It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic The Carousel Building gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Bradley Beach, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“I just started using always best care for my dad The certified aids that came from the agency were fantastic This situation is new for myself and my dad For having no complaints from my dad is a plus So ty again for such an easy transition for my dad Much appreciated Susan”
“Such an amazing company with employees who truly care about their business and those they take care of. Caretakers are top notch and customer service is great and they are available whenever you need them.”
“It is a pleasure to work for someone that genuinely respects caregivers for the job we do!”
“I am a current client of this provider I can’t begin to tell to you how pleased I am with Always Best Care. Not only have they placed the perfect caregiver with my mother they also take care of the billing and when I need to speak to a receptionist they are always available. Thank you!!”
“I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for helping us find an ideal Assisted Living Facility for my mother. We moved to the city a month ago and had little idea about the local senior living communities. I’d like to thank the highly experienced and knowledgeable caregivers of Always Best Care for helping our family during the difficult time.”
“I am a current client of this provider Your manager is always nice and flexible, and the caregivers are sweet and wonderful”
“I am a current client of this provider We are very happy with Always Best Care. They do 24hr care, and the caregiver is excellent. I would recommend them.”
“I am a current client of this provider We have hired Always Best Care. We have them for 5 to 6 weeks now. My mother practically does everything herself, but sometimes they might fix her her lunch, there might be a little bit of shopping, and they take her to her appointment. My mother is fine. The hours are fine. She got the hours that she requested. I know she is being billed on her credit card. They have been very helpful and very cooperative. The women always call back.”
“I am a current client of this provider We hired Always Best Care two weeks ago for my mom. The woman comes in three days a week to assist my mother with doing the wash, keeping the house picked up, and just talking to her. She’s wonderful. We interviewed several people, and there was just something about the way they were organized in their presentation and their follow up. that impressed us. They were a level above the other ones that we spoke to. They really listen to you about your needs and work very hard to match the caregiver up with what you’re looking for. We were very impressed with them.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Riley Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Marandola's Restaurant Bradley Beach or visit McCabe Avenue Beach, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Bradley Beach, NJ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Bradley Beach, NJ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Bradley Beach, NJ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Summer may still be months away, but many Jersey Shore towns have announced 2025 beach badge pricing for daily and season tags.For early planners, some towns are offering preseason discounts on full season badges.Most New Jersey beaches require paid badges or tags, with prices ranging from $3.50 for a daily pass to $200 for a season pass.The towns offering discounts for se...
Summer may still be months away, but many Jersey Shore towns have announced 2025 beach badge pricing for daily and season tags.
For early planners, some towns are offering preseason discounts on full season badges.
Most New Jersey beaches require paid badges or tags, with prices ranging from $3.50 for a daily pass to $200 for a season pass.
The towns offering discounts for season passes if you purchase them early include Barnegat Light, Beach Haven, Brigantine, Lavallette, Margate and more.
MORE: Jersey Shore beach badge sales soar to $52M in 2024. See which towns made the most.
More than a dozen beaches offer free entry to veterans, and many have discount options for seniors and those with disabilities. Entrance is usually free for young children.
Want to compare beach tag prices? Here’s NJ Advance Media’s list of fees for Jersey Shore towns that have announced prices for the 2025 season:
Avon-by-the-Sea
Check back for 2025 pricing.
Check back for daily and weekly badge pricing.
Brigantine
Check back for 2025 pricing.
Check back for 2025 pricing.
Check back for 2025 pricing.
Check back for 2025 pricing.
Check back for daily and weekly pricing.
Check back for 2025 pricing.
Check back for 2025 pricing.
Check back for 2025 pricing.
Check back for 2025 pricing.
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One of the Garden State’s best pizzerias is gearing up to open new location at the Jersey Shore.Brooklyn Square Pizza, the beloved shop with locations in Jackson, Manalapan and Toms River, is now expanding to Bradley Beach, owner Pietro “Peter” Grippo told NJ Advance Media.The pizzeria will open in the space that formerly hosted Rocco’s Pizza on Main St...
One of the Garden State’s best pizzerias is gearing up to open new location at the Jersey Shore.
Brooklyn Square Pizza, the beloved shop with locations in Jackson, Manalapan and Toms River, is now expanding to Bradley Beach, owner Pietro “Peter” Grippo told NJ Advance Media.
The pizzeria will open in the space that formerly hosted Rocco’s Pizza on Main Street, and will be what Grippo refers to as an “express” location. Grippo said he has partnered with the former Rocco’s owners on the new venture.
