A Couple of Websites
Red Bank and nearby things to do
Count Basie Theater, Monmouth St,
Red Bank
Two River Theater, Bridge Ave, Red
Bank
Monmouth Race Track (Parkway Exit
105)
Monmouth Mall (Parkway Exit 105)
Jersey Shore Outlets (Parkway Exit
100)
Beaches – Belmar, Seaside, Point
Pleasant, Spring Lake (Parkway Exit 98 and south)
Red Bank Antique District
Broad Street, Red Bank – shopping
and restaurants (also Carlo’s Bakery from TV’s Cake Boss)
And many
restaurants on side streets off Broad St ( Gaetano’s, La Pasteria,
Buona Sera, Pazzo)
Galleria ( shops, outdoor market on
Sunday, The Melting Pot)
Pier Village, Long Branch
Golf Courses
Atlantic City – (Parkway Exit 37)
PNC Arts Center and Vietnam
Veterans’ Memorial and Museum –( Parkway Exit 116)
NJ Transit - Red Bank Station,
Bridge Ave and Monmouth St, Red Bank
Stroll through one borough in particular, and what might you find?
A handful of bakeries, one from the "Cake Boss" himself. An upscale boutique with a wall of incredible designer shoes. An arcade featuring endless games with all the rings and chimes imaginable. More high-class boutiques. Tons of ethnic restaurants. A performance venue luring in top acts week after week.
With close to 400 businesses, it's safe to say Red Bank is bustling.
"I think that Red Bank has really positioned itself as kind of a regional shopping and dining and entertainment area," says James Scavone, executive director for Red Bank RiverCenter, "so I think we attract from a very large area and that makes it very desirable for businesses to want to be here, because they know we get a lot of visitors."
The recipe for success
When asked what it takes for a business to thrive in downtown Red Bank, Scavone says it depends on the business itself.
"If you're a restaurant, you're going to have different strategies than if you're a jewelry store," says Scavone. "Obviously, I think marketing has changed drastically, it's still key."
An example? Some downtown businesses are active on their social media pages. Restaurants showcase their specials or upload photos of new dishes daily to entice customers. The Cheese Cave, 14 Monmouth St.; Taste, 2 Bridge Ave.; and Red Restaurant and Lounge, 3 Broad St., are just a few area businesses that are social media savvy.
For retail, Scavone says customers might be seeking out more of an "experience" such as excellent customer service and attentiveness.
"I think a lot fewer of us run to the store to pick out a pair of jeans or whatever it may be," Scavone says. "I think when people go out — I think their expectation is more about the whole experience. I think the more of that you can offer, the better the position (you're in)."
So what exactly is the recipe for success as a Red Bank business?
"It's a combination of things," Scavone says, adding select businesses may be known for their customer service or products. "If i had to guess, I would say, probably number one, I'm sure if you followed any of those businesses that have been here a really long time, you would see an ability to adapt and change themselves as necessary to keep up with the changing times. I'm sure that most of them, if not all of them, have established a reputation for their industry."
Some of these long-lasting businesses include Mustillo's Bridal Boutique, 11 Broad St.; Jack's Music Shoppe, 30 Broad St.; Danny's Grill & Wine Bar, 11 Bridge Ave.; CoCo Pari, 17 Broad St.; and Garmany, 121 Broad St.
Though now under new ownership, Mr. Pizza Slice, a business around for roughly 40 years, is still operating at 10 Monmouth St.
"Then there's, interestingly enough, some really small, not so well-known businesses," says Scavone. "A lot of these small businesses that aren't as well known, but for years and years have been going at it."
One of the smaller businesses include Better Housekeeping Shop, 46 Monmouth St., a family-owned appliance and electronics store that has been in the borough for 75 years.
There is also Hobbymasters, 62 White St., a 40-year-old landmark. The store is an eclectic mix of items and services: toys, dollhouses, model ship restorations, and train layout installations to name a few.
"I think the customer service that we give makes us stand out," says Alan Placer, one of Hobbymasters' managers. "When (customers) come into our store, they always get greeted — somebody will always help them. We always hire people who are experts in the field. We repair almost everything people bring us."
Dunlap Locksmith, Inc., 60 White St., and Reussille's Jeweler, 36 Broad St., are more downtown staples.
