15 Temporary + Permanent Business Closures at the Jersey Shore
With cooler temperatures and fewer visitors, many of the Jersey Shore’s beloved local businesses close their doors for the winter, marking a seasonal pause in operations. While the shore stays fun and lively during the cold-weather months, beachgoers and vacationers drive the most foot traffic and revenue to the area during the summer. Closing for the off-season allows local small businesses to cut down expenses, focus on maintenance or renovations, and prepare for a strong reopening in the spring and summer. Though it is sad to see some favorite spots temporarily close, and some, unfortunately, permanently close, loyal locals eagerly await the reopenings and look forward to seeing the businesses refreshed and renewed after a short break. Read more to find out which businesses are closing for the 2025 winter season at the Jersey Shore.
Asbury Park
Amici Gelato + Caffé | 630 Mattison Avenue
Amici Gelato + Caffé in Asbury Park is a beloved spot for authentic Italian gelato and espresso. Those craving handcrafted gelato and authentic Italian coffee and desserts will have to wait until February to indulge, as the cafe is closing for a short winter break. “We are officially closed until February 16th! See everyone soon!” the Amici team announced on Instagram on January 2nd.
Read More: Jersey City Ice Cream Shop, Milk Sugar Love, Opening 2nd Location in Asbury Park
Asbury Festhalle + Biergarten | 527 Lake Avenue
The Asbury Festhalle + Biergarten has unfortunately closed for good. The German-inspired bar and rooftop patio never reopened after it suffered massive flood damage from remnants of Tropical Storm Ophelia on September 29th, 2023. According to the Asbury Park Press, the combined factors of the out-of-pocket costs to repair the flood damage, mixed with the increase in rent caused the owner to decide to close the doors on the Festhalle.
Asbury Park Roastery | Convention Hall, 1300 Ocean Avenue
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Asbury Park Roastery has officially closed its Conventional Hall location. The boardwalk coffee spot was a go-to for Asbury Park locals. “We are so grateful to have been the coffee service for thousands of sunrises on the Asbury Park boardwalk,” Asbury Park Roastery wrote on Instagram. “We hope to see you at our 803 Second Ave location, home, somewhere in the middle of it all - where we always intended to be. Good things are happening and good things are coming.”
Cookman Creamery | 711 Cookman Avenue
Cookman Creamery is an Asbury Park ice cream shop that specializes in hand-crafted small-batch ice creams and serves up a variety of both plant-based vegan and traditional dairy ice cream flavors. The ice cream shop is currently closed for a winter 2025 refresh. “We are closing to renovate and renew! We’ll be making some changes to the look of the shop, as well as launching a new website, and (as always) refining our recipes to relaunch with some new inspired creations,” Cookman Creamery shared on Instagram, “Can’t wait to reopen, it’s been a decade of ice cream & there is ice cream after all!” The Cookman Avenue ice cream shop hopes to reopen by mid-February.
Loteria | 632 Mattison Avenue
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Loteria in Asbury Park serves up delicious and authentic Mexican street food. Unfortunately for locals and regulars, the go-to spot for tacos, burritos, beer, and cocktails will be closing for renovations during the 2025 winter season. “We’ve got some special stuff comin for you guys. We’ll be closing to do some renovation we think you guys will love. New Years Eve will be our last day opened before we start our fun project,” Loteria posted on Instagram. “Hoping to reopen mid-Feb. Sad we won’t be able to make you guys tacos for a little while, but we truly think you will love what’s coming. Keep an eye out for updates!”
Moonstruck Restaurant + Cocktail Lounge | 517 Lake Avenue
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Moonstruck — an upscale eatery with American-Mediterranean fare in Asbury Park — will close for a short winter break. “Moonstruck is currently closed for our annual vacation,” the restaurant confirmed on Instagram. “We will reopen on Valentine's Day, Friday, February 14, 2025. Thanks for another great year!”
