By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI
Giamano’s Restaurant, a fixture in Bradley Beach for more than 30 years, has closed its doors for good.
Owner Steffan Manno said the reality of not reopening the restaurant, which has occupied a spot on Main Street for three decades, has not yet hit him.
“Well, we traditionally close for the month of January, so it hasn’t really hit me that we’re not going to be open again,” he said.
A year and a half ago Manno and three partners had plans approved by the borough for a new three-story construction building with parking and retail on the ground level and residential units above.
But Manno said he is still not sure what the next step will be for the project or his future in the borough.
“I’d like to open another restaurant, not at this current location but I’d like to stay in Bradley Beach,” he said.
The next step for him is the public auction, by The Auctioneers Group, being held Jan. 17 beginning at 10 a.m.
The auction will allow buyers to purchase all the equipment, furniture and fixtures along with china, flatware, decorative items, bar stools and dining chairs.
Outdoor seating arrangements and an outdoor fountain will also be auctioned.
The liquor license, a retail plenary consumption license, is also up for auction.
Manno said the 60-year-old license has a grandfather clause, allowing for the sale of packaged goods.
The public, dealers and restaurateurs are welcome to attend the auction.
Manno said since news of the closing has become known customers have been calling sharing memories of family parties and events held there.
“It’s really an icon, people are so upset,” he said.
If he decides to open a new restaurant, Manno said some of the menu items would be familiar to customers but he would add more organic, local farm to table items as well.
“We’ll have to work with the town and come up with something that would work for everybody,” he said.
Mayor Gary Engelstad said he is sad to see such a popular restaurant close but is looking forward to the new project.
“It’s heartbreaking to see such a landmark slipping away but I am excited about the new development on our Main Street,” he said.
Engelstad said it took hard work to make sure the new project fit, especially with the parking requirements.
“We’re excited to have it, it’s the biggest project on Main Street,” he said.
The mayor also said he hopes the Manno family opens a new restaurant in the borough.
“The Manno family has been incredible to Bradley Beach and also to those in need,” he said referencing the many holiday dinners the family cooked and served in the area.
“I hope they find a new place in town,” he said.
Featured image from the Giamano’s Facebok page.
