I guess I'm the station's unofficial "foodie." I like to share all of the good news that I can, but unfortunately, there are bummers that I have to pass along.

Photo by Artem Beliaikin on Unsplash
Photo by Artem Beliaikin on Unsplash
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Listen to Matt Ryan weekday afternoons on 94.3 The Point and download our free 94.3 The Point app.

Every week there seem to be more and more restaurant closings at The Shore.

I'm not talking about businesses that took a shot and didn't make it in a year, I'm talking about long-time favorites that have built a reputation and fan base.

The reasoning from what I can gather is two-fold.

First, we are still in a pandemic.

Are we headed in the right direction? Yes. Life is still not even close to being "back to normal." Not even close.

Restaurant dining numbers are improving gradually, but not fast enough for some.

Secondly, the restaurants that have their loyal customers returning don't have the staff to serve them.

We all know why restaurants can't find staff. I'm not going there for fear I may go on a rant.

Since 2010, Doug and Dana Walsh have been serving us finger-licking grub.

I've always known them to be two of the kindest, generous, and community-minded business owners.

It was not at all uncommon for me to be at a charity or fundraising event and see the catering provided by the one and only Jersey Shore BBQ.

Sadly, Sunday they announced that the original JSBBQ would be closing its doors for good.

The news broke on Instagram.

We opened in Belmar in 2010 and have endured this pandemic, lived and cried with y'all during and after Sandy, and met some of the finest and most loyal customers that any small business could ask for.

Believe it or not, there is a silver lining here.

Because of all of the luck JSBBQ had in Belmar, it allowed them to expand into East Brunswick.

Also, did you know that the Pt. Pleasant Beach location has opened? Yup. It's located where the old Coal House used to be on Arnold Avenue.

Much of the old Belmar JSBBQ will be moved to Pt. Pleasant Beach.

I'm going to miss seeing, smelling, and let's face it, eating the ribs, brisket, and mac and cheese in Belmar.

However, it's good to know that our neighborhood BBQ joint is just south in Pt. Beach.

Good luck and thank you Doug and Donna!

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