The Jersey Shore Restaurant Group, owner of Harpoon Willy’s in Manasquan and Half Moon Point in Point Pleasant Borough, is expanding throughout New Jersey, including opening two new restaurants on the shore.
After opening a second Harpoon Willy’s in Robbinsville and a new concept, the Coastal Canteen, in Monroe later this year, the group will work toward opening a third Harpoon Willy’s in Waretown and a second Coastal Canteen in Manasquan in early 2025, said John Kitrick, the restaurant group’s CEO and chief financial officer.
Harpoon Willy’s in Waretown, 537 Route 9, replaces Breakers Kitchen & Tap, which the group purchased in 2023. Their original plan was to open a new restaurant called Three Story Grill with an adjacent banquet room.
“JSRG’s original expansion plan was based on individual concepts across the coast, and that’s how Three Story Grill came about,” Kitrick said in an email. “However, the idea to expand the Harpoon Willy’s brand came about quite naturally.”
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“The restaurant has always had a homey feel and we are excited to bring that feeling and quality dining experience to Waretown and Robbinsville,” he said. “The demo has begun in Waretown and we are excited to see what happens next on the property.”
The Ocean County restaurant’s menu will be similar to that of the Manasquan location, which serves burgers, seafood, steaks, salads and more. Some dishes will be exclusive to Waretown, Kitrick said.
“We will maintain this type of menu structure in Robbinsville and at other locations as they are added to ensure that each community has its own special taste of Harpoon Willy’s,” he said.
The restaurant group’s executive chef is Greg Manning, who has been in charge of the kitchen at Half Moon Point since 2023. For over a decade, he and his wife Jeannette Manning owned the Serenity Cafe in Toms River; it closed in 2022.
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At Coastal Canteen, 142 Main St. in Manasquan, “we will take coastal vibes in a fun and accessible direction, anchored by a flavor-driven menu and cocktail program inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Mexico, North Africa, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean,” Kitrick said.
“As a coastal town, Manasquan seems like a natural place to open the doors of Coastal Canteen,” he added.
Sarah Griesemer joined the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey in 2003 and has been writing about all things food since 2014. Send restaurant tips to [email protected], Follow us on Instagram at Jersey Shore Eats and subscribe to our Jersey Shore Eats newsletter.
