed and the premise meets the requirements of 33:1-19.7; and WHEREAS, the applicant and premises are qualified for licensure and are in compliance with all applicable provisions of the law; and WHEREAS, this resolution is a prerequisite to A.B.C. approval: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of Toms River, in the County of Ocean, State of New Jersey as follows: 1. Toms River Township intends to issue a New Special Plenary Retail Consumption License (Theatre Exception “37) pending approval from the A.B.C. to Exit 82 A Toms River Theatre Co. 2. A certified copy of this resolution shall be provided by the Office of the Township Clerk to each of the following: a) Police Department b) Chief Financial Officer c) Township Attorney d) Exit 82 A Toms River Theatre Company 73 Main Street Toms River, NJ 08753 e) State of New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control 140 East Front Street P.O. Box 087 5th Floor Trenton, NJ 08625-0087 ($42.24)
JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ – The Township of Jackson has agreed to pay Jackson Twentyone a sum of $450,000 to settle litigation with Mitch Leigh (decease) aka, Leigh Realty and LB & Jackson, LLC over tax appeals between 2009 and 2014.
To date, the Jackson Twentyone project which promised a downtown Jackson district filled with restaurants, nightlife, theaters, an outdoor amphitheater, and performing arts facilities, has delivered only high-density townhomes.
According to the now deceased visionary of the project, Mitch Leigh, “I’m Mitch Leigh and I’m a dreamer. One of my dreams has been to create a very special place where really nice people can live, work and have fun. Where you can choose from all kinds of new neighborhoods and quality apartments and townhomes. And best of all, where creativity, excitement, sports, shopping, dining and beautiful open spaces are all within walking distance!”
This week, Jackson Council President Marty Flemming joined councilmen Andrew Kern and Nino Borrelli to settle a tax appeal fight by Leigh Realty. In return, Leigh Reality agreed to withdraw several other tax appeals.
FREEHOLD, NJ – Frutta Bowls, a WOWorks brand and the nation’s fastest-growing superfoods franchise, is expanding its menu to allow for more customization and increase its offerings for multiple dayparts. The newly developed menu, with on-trend ingredients and flavors, includes an updated line-up of signature bowls to provide guests more options to fit their unique palates, as well as customize their meals. The brand also introduced new smoothies, smoothie sizes, and toasts.
Founded in 2016 to fulfill a need for fresh and flavorful plant-centric dining options, Frutta Bowls has since grown from its original location in Freehold, New Jersey to 39 locations across 16 states. From Acai to Zinc, Frutta Bowls uses only the freshest, ripest and most flavorful plant-based, whole-food ingredients featured in customizable bowls and smoothies, as well as toasts and protein bites.
The updated Signature Bowl menu includes 9 unique and customizable bowls. The new bowls were added to diversify the flavor profile options and provide indulgent eating experiences with healthy and nutrient-rich ingredients. The Rainbowl is filled with naturally sweet, tropical fruits that are a great source of magnesium and potassium, while the Peanutella is a protein-rich, creamy, and filling bowl that is chocolatey and decadent. Additionally, the brand is now offering 5 base options that include Acai, Pitaya, Green, Greek Yogurt, or Oatmeal. Guests now have more options for customization and a choice of a lighter morning or mid-day boost. The oatmeal base provides the choice of a warm, hearty option and the Greek yogurt base offers a creamy, protein-rich selection to expand guests’ choices for breakfast for all bowls.
The 9 Signature Smoothie options now come in two sizes: Small and Regular. The new smoothies were created to provide guests with fresh, light, and healthier choices for an on-the-go refreshment. The Very Berry is filled with antioxidant-rich fruits that can boost immunity, while the Glow Up offers a dairy-free alternative to an indulgent superfood, protein and potassium-rich drink with its organic acai, banana, coconut milk, peanut butter and Nutella ingredients.
