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The former Al Ponte in Neptune is scheduled to become a new restaurant called Park Social
By ED SALVAS
A new restaurant and bar called Park Social is planned for the space recently vacated by Al Ponte on Route 35 in Neptune.
Park Social is the inspiration of Sabrina Boudreau-Gullace whose husband Matthew Gullace, is the owner of the Asbury Ale House in Asbury Park. The new eatery is Sabrina’s vision of a 1930’s Art Deco nightclub and designed to appeal to women. That means more sophisticated and upscale.
Park Social should be open in mid-summer after some interior changes.
New custom booths will replace the “very gray” color scheme of Al Ponte, she said. A velvet curtain will separate a private lounge and there will be music provided by the Dueling Pianos. There will be male bartenders and female servers.
This is not for the party crowd, Boudreau-Gullace said. Women over 25 are her customers. The theme is an example of the trend defining Women Empowerment.
A new menu is also in the works, including cocktails, small plates and coal fired pizza. Boudreau-Gullace said the existing kitchen is great. The outdoor deck is being replaced and the building is getting a face lift. Boudreau-Gullace said she and Nicole McAllister, director of operations, have had this concept in mind for a while but did not have the right location for it. They now have the building with a parking lot and space for 110 cars.
The Asbury Ale House in downtown Asbury Park is also expanding. They opened an Asbury Ale House in Fort Lauderdale. Fla. earlier this year and the grand opening is taking place this weekend at 300 SW 1st Avenue.
