Iconic Red Bank Market Closes Shop After 121 Years

RED BANK, NJ —Saturday will be a momentous day for Andrew Citarella. It's the last day the market on Prospect Avenue that has borne his family's name for four generations will be his to run.

"The building is sold, but not the name. There is no longer a Citarella's," he said Friday.

Andrew has run the business for his brother Ralph, the owner, for the past 15 months.

From his great-grandfather, also named Andrew, to his grandfather Ralph to his father Andrew to his brother, the business has served the "best of the best" in meat products since its original store on Bridge Avenue opened in 1901.

"You can still the sign on the side of the building there," Citarella said.

The business moved to sites in Sea Bright, Shrewsbury and Little Silver and then finally to the Prospect Avenue and McLaren Street location since 1979.

The long case of fresh meats with homemade salads and specialties was the heart of the store that also sold fresh produce and shelf-stable delicacies and staples, such as dressings and local honey.

As if wrapping up a business of so long a history wasn't enough work, Citarella has been in demand from the media for stories about the iconic store. Places such as his are few and far between in the era of gigantic supermarkets. The store was quiet and cozy with a view of the neighborhood.

Amid the memories there is still work to be done, however.

Citarella said most of his shelf stock is left and is being sold at half price. The meats are being sold until they run out.

And retirement beckons to this last generation to run the store.

Andrew Citarella is 58, and says he has a pension from his regular job. But he can't relax immediately. He will need to empty the store for the new owners.

He said Mike Stavola bought the property and his son went to culinary school. They will run the store as a family market with their own recipes, Citarella said.

And when the new market makes its debut, he plans to be there.

"I definitely plan on coming to the grand opening, but as a customer," Citarella said with a chuckle.