READ MORE: Bradley Beach’s 11 best restaurants, ranked
The Bradley Beach spot will feature a reduced version of Brooklyn Square’s full menu including pizza, wraps, sandwiches and salads for takeout and delivery only.
Brooklyn Square’s Jersey Shore location is expected to open in the next few weeks although an exact date has yet to be determined.
“We’re doing like an express spot with a downsized menu and no dine-in but we’re going to be offering beach delivery, expand the delivery zone to go into surrounding towns through the (delivery) apps and everything,” Grippo said.
Grippo, 52, opened Brooklyn Square in Jackson back in 2013 after spending years commuting from his home in Jackson to Brooklyn where he ran Pete’s Pizza. Grippo opened locations in Manalapan in 2017 and Toms River in 2018.
Brooklyn Square has seen much success since its inception— winning N.J.’s best pizzeria showdown in 2017; being named the best pizzeria in the state by Reader’s Digest in 2023; and landing the No. 7 spot on NJ.com’s latest ranking of New Jersey’s 101 greatest pizzas.
Meanwhile, Bradley Beach is quickly becoming one of the state’s hottest foodie destinations with restaurants like Bamboo Leaf Thai Eatery and Vic’s Italian-American Restaurant leading the charge.
Spots like Hatch 44 Cafe, The Elbow Room and Skratch Kitchen have bolstered the shore town’s food portfolio with openings in the past several years. Another Ocean County favorite, Xina, is also planned to open in Bradley Beach soon.
“Bradley Beach is a beautiful, quaint area,” Grippo said. “I really like that town and I hope people welcome us with open arms.”
Grippo, who’s been in the pizza business since 1982, said it “preoccupies his mind and helps him.”
Grippo is battling Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and co-founded the Dream Catchers Youth Foundation in 2024.
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Christopher Burch can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter: @SwishBurch. Find NJ.comon Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips/.
Peter Grippo and Monica Cione are in a win-win relationship. Cione has been the owner of Rocco’s Pizza in Bradley Beach. She named it after her dog Rocco (who’s a good boy!?), and her passion has been helping animals. She regularly donates to local shelters at the Jersey Shore.Then there’s Grippo, whose passion is the pizza. He owns Brooklyn Square Pizza with locations in Toms River, Jackson and Manalapan.He’s particularly passionate about their upside-down Brooklyn square pizza. He puts the cheese on th...
Peter Grippo and Monica Cione are in a win-win relationship. Cione has been the owner of Rocco’s Pizza in Bradley Beach. She named it after her dog Rocco (who’s a good boy!?), and her passion has been helping animals. She regularly donates to local shelters at the Jersey Shore.
Then there’s Grippo, whose passion is the pizza. He owns Brooklyn Square Pizza with locations in Toms River, Jackson and Manalapan.
He’s particularly passionate about their upside-down Brooklyn square pizza. He puts the cheese on the bottom, followed by the sauce, then extra-virgin olive oil and finally Pecorino Romano cheese. It’s their signature dish.
By putting the cheese first, the cheese cooks into the dough," he told Asbury Park Press. “When you bite it, you get a combination of flavors.
Gotta be honest. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
Cione is partnering with Grippo and Rocco’s is becoming a fourth Brooklyn Square Pizza. Maria will be able to concentrate more on her passion for helping animals and Grippo can crack into the Bradley Beach market.
He’s already gotten some fame thanks to Barstool’s Dave Portnoy and his One Bite reviews.
"Let’s get the Brooklyn 8.9 out there, let's serve the beach community," Grippo said of the collaboration, referring to the very high score his pizza earned from Portnoy.
The transition from Rocco’s to Brooklyn Square should be complete in a few weeks. If you long to try that famous upside pie, well, get in line. You’ll find them at 812 Main Street, Bradley Beach.
Mangia!
Dave Portnoy, commonly known as El Presidente, is the founder of Barstool Sports. Somewhere along the way, he decided to start reviewing local pizzerias, and the concept took off. This isn't the entire list, but it's a small sample to get you started.
The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5's Kylie Moore. Any opinions expressed are Kylie's own. You can follow Kylie on Instagram.Click here to contact an editor about feedback or a correction for this story.
Sarah GriesemerA fourth location of Brooklyn Square Pizza is on the way.Peter Grippo, who owns restaurants in Jackson, Manalapan and Toms River, is partnering with Monica Cione, owner of Rocco's Pizza in Bradley Beach, for his newest. Rocco's will open as Brooklyn Square Pizza within a few weeks, he said.Cione, who also owns Cione Gelato in Cape May, hopes that the partnership will h...
A fourth location of Brooklyn Square Pizza is on the way.
