The Question is….

Mickey Yaccarino, Mickey’s Barber shop – It was good. I have a lot of loyal clients that go back to 1964, when I started. I think the economy over the last four years has slowed dow. You hear horror stories about people losing their houses. For me business has been steady. People all need haircuts.

Bill Bing, Bing’s Deli – Business was good. When the community supports your business things are good. We had normal beach traffic. I think there were a lot more people around this summer than last summer.

Dave Fernicola & Tom Wilson, Day’s Ice Cream – We had a very good summer. Opening back up to the Asbury boardwalk after the storm was a great move for us. Ocean Grove was busy, as always. It was just a good summer.

Joe Maggio, Frank’s Deli – It was the best summer we ever had. It was a combination of the weather, when it was raining, we were busy, and when it was sunny, we were busy. And more people were moving to and or visiting Asbury Park.

Kerry Mckiever, Sailor’s, Avon – As a new business owner and under the circumstances created by the storm, we were surprisingly busy. We were pleasantly satisfied with our new customer base. We were very busy, especially on weekends.

Rich Lepore, Smuggler’s Cove, Ocean Grove – I’m happy to report that it looks like our business is in line with last year. I read about shore businesses being down 20-30%. I think Ocean Grove is, and always will be, a place where people can get away from it all and have a relaxing vacation. The fact that we’re open all year also means there’s still a lot to do. The beach is still beautiful. Come on down.

Dona Logdon, Sunset Landing – I saw a lot of new faces this year. I think that was because of the resurgence of Asbury Park. Business was down this year compared to last year. For most businesses, I think you’ll find they were off. The storm, for sure. There are still people out of their houses. We were off 30% this year.

Steve Pagidas, Twisted Tree – It was an excellent summer. Very good- better than last year. There were a lot more people here this year. I don’t think the weather bothered anybody. Even on the hottest of days, people were showing up. I’d like to say it’s the food.

Hitesh Patel, Shore Wine & Liquors, Bradley Beach – It was not like last year. This year we were missing the college kids and the younger crowd. The regulars came. There were some empty homes because of the storm. Those are the houses the younger people used to rent.

Tom Rechlin, Ocean Grove Flowers – We fared much better than anticipated, and well ahead of last year. Ocean Grove fared better from the storm than most communities, and the people came. And, of course, my old motto: “I work harder, not smarter.”