Broadwalk's First Weekend In Red Bank Takes The Heat In Stride

RED BANK,NJ — The Broadwalk outdoor dining plaza completed its first weekend back on Broad Street after a delay for a repaving project in the borough.

"I spoke with a few restaurants, and they said that attendance on the Broadwalk was 'ok', said Bob Zuckerman, executive director of RiverCenter, "especially given the heat over the weekend."

The participating restaurants so far are:

• Patrizia's
• Robinson Ale House
• Via Sposito
• Surf Taco
• Catch 19
• Char
• Bistro Red Bank

The Broadwalk runs seven days a week through Labor Day, and RiverCenter may ask for an extension, Zuckerman said. RiverCenter is a nonprofit organization that develops business and tourism in the borough.

This year, restaurants in the Broadwalk area are paying $2.25 per square foot of space per month, as opposed to last year when they paid between $160 and $200 per parking spot, Zuckerman said.

The pedestrian and dining plaza is bounded by Front Street and White Street.

Zuckerman said in a previous Patch article that there are new programs being considered for Broadwalk, and games for young people to enjoy during the day. And RiverCenter is working with the town Recreation Department to develop other programming.

"Red Bank has to compete with the beach towns in the summer," Zuckerman said. "It is vital to have this back."