Beloved Brick Restaurant Shuts Down After 41 Years

BRICK, NJ — For 41 years, people stopped into the Cozy Kitchen for a bite to eat and to enjoy the family atmosphere.

Whether it was a birthday breakfast or game nights or ice cream with friends from the neighborhood, the Cozy Kitchen was a place where thousands of memories were made.

Those memories filled up the restaurant's Facebook page after owner Christopher Koch announced the Cozy Kitchen was closing for good and will be sold. Its final day of business was last Sunday, Oct. 3.

Lori Stone purchased the restaurant in 1980 when it was known as Rosie's Cozy Kitchen on Route 88, Koch said in the post announcing the closure. In the late 1980s she moved the restaurant that also was known as Bob and Lori's to the current location on Herbertsville Road. Stone, however, died in 2019 at the age of 60. Koch, her longtime companion, continued to operate the restaurant after her death.

"The one thing that we hope was always a constant was that anyone who entered through the door was welcomed and treated like family," Koch said. "The past few years have been difficult for everyone and the decision has been made to sell the property."

"In many ways the atmosphere of a business is largely dependent upon its clientele," Koch wrote. "Throughout the years many friendships have been formed and we have learned many things from our customers, hopefully we were able to offer some advice that was helpful to you our patrons as well. Words cannot express the gratitude for all the years that you have supported us. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the many, many people who have worked here over the years."

"We’re going to miss the Cozy Kitchen so much. Chris and Lori (R.I.P.) made us feel like we were eating at home. Even after I moved an hour north I still made it a point to have breakfast at Cozy every time I was in the area," Anthony Attanasio said.

Billy Caruso, coach of the Brick Memorial High School girls soccer team, wrote: "All four of our State Championships for the BM girls soccer team started with a team breakfast at the Cozy Kitchen. One time even opening up early just for us! Very sad. Best of luck."

A woman named Pixie, who was a waitress at the Cozy Kitchen when it was still on Route 88, added her memories — "It was my first job," she said — and noted that she met her husband while she worked there. "We're still together," she wrote.

"From hangouts with Allison Koch to game nights and D&D, I've made amazing friends and memories here," Christi Peace wrote.

Joni Wuchter said it was a favorite spot, too. "The nurses and I are going to miss you all SO much! You and Lori had a place of comfort, good food and friendship."

"Living up the street, my friends and I would walk there all throughout our childhood, independently from our parents," a woman named Laura wrote. "I've had many a birthday breakfast there. I loved bumping into people you know at the table next to you or walking through the door. I especially love how the interior never really changed. A Herbertsville treasure that will never be forgotten. Thank you for the memories and yummy food."

"This was always a regular meeting and eating place," Michele Cardella wrote. "Sundays after church, weekdays with my friends, lunches, dinners, ice cream and more. Many laughs were shared there over the years and the people there working and eating were always friends. All good things come to an end, but thanks you for all the great memories!"

Koch's full sentiments are below:

Click here to get Patch email notifications, or download our app to have breaking news alerts sent right to your phone. Have a news tip? Email karen.wall@patch.com Follow Brick Patch on Facebook.