Rounding out the new menu items are Frutta Bowl’s Signature Toast offerings. The new toast options are an exciting addition to the expanded menu that provide guests with heartier ingredients full of rich nutrients and even more delicious flavors. The Everything AVO offers healthy fats from avocados, on-trend “everything bagel” seasoning, and Vitamin C from roasted peppers. The Strawbrie is a sweet and savory toast with a creamy mouthful of brie, chock full of Vitamin B12 and naturally sweetened with strawberries.
“These new menu items focus on nutritious flavor profiles and versatility that aim to satisfy the unique dietary, health and lifestyle considerations of Frutta Bowls’ guests,” said Lauriena Borstein, Chief Brand Officer of Saladworks, Frutta Bowls, and Zoup! Eatery. “We are excited to roll out these fresh and delicious new options and give guests the freedom to create their own meals based on their personal palates and on-trend ingredients.”
Frutta Bowls goes beyond providing flavorful snacks and meals – it provides guests with nutritious and healthy ingredients intended to fuel the mind and body so guests leave feeling reenergized to accomplish their goals for the day. Packed with vitamin-rich ingredients and superfoods like acai, pitaya, kale and a multitude of grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts, the menu of customizable bowls, smoothies, toast, and protein bites also help boost your immunity levels and provide necessary nutrients.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Frutta Bowls restaurants offers online ordering and delivery through Frutta Bowls or their rewards program as well as third-party delivery services such as Uber Eats, GrubHub and Door Dash. Guests can join the Frutta Bowls Rewards program and download the app for exclusive, members-only rewards, special offers and guest perks. In addition, a full array of catering options are available to feed any size group with fresh, flavorful and nutritious menu items – from in-home gatherings to office parties or special events.
BERGEN COUNTY, NJ – Perspire Sauna Studio, a leading national infrared and red light therapy (RLT) sauna franchise brand, is preparing to make its debut in the Northeastern region of the U.S. following their newly announced 3-unit franchise agreement for Bergen County, New Jersey. This expansion stems from the desire of Jennifer and Josh Feliciano, area natives and the franchisees in mention, to introduce the franchise brand, its unique experience, and the variety of health benefits that come with it to residents throughout the market.
Having enjoyed a successful career as a Mortgage Loan Officer for The Bank of New York, MetLife, and AAG over the span of 25 years, Jennifer had never entertained the idea of leaving her role within the industry. That is until the pandemic arrived, redirecting her focus to her own health and wellbeing, as well as that of her community. Alongside her husband, the Felicianos began exploring what possibilities existed within the health and wellness space that would allow Jennifer to leave her corporate position and afford residents of Bergen County with a new means of personalized wellness. Soon after, they discovered Perspire Sauna Studio and began researching opportunities within the emerging brand.
“Our investment into the Perspire franchise was prompted by more than its world-class studio experience. The main motivation came from the science behind the brand,” said Jennifer Feliciano. “Infrared and red light sauna treatments are able to address physical and mental ailments that span all age groups and demographics of people. In short, it’s a brand that’s equipped to address the everyday health concerns we all experience on a daily basis, which is perhaps its most intriguing quality.”
The wellness routines of men and women nationwide have proven resilient in the face of rising consumer costs within seemingly all economic sectors. Accounting for the expansion that the Perspire Sauna Studio brand has been able to maintain over the course of 2022 thus far. This may be the brands first foray into New Jersey, but the Feliciano’s anticipate a welcomed reception from their community. Enough so that additional studio locations are already being envisioned down the road.
“2022 has been a record-breaking year of growth and development for the franchise. And the opportunities we have available for prospects to invest in untapped markets nationwide has been and will continue to be critical to keeping that going,” said Lee Braun, Founder/CEO of Perspire Sauna Studio.
Perspire Sauna Studio is currently seeking single-unit and multi-unit franchisees interested in new career opportunities or those looking to diversify their current portfolios. Combined with the 49 franchises awarded year-to-date, Perspire has awarded 103 franchise agreements with 27 studios currently open.
JACKSON, NJ - Several generations of Ocean County residents grew up spending their weekend nights speeding around the rink at the Jackson Skating Center...