Pulp | 516 Summerfield Avenue
The team behind Pulp — Asbury Park’s urban juice and smoothie Bar and vegan eatery — is taking a well-deserved vacay during January. “We'll see you ready and revved up on Wednesday, February 5th!! WOO! HOO!” the team at Pulp wrote in an Instagram caption.
Avon-by-the-Sea
Peppy Collective | 318 Marine Place
Peppy Collective — the cute and eclectic vintage store with handmade pieces by Jules Cataldo that is nestled in Avon-by-the-Sea — will close for a few months during the winter. Even though the Peppy Collective shop will be closed, its online store will be actively restocked during the off-season. Follow @peppycollective on Instagram for store updates and new collection drops.
Bay Head
Mueller’s Bakery | 80 Bridge Avenue
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Mueller’s Bakery is a staple in the heart of the charming resort beach town of Bay Head. Locals will sadly have to refrain from its delicious crumb cake and breakfast pastries for the next few months. “As of January 1, 2025 we will be CLOSED for our annual winter break. Reopening March 1st,” Mueller’s Bakery stated in an announcement graphic posted to its Instagram page. “Thank you all for such a wonderful 2024–we are very excited for March 2025,” the bakery added in the caption.
Bradley Beach
The Toast Post at Paired | 710 Main Street
The Toast Post at Paired on Main Street in Bradley Beach has permanently closed and will not reopen after the winter season. The cafe curated handcrafted gourmet toast specials as well as specialty coffees and smoothies. “While this chapter is closing, we’re hopeful for the future. While our doors are closing on the 9th, over the next few months, we’ll be looking for someone to take over the shop and continue to serve this incredible community we love so much,” The Toast Post team wrote on Instagram.
Lavallette
Colonial Bakery | 1906 Grand Central Avenue
Colonial Bakery — located on the barrier island of Lavallette, New Jersey — takes a well-deserved break during the cold, winter months. The family-owned bakery will reopen in May and announced that sometime in 2025 (date not confirmed yet) they will open at a new and bigger location at 1903 Grand Central Avenue. “To each and every one of our customers who came to support us, a sincere thank you! Have a great winter, we will see you in May 2025!” Colonial posted to its official website.
Ocean Grove
Dale + Dollops | 69 Main Avenue
Dale + Dollops is a casual diner that serves vegan comfort food in the heart of Ocean Grove. Its delicious plant-based milkshakes, soft-serve ice cream, grilled cheese sandwiches, wraps, and burgers will sadly not be available again until the spring. “Thank you guys so much for a great year!” Dale + Dollops wrote on Instagram to announce the last day open for the winter season on December 29th, 2024.
Point Pleasant
The Food Shack | 1000-1002 Ocean Avenue
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The Food Shack is a beachfront cafe located on the Point Pleasant boardwalk. The breakfast and lunch spot also sells beach decor and gifts. The open-air dining location closed for the off-season at the end of October and will reopen for the summer in May.
Red’s Lobster Pot | 57 Inlet Drive
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Red’s Lobster Pot is an iconic waterfront Jersey Shore seafood house located in Point Pleasant. The popular seafood restaurant closes every year for the winter. “Thank you all for a wonderful season and we will see you in the Spring!” Red’s wrote on September 29th, 2024 on Instagram.
See More: New Bagel Shop, B Bagels, Soft Opens in Downtown Jersey City
Red Bank
Fable Creamery | 14 Monmouth Street
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Fable Creamery — a vegan ice cream and confection shop in Red Bank, New Jersey — is closed for winter break from December 24th to January 28th. Everything at Fable Creamery is 100% vegan and gluten-free. Its ice creams, ice cream cakes, chocolate confections, cookies, and brownies are free from soy, artificial colors or flavors, gums, preservatives, and vegetable oil\any gluten-free and dairy-free or vegan friends will have to wait until late January to enjoy Fable’s delicious treats this winter.
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