The popular Asbury Park restaurant, Moonstruck, has been acquired by real estate investors who also own and operate both Beacon 70 Restaurant and the Marina at Beacon 70 in Brick Township, said Richard Santore, vice president of Bielat Santore and Company, Allenhurst., who brokered the transaction.
The restaurant changed ownership April 29.
The new owners have decided to retain all staff at Moonstruck and the original owners will remain on site for a period to oversee and ensure a seamless business transaction, Santore said.
Original co-owner Luke Magliari said the transition will be unnoticeable as the new owners are committed to maintaining the restaurants well known menu and service of the last 23 years in Asbury Park and earlier in Ocean Grove. The same staff in the kitchen and in the dining room are staying on with the familiar Moonstruck menu.
He and co-owner Howard Raczkiewicz said they have been filled with well wishes from customers since the sale was announced and will also be there for a while to assist and have no plans to leave their home in Ocean Grove.
“The new owners are dedicated to upholding Moonstruck’s esteemed reputation as one of the premier dining establishments along the New jersey Shore,” Santore said in a statement.
The new owners aim to enhance the business by extending operating hours, opening on days and at times when the Moonstruck restaurant is typically closed.
This year, 2025, marks the 30th anniversary of Moonstruck. Originally opened in Ocean Grove in 1995 as the Raspberry Cafe, a quaint BYOB storefront. it relocated to its current location on Lake Avenue in Asbury Park in 2002.
