RED BANK

BY ERIN McFEETERS

Named after the deep red-colored soil of the Navesink River, which surrounds it on two sides, Red Bank Borough is more than just a town with scenic water views. This Monmouth County boro is known for its walkable downtown, small businesses, dedication to the arts, and countless town events throughout the year.

“Geographically, the town is situated beautifully on the banks of the Navesink River, with several public parks nestled alongside the river,” said Red Bank Visitors Center Director Margaret Mass, whose goal is to promote Red Bank as a year-round destination.

Located just five miles from Sea Bright Beach and 47 miles from Lower Manhattan, Red Bank offers the best of both worlds, whether your client desires a bustling city atmosphere or access to the beach. While small at less than two square miles, according to the U.S. Census, it’s packed with entertainment opportunities, one-of-a-kind restaurants, and mom-and-pop shops galore.

“If you have not visited Red Bank, you are in for a surprise...the riverfront beauty is often unexpected,” said Mass. “Our restaurants serve the most soughtafter dining experiences on the East Coast with diverse cuisine and fun for all ages. Our stores, shops, boutiques, arts, and culture venues bring people together from near and far.”

Experience walking along the charming brick paths on the main street in town, Broad Street, and during the spring and summer months, it transforms into “Broadwalk” and closes for thru traffic. According to Mass, this year, there will be alfresco dining, decorations of flowers and twinkling lights, and a community tent for live music performances on the street. Community events like the Broadwalk, weekly farmers markets, live music series, the Red Bank Classic 5k, and more help strengthen community ties. The tight-knit community is just one of the reasons small business owners choose Red Bank to open their shops or restaurants.

The community of Red Bank is “welcoming, caring, and always striving and excited for more,” said Prep Coffee Owner Valeria Rivera. “My favorite part about putting out new food or drink items is how willing everyone in Red Bank is to push the boundaries in food and beverage and be open to trying things!”

Rivera opened Prep Coffee in April 2022, has loved every minute, and has met the most incredible people in town. Their menu features various toast combinations such as burrata, ricotta, and avocado, as well as espresso drinks such as a coconut macaroon latte, cinnamon toast crunch latte, and more.

“There’s something about it [Red Bank] that’s very friendly and homey,” said the Founder of

McLoone’s Restaurants Tim McLoone. He opened the first Robinson Ale House location in Red Bank almost 10 years ago and has found nothing but success. “Red Bank is our most consistent performer. It’s pretty much busy every day.”

McLoone’s father moved to Red Bank late in life and loved it. “My dad loved walking around there. He would get up in the morning and go to breakfast, go to church, get his newspaper, sit on a bench, and he felt very comfortable there. That spoke to me,” said McLoone.

Small businesses can also find the support they need from the Red Bank Visitors Center and RiverCenter, the Red Bank management organization for the Special Improvement District. From advocating for small business needs to marketing to visual improvement projects, “Red Bank Visitors Center has been a huge supporter of both our business and so many others in trying to constantly spread the word about new places and products,” said Rivera.

No matter your commercial client’s business, there may be just the space in Red Bank for them to open up shop. “I always loved Red Bank, but to be honest, I know this is a real estate magazine, but I didn’t think I could afford rent,” said Owner and Founder of Johnny Pork Roll and

Coffee

“Red Bank, at least for this little business, will always be the place that gave me my shot.”

Yarusi grew up just outside of Red Bank but spent alot of time in town exploring when he was in high school. His business started as a food truck at the Red Bank farmers market before he found his commercial space. “Red Bank will always be an epicenter of my world, and that’s what I mean—it’s full circle to have my little business start in Red Bank. I just love it.”

According to Yarusi, the food entrepreneurs located on Monmouth Street support one another and exude the entrepreneurial spirit. Restaurants run the gamut all around his shop, from Thai to donuts to Japanese to pizza, and it feels less like a competition and more like a community.

He attributes the town’s continued success to its feeling of escape from the real world. “I will always argue that Red Bank’s greatest asset is beyond the businesses and the buildings and the history and the cuteness of it is the fact that it’s so pedestrian-friendly,” said Yarusi. “That’s why people come here. It’s a change of pace from everything else. We’re so digital now it’s nice to go somewhere and be, dare I say analog, in the real world.”

While visitors used to flock to Red Bank during the summer, events and attractions such as the Count Basie Center for the Arts, the historic Dublin House, the Two River Theater, Jack’s Music Shoppe, and more keep tourists coming to town throughout the year.

“It’s just a wonderful community, there’s a lot of interesting people in and around the Red Bank area, and I think that’s why it thrives,” said Yarusi.