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The traffic in our shop on the weekends has been incredible, said Ramirez. People tell us they love the boardwalk and the beach. They say its clean and peaceful, and I agree. Id stay here forever if I could.
A national retailer, Gertrude Hawk Chocolates, based in Dunmore, Pennsylvania, also opened on the boardwalk this summer.
We expected a slow start because this is a newly renovated area, but activity certainly exceeded our expectations, said Kathy Mongiello of Forked River, manager of the boardwalk Gertrude Hawk store.
Business definitely went well, agreed Jennifer Tarrach, Director of Marketing. All the summertime favorites like fudge, ice cream, hand-dipped strawberries and frozen bananas were very popular. We are definitely considering coming back next year.
Something New Every Week
The boardwalk landscape continued to renew itself as the summer season progressed. In August, a new full-service restaurant, Tides: A Bistro By The Sea, opened in the First Avenue Pavilion, featuring breakfast and dinner service with an eclectic variety of healthy gourmet offerings.
The owners, Ed and Eddie Gasper of Belmar, also own Tallucis on the boardwalk, which serves pizza and other Italian specialties.
Exhibit A, an art studio and event space in the Fifth Avenue Pavilion, added free Internet access so visitors can stay wired even as they relax at the shore. Operated by Denis Randall of West Allenhurst and Vicki King and Janine Pesce of Asbury Park, Exhibit A has been featuring revolving art shows spotlighting local artists.
The Tiki Beach Bar, poised on a jetty overlooking the breaking waves near Convention Hall, updated its look, with Pacific island-style rattan furniture nestled under tall palm trees, an additional bar, and food provided by Asburys own Chat & Nibble restaurant.
Everyone is eager to see the changes in Asbury Park, noted Harris. But at the same time, we want to preserve the citys character and history. We want the kind of Asbury Park that is now emerging, a peaceful place where people can come and enjoy the sea, the shore, and the friendly shops along this wonderful boardwalk.
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