Owners Look to Fresh 'Chapter' at Local Establishment

When he agreed to buy The Chapter House last year Tom Jaspan knew owning two restaurants in town would present its own set of challenges. He had no way of knowing that one of those challenges would be Hurricane Sandy which closed the Route 9 north restaurant for a few days and his original Route 9 south Ivy League for more than a week. 

After cleaning up from the powerful storm Jaspan said his time has been spent fixing up the restaurant. He said he hopes to make it a place to enjoy for customers who have frequented there for more than two decades as well as attracting new customers.

The two restaurants were originally opened by longtime business owner and former Chamber of Commerce President Cory Wingerter. Before buying The Chapter House to reunite the two Jaspan said there was "friendly competition" between the businesses. "They're located far enough apart," he said. Being on different sides of the highway, he said also helps. "They (Chapter House) pulls more from Freehold where the Ivy League is pulling people from South Howell, Lakewood and the I-195 corridor."

Jaspan said he had been looking for around a year for a second restaurant when he found out the Chapter House was on the market. As the deal started to come together he said he knew it would be a good fit. "Convenient helps, but it's not the reason why," he said. "You'd think it would be easier because you're combining forces somewhat but each restaurant has its own unique situations and problems. But it's enjoyable, I like doing it."

Since buying the restaurant Jaspan said he has started making small changes and expects more soon. "You don't change things right away," he said. "You tweak things a little bit." Some of those "tweaks," he said have included improving the food quality. He added, "We want to improve the atmosphere and peoples dining expenses."

In the next few months Jaspan said there will be renovations done to the building but they are not expected to affect business for the customers. "We're going to fix the place up where it needs it," he said. "It's the same basic style but we'll improve on the quality of the food and quality of the business."

Following Hurricane Sandy The Chapter House was one of the first businesses in town to open after having the power restored. "To say that we were busy was putting it mildly," he said. "We got through that so we're going to get through anything."

Now that he has two restaurants Jaspan said a third may be on the horizon but for now he is focusing on the ones he has. "I never say that's it," he said. "I'm always looking." He added, "I just want to concentrate right now on The Chapter House and making it a better place for people to come to.