Peter Grippo, who owns restaurants in Jackson, Manalapan and Toms River, is partnering with Monica Cione, owner of Rocco's Pizza in Bradley Beach, for his newest. Rocco's will open as Brooklyn Square Pizza within a few weeks, he said.
Cione, who also owns Cione Gelato in Cape May, hopes that the partnership will help her do more of what she loves: helping animals.
The menu at the Main Street restaurant will be a pared-down version of Brooklyn Square Pizza's, with pizza, sandwiches, wraps and salads.
"Lets get the Brooklyn 8.9 out there, let’s serve the beach community," he said of the new venture, referring to the high score his pizza received from YouTube pizza reviewer Dave Portnoy in 2020.
Rocco's Pizza was named for her dog, and she and her team regularly donate to local shelters.
"For a few years, we did what we could. We helped a lot of animals, we did a lot," Cione said. "But in the meantime, our friendship with Peter and his family grew. We always said to him, 'Why don't you do it with us?'
"We knew that with his expertise, his name, we could do so much more," she said. "Hopefully its going to make an even bigger impact."
"She does a lot with animals, and we're going to continue that," Grippo said.
Grippo, who owned Peter Pizza in Brooklyn from 2001 to 2014, opened his first New Jersey restaurant in 2013. His signature pie is the upside-down Brooklyn square pizza, with cheese on the bottom then sauce, extra-virgin olive oil and Pecorino Romano cheese.
"By putting the cheese first, the cheese cooks into the dough," he told APP in a prior interview. "When you bite it, you get a combination of flavors."
Send restaurant tips to [email protected], follow on Instagram at Jersey Shore Eats and subscribe to her weekly newsletter.
BRADLEY BEACH -- The curtain has come down on plans to renovate the former Showroom Bradley Beach, Main Street's landmark movie theater....
BRADLEY BEACH -- The curtain has come down on plans to renovate the former Showroom Bradley Beach, Main Street's landmark movie theater.
Bradley Lab LLC, which began interior demolition and renovations of the old cinema last summer, on Friday said it has stopped working on the project to turn it into a movie house named The Bradley. The decision was "effective immediately."
Organizers blamed rising costs.
"When we initiated the endeavor, our pre-opening costs were estimated at approximately $1.53 (million)," the group wrote in a letter to The Bradley Beach Business and Community Alliance. "Now, with rapidly escalating costs for materials, supplies and a quality contractor, these costs would exceed $3 (million)."
The former Beach Cinema was originally built in 1915 as a vaudeville theatre named the Palace. It began showing movies about 10 years later. It became the Showroom Cinema Bradley Beach in 2018 and closed in 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It's been four years since Montclair-based Cinema Lab first announced the project via a Kickstarter campaign, which raised $65,090 from 332 backers. The goal, organizers said, was to recreate the heyday of theater in a vibrant downtown.
It entered into a lease to buy with the owner of the building, but the project faced challenges. It took longer to raise the $1.5 million needed to fund the project. And after COVID, there were issues, such as a longer wait time for the delivery of the seats.
In the meantime, Cinema Lab, which operates the Village at SOPAC in South Orange, ran a "summer pop-up theater" in Bradley Beach in 2022. Interior work began in 2024.
"Bradley Lab, as well as its wonderful local investors and contributors to the Kickstarter campaign, have invested significantly in the Bradley (both financially and in sweat equity)," the letter states. "As generous as our investors have been and despite our efforts, the funds necessary to complete the Bradley project are simply unavailable."
The letter was signed by representatives Luke Parker Bowles, Brandon Jones and Rich Townsend. Parker Bowles, founder and co-chairman of Cinema Lab, could not be reached for further comment on Sunday.
The project would have remodeled the entire theater. Designs called for The Bradley to have one screen with about 220 new seats and a space in the back for private events or screenings. The movie house also was to have a new concession lounge and a pub featuring international ales and local beers.
The theater was to play a mix of first-run movies and independent films.
"This has been an incredibly hard and saddening reality, and we are sorry we were not able to provide the town with what it richly deserves but will continue to be helpful … where we can," the letter states. "We have developed some wonderful ties with the community, which makes this all the harder to accept."
Cinema Lab also is having discussions with the building's owner regarding the future of the building.
"The development process has generated a great deal of intellectual property, including design and structural studies as well as architectural work that we will furnish to the owner and investors with the hope that these can be used to find another tenant to complete the project and operate the cinema," the letter states.
David P. Willis, an award-winning business writer, has covered business, retail, real estate and consumer news at the Asbury Park Press for 27 years. He writes APP.com's What's Going There column and can be reached at [email protected]. Please sign up for his weekly newsletter and join his What's Going There page on Facebook for updates.
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