Just as Summer 2020 came to a close, so did New Jersey’s ban on indoor dining. On Sept, 4, restaurants and bars in the Garden State were able to open their doors to patrons following disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As per state regulations, establishments have been required to follow policies that enforce social distancing, encourage the use of contactless menus, and require face coverings. These Executive Orders came just in time for the beginning of the fall semester. For many students at Monmouth, off-campus eateries not only lend students a break from meals at the dining hall, but often provide them with a paycheck.
Brighton Avenue in the West End district of Long Branch is home to a handful of restaurants that are fan favorites of both locals and students, providing options from your morning coffee to dessert.
Senior music industry student Mikaela McDonough is a part-time employee at Surf Taco on Brighton Avenue, a local favorite for Mexican-Californian cuisine. For Surf Taco, 25 percent capacity regulations would only permit nine people to be inside the establishment, including workers. “We are continuing to do take out and have four tables outside for the nicer days people want to sit outside,” she said.
McDonough noted that the quick service eatery is still unsure of plans for when the colder weather sets in. She speculates that their accommodations will only change if the state’s regulation does.
Specialist Professor of Business, John Buzza, is a catering connoisseur and restaurant consultant. He explained that restaurants along the shore, like those in Pier Village, are especially reliant on outdoor dining. These restaurants missed out on a lot of revenue during their peak season in the summer due to COVID-19 regulations.
He said, “Many of these restaurants have been surviving off government money and grants.” This money often goes to rent and payroll, but he wonders how long something like that could go on for. “The government is certainly thinking about 50 percent capacity,” Buzza said.
Due to the slower season in the winter, he predicts that restaurants in shore towns like Manasquan and LBI will begin to experience a fallout. For this reason, Buzza predicts that restaurants will begin putting pressure on the New Jersey Restaurant Association, as well as the government, to permit at least 75 percent capacity.
The Office is another restaurant that has been hit by the effects of the pandemic. Jessica Pak, a junior communication student who works at the Toms River sushi bar, said, “Since it’s getting cold out, we installed heaters outside in the patio bar to keep our customers warm.
For customers who would prefer to stay inside, there are indoor accommodations as well. Pak said, “The indoor seating is very safe with all of the tables being six feet apart from each other. Plus, we spray the tables down every time a customer leaves so there are no germs by the time another customer sits down at their table.”
Heaters seem to be a popular option for restaurants in preparation for the winter season. Ricky Govel, a junior music industry student, serves at The Butcher’s Block in Long Branch. This location has gained immense popularity among locals and celebrities alike for their high-end selection of meats. Govel said, “We have heaters, and we’re also going to be closing in certain parts of the outdoor dining so we can still seat people out there.”
He explained that they constructed an area outside called “The Terrace,” made of reclaimed brick and wood, with fireplaces and heaters to keep the heat in. This addition has been well received by customers, Govel said. “People love it so much they never want to leave. They feel away from the ‘new norm’ that we have,” he said.
Although dining in New Jersey has been inhibited by the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, local restaurants have been persevering, and will continue to do so until things improve.
PHOTO COURTESY of Ricky Govel
