Daddy O's Restaurant Brings 1960s Brooklyn to Toms River

Opening just a few weeks ago, the new restaurant Daddy O’s is quickly putting Toms River on the map for its hearty, mouth-watering fare and its return to bygone days. Owned by partners Vinnie Papa and Gerry Panza, Daddy O’s allows their customers to take a step back in time by offering good food, the freshest ingredients and a special pizza recipe originating in Brooklyn in the 1960s.

While new to restaurant ownership, Panza is no stranger to owning a thriving business in Toms River. Panza owns and operates Frank and Maria’s Hair Stylist for over 20 years. Working in his shop as a barber is where the idea came to him to open a restaurant.  

Panza said, “I would listen to my customers talk about how they couldn’t get a good burger and fries anywhere in town.” He continued, “They were always talking about finding a good burger joint.”  

Even though Panza has never owned a restaurant, they have been in his family for years. Panza said, “You know, haircutters and restaurants have been in my family forever, I always went between both, I just never opened a restaurant.” He knew that now was the time.

It’s all about quality for Panza. Daddy O’s seasons their own burger meat; they make their own beer batter, as well as their own pizza dough. Panza said, “Everything is fresh. We use only the best ingredients to make everything.”

Patrons will be surprised by some of the special treats that are in store for them when they visit Daddy O’s. “We use baby bastone bread for our cheese steaks. It’s not just a cheese steak, it’s a whole meal,” said Panza. Hamburgers are formed and made right in front of the customers.

Panza said, “You can watch your burger being made right in front of you, now that’s fresh.”

There are many things about owning his own restaurant that Panza appreciates, but he said, “I love watching the customer’s reaction when they take their first bite” It’s almost like you can see the moment they realize this is not just any ordinary burger that they are enjoying.

The night does not have to stop at the burger and fries though. Daddy O’s proudly serves ice cream and homemade milkshakes as well as espressos and coffee.

There is a special item not on the menu, but Panza insists that patrons must ask for it when they are there, zeppoles covered in raspberry ice cream. Panza said, “It’s not on the menu but it’s unbelievable.”

Daddy O’s is a BYOB and they will have outdoor seating during these hot months. They are looking into having entertainment for their patrons making Daddy O’s a one stop shop for dinner, drinks and dessert.

Kelly Walsh, formerly of Original Rockafella’s Clam Bar & Grille of Toms River also has a part in this new venture. Walsh owns neighboring Mangiamo which shares a portion of its menu with Daddy O’s. Mangiamo’s specializes in Italian dinners whereas Daddy O’s focuses on delicious burgers, old style thin crust pizza and homemade milkshakes.  

Patrons can phone in an order to Daddy O’s and choose from either menu to be picked up or delivered.  

Daddy O's is located at 2206 Route 37 East in Toms River. They can be reached at (732) 270-3322.