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Given the choice, most of us want to stay in our homes. Sometimes, people need help to remain at home. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

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“Such an amazing company with employees who truly care about their business and those they”

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.
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“I can’t begin to tell to you how pleased I am with Always Best Care.”

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!!
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“I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for helping us find an ideal Assisted Living”

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.
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Elderly Care for Leta J.
551
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“Your manager is always nice and flexible, and the caregivers are sweet and wonderful”

Your manager is always nice and flexible, and the caregivers are sweet and wonderful
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Senior Care for Carla500226
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“We are very happy with Always Best Care. They do 24hr care, and the caregiver”

We are very happy with Always Best Care. They do 24hr care, and the caregiver is excellent. I would recommend them.
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Elderly Care for Judy367738
451
Caring

“We have hired Always Best Care. We have them for 5 to 6 weeks now.”

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.
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In-home Care for Nancy176801
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“We hired Always Best Care two weeks ago for my mom. The woman comes in”

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.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Josie J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!!”

Pamgoldberg
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Theodore S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Your manager is always nice and flexible, and the caregivers are sweet and wonderful”

Leta J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We are very happy with Always Best Care. They do 24hr care, and the caregiver is excellent. I would recommend them.”

Carla500226
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Judy367738
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Nancy176801
In-Home Care Long Branch, NJ

How does In-home Senior Care in Long Branch, NJ work?

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it's 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 ages, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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Senior Care Long Branch, NJ

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a unfamiliar assisted living community, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

Comfort
Comfort

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, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old. With the help of elderly care in Long Branch, 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.

Healthy Living
Healthy Living

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.

Independence
Independence

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 an assisted living community. 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.

Cost and Convenience
Cost and Convenience

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 to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, can be 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 in Long Branch, NJ 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.

Empowers Seniors

Affordable Care Plans

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:

Veteran's Benefits
Veteran's Benefits

Aid and Attendance benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.

Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance

Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.

Private Insurance
Private Insurance

Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.

Life Insurance
Life Insurance

Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.

Respite Care Long Branch, NJ

During your Care Plan consultation with Always Best Care, your Care Coordinator will speak with you about in-home care costs and what options there may be to help meet your budget needs.

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers

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 Long Branch,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.

Caregivers Long Branch, NJ

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced 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:

An assessment of your senior loved one

01

An in-depth discussion of the needs of your senior loved one to remain in their own home

02

Reviewing a detailed Care Plan that will meet your senior loved one's needs

03

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.

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.

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Latest News in Long Branch, NJ

Living at the Jersey Shore: Meet Ocean Gate, Long Branch’s Newest Community

There’s nothing better than relaxing at a beach resort and Ocean Gate, the newest luxury rental community in Long Branch, gives that staycation feeling to New Jersey residents every single day. Ocean Gate, located at 30 Ocean Boulevard, just opened and has brand new, move-in-ready homes along with resort-style amenities like beach access, an outdoor pool, cabanas, volleyball + pickleball cour...

There’s nothing better than relaxing at a beach resort and Ocean Gate, the newest luxury rental community in Long Branch, gives that staycation feeling to New Jersey residents every single day. Ocean Gate, located at 30 Ocean Boulevard, just opened and has brand new, move-in-ready homes along with resort-style amenities like beach access, an outdoor pool, cabanas, volleyball + pickleball courts, and an expansive clubhouse. Keep reading to learn more about the spectacular residences and high-end amenities in Long Branch (+ an exclusive offer for HG readers.)

Ocean Gate is the first new luxury rental to open in Long Branch in years. The community features one, two, and three-bedroom homes with