Other well-recognized attractions, Scavone says, are Count Basie Theatre, 99 Monmouth St.; Molly Pitcher Inn, 88 Riverside Ave.; Walt St. Pub, 180 Monmouth St.; The Globe Hotel, 20 E. Front St., and Oyster Point Hotel, 146 Bodman Place.
Two River Theater, 21 Bridge Ave., was established in 1994 by Joan and Robert M. Rechnitz to produce world-class theater. After having homes at Monmouth University in West Long Branch and the Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan, Two River opened its two-theater state of the art campus in Red Bank in 2005.
"They have all been around," Scavone says. "It's a very, very diverse group of businesses."
New kids on the block
Here is a rundown of some of the borough's newest businesses, according to Scavone, opening within the last year:
SPICE AND TEA EXCHANGE:
The 12 Monmouth St. spot, which opened here last December, for buying gourmet seasonings, blends, rubs, teas and herbs. 732-741-3590, www.spiceandtea.com
WAYWARD AND CO.:
At 27 Monmouth St., is a vintage and designer clothing shop with seasonally curated items. 732-268-7842, www.wayward-explorers.com
BE BAROW:
Go to 66 Broad St. for colorful and stylish women's active wear with the motto: "be brave, be bold, be beautiful." 732-383-7797, www.bebarow.com
ORIENTAL EMPIRE ASIAN RESTAURANT:
The Asian cuisine and hibachi dining spot at 54 English Plaza has a sister restaurant in Ocean. Patrons can feast on beef, pork, chicken, hibachi, and seafood delights. The Red Bank restaurant opened earlier this month. 732-268-8366, www.orientalempirenj.com
ANTOINETTE BOULANGERIE:
This French bakery and pastry shop at 32 Monmouth St. opened this January and is adorned with delicate decor — pink pastels, chandeliers and an abundance of pastries that easily re-create a Paris vibe. Some treats include eclairs, tarts and chocolate mice. 732-224-1118, www.antoinetteboulangerie.com
CANDY'S COTTAGE COASTAL LIVING:
This 28 Monmouth St. shop recently made the move from Long Branch. All products are said to have a "sophisticated, seaside ambiance" comprising of tabletop accessories, garlands, wind chimes and more. 732-268-7508, www.candyscottage.com
DOC SHOPPE:
Described online as the "neighborhood shoe store," Doc Shoppe offers the brands of Dr. Martens, Red Wing Heritage, Birkenstocks, Reef Sandals, and Rainbow Sandals. The store is located at 43 Broad St. and recently moved from Fair Haven. 732-268-7762, www.docshoppe.com
With a borough that has such an eclectic mix of businesses, Scavone has hopes for even more.
"We always kind of have our wish list," Scavone says. "We would love a great book store. Even in terms of retail, men's clothing, and kind of a women's clothing (store) for a little older clientele. A lot of clothes stores here are for younger women and are very high-end. We'd love an old-fashioned hardware store."
'TIS THE SEASON
20TH HOLIDAY CONCERT/RED BANK: 7 p.m. Nov. 28; Santa Express Train from Little Silver to Red Bank, Parade from Red Bank Train Station down Monmouth Street to Holiday Express concert on Broad Street for annual Town Lighting.
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS SCAVENGER HUNT: Nov. 28 to Dec.12; hunt for an item from the "12 Days of Christmas" in store windows at participating businesses in the Red Bank Business District.
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: Dec. 11; Stores open late with promotions, sales and refreshments, Barbizon holiday mannequins and strolling carolers.
HOLIDAY HORSE & CARRIAGE RIDES: Saturdays Nov. 29 to Dec. 27 (check for times); horse and carriage rides through the business district. Two locations are 26 Broad St. (Murphy Style Grill) and Bridge Avenue (across from The Galleria)
HOLIDAY HARMONIES: Nov. 29 to Dec. 27; Musical entertainment noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays in the borough's business district.
PICTURES WITH SANTA: Nov. 29 to Dec. 28; Pictures with Santa noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays in The Galleria
Source: Visit.redbank.com
TIPS FOR GETTING AROUND THE TOWN
• The downtown has metered and permit parking spaces.
• Parking kiosks accept bills, coins and credit cards.
• If you pay with a credit card and enter your mobile number, an alert will be sent to your phone 15 minutes prior to your expired time, with an option to extend it and bill your card.
• Parking is free after 6 p.m. daily and all day Sundays.
• Traffic is heaviest at rush hour.
• Plan out your day ahead of time.
• Bring a map; they are available at many shops and in the Visitors Center, 46 English Plaza. For those who may lose their way, visitors can inquire about directions with shop owners.
• The train brings you to Monmouth Street.
• Resources are available at redbankvisitor.com.
Courtesy of: James Scavone and Margaret Mass of Red Bank River Center and Visitors Center
Stroll through one borough in particular, and what might you find?
A handful of bakeries, one from the "Cake Boss" himself. An upscale boutique with a wall of incredible designer shoes. An arcade featuring endless games with all the rings and chimes imaginable. More high-class boutiques. Tons of ethnic restaurants. A performance venue luring in top acts week after week.
With close to 400 businesses, it's safe to say Red Bank is bustling.
"I think that Red Bank has really positioned itself as kind of a regional shopping and dining and entertainment area," says James Scavone, executive director for Red Bank RiverCenter, "so I think we attract from a very large area and that makes it very desirable for businesses to want to be here, because they know we get a lot of visitors."
The recipe for success
When asked what it takes for a business to thrive in downtown Red Bank, Scavone says it depends on the business itself.
"If you're a restaurant, you're going to have different strategies than if you're a jewelry store," says Scavone. "Obviously, I think marketing has changed drastically, it's still key."
An example? Some downtown businesses are active on their social media pages. Restaurants showcase their specials or upload photos of new dishes daily to entice customers. The Cheese Cave, 14 Monmouth St.; Taste, 2 Bridge Ave.; and Red Restaurant and Lounge, 3 Broad St., are just a few area businesses that are social media savvy.
For retail, Scavone says customers might be seeking out more of an "experience" such as excellent customer service and attentiveness.
"I think a lot fewer of us run to the store to pick out a pair of jeans or whatever it may be," Scavone says. "I think when people go out — I think their expectation is more about the whole experience. I think the more of that you can offer, the better the position (you're in)."
So what exactly is the recipe for success as a Red Bank business?
"It's a combination of things," Scavone says, adding select businesses may be known for their customer service or products. "If i had to guess, I would say, probably number one, I'm sure if you followed any of those businesses that have been here a really long time, you would see an ability to adapt and change themselves as necessary to keep up with the changing times. I'm sure that most of them, if not all of them, have established a reputation for their industry."
Some of these long-lasting businesses include Mustillo's Bridal Boutique, 11 Broad St.; Jack's Music Shoppe, 30 Broad St.; Danny's Grill & Wine Bar, 11 Bridge Ave.; CoCo Pari, 17 Broad St.; and Garmany, 121 Broad St.
Though now under new ownership, Mr. Pizza Slice, a business around for roughly 40 years, is still operating at 10 Monmouth St.
"Then there's, interestingly enough, some really small, not so well-known businesses," says Scavone. "A lot of these small businesses that aren't as well known, but for years and years have been going at it."
One of the smaller businesses include Better Housekeeping Shop, 46 Monmouth St., a family-owned appliance and electronics store that has been in the borough for 75 years.
There is also Hobbymasters, 62 White St., a 40-year-old landmark. The store is an eclectic mix of items and services: toys, dollhouses, model ship restorations, and train layout installations to name a few.
"I think the customer service that we give makes us stand out," says Alan Placer, one of Hobbymasters' managers. "When (customers) come into our store, they always get greeted — somebody will always help them. We always hire people who are experts in the field. We repair almost everything people bring us."
Dunlap Locksmith, Inc., 60 White St., and Reussille's Jeweler, 36 Broad St., are more downtown staples.
Other well-recognized attractions, Scavone says, are Count Basie Theatre, 99 Monmouth St.; Molly Pitcher Inn, 88 Riverside Ave.; Walt St. Pub, 180 Monmouth St.; The Globe Hotel, 20 E. Front St., and Oyster Point Hotel, 146 Bodman Place.
Two River Theater, 21 Bridge Ave., was established in 1994 by Joan and Robert M. Rechnitz to produce world-class theater. After having homes at Monmouth University in West Long Branch and the Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan, Two River opened its two-theater state of the art campus in Red Bank in 2005.
"They have all been around," Scavone says. "It's a very, very diverse group of businesses."
New kids on the block
Here is a rundown of some of the borough's newest businesses, according to Scavone, opening within the last year:
SPICE AND TEA EXCHANGE:
The 12 Monmouth St. spot, which opened here last December, for buying gourmet seasonings, blends, rubs, teas and herbs. 732-741-3590, www.spiceandtea.com
WAYWARD AND CO.:
At 27 Monmouth St., is a vintage and designer clothing shop with seasonally curated items. 732-268-7842, www.wayward-explorers.com
BE BAROW:
Go to 66 Broad St. for colorful and stylish women's active wear with the motto: "be brave, be bold, be beautiful." 732-383-7797, www.bebarow.com
ORIENTAL EMPIRE ASIAN RESTAURANT:
The Asian cuisine and hibachi dining spot at 54 English Plaza has a sister restaurant in Ocean. Patrons can feast on beef, pork, chicken, hibachi, and seafood delights. The Red Bank restaurant opened earlier this month. 732-268-8366, www.orientalempirenj.com
ANTOINETTE BOULANGERIE:
This French bakery and pastry shop at 32 Monmouth St. opened this January and is adorned with delicate decor — pink pastels, chandeliers and an abundance of pastries that easily re-create a Paris vibe. Some treats include eclairs, tarts and chocolate mice. 732-224-1118, www.antoinetteboulangerie.com
CANDY'S COTTAGE COASTAL LIVING:
This 28 Monmouth St. shop recently made the move from Long Branch. All products are said to have a "sophisticated, seaside ambiance" comprising of tabletop accessories, garlands, wind chimes and more. 732-268-7508, www.candyscottage.com
DOC SHOPPE:
Described online as the "neighborhood shoe store," Doc Shoppe offers the brands of Dr. Martens, Red Wing Heritage, Birkenstocks, Reef Sandals, and Rainbow Sandals. The store is located at 43 Broad St. and recently moved from Fair Haven. 732-268-7762, www.docshoppe.com
With a borough that has such an eclectic mix of businesses, Scavone has hopes for even more.
"We always kind of have our wish list," Scavone says. "We would love a great book store. Even in terms of retail, men's clothing, and kind of a women's clothing (store) for a little older clientele. A lot of clothes stores here are for younger women and are very high-end. We'd love an old-fashioned hardware store."
'TIS THE SEASON
20TH HOLIDAY CONCERT/RED BANK: 7 p.m. Nov. 28; Santa Express Train from Little Silver to Red Bank, Parade from Red Bank Train Station down Monmouth Street to Holiday Express concert on Broad Street for annual Town Lighting.
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS SCAVENGER HUNT: Nov. 28 to Dec.12; hunt for an item from the "12 Days of Christmas" in store windows at participating businesses in the Red Bank Business District.
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: Dec. 11; Stores open late with promotions, sales and refreshments, Barbizon holiday mannequins and strolling carolers.
HOLIDAY HORSE & CARRIAGE RIDES: Saturdays Nov. 29 to Dec. 27 (check for times); horse and carriage rides through the business district. Two locations are 26 Broad St. (Murphy Style Grill) and Bridge Avenue (across from The Galleria)
HOLIDAY HARMONIES: Nov. 29 to Dec. 27; Musical entertainment noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays in the borough's business district.
PICTURES WITH SANTA: Nov. 29 to Dec. 28; Pictures with Santa noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays in The Galleria
Source: Visit.redbank.com
TIPS FOR GETTING AROUND THE TOWN
• The downtown has metered and permit parking spaces.
• Parking kiosks accept bills, coins and credit cards.
• If you pay with a credit card and enter your mobile number, an alert will be sent to your phone 15 minutes prior to your expired time, with an option to extend it and bill your card.
• Parking is free after 6 p.m. daily and all day Sundays.
• Traffic is heaviest at rush hour.
• Plan out your day ahead of time.
• Bring a map; they are available at many shops and in the Visitors Center, 46 English Plaza. For those who may lose their way, visitors can inquire about directions with shop owners.
• The train brings you to Monmouth Street.
• Resources are available at redbankvisitor.com.
Courtesy of: James Scavone and Margaret Mass of Red Bank River Center and Visitors Center
No comments:
Post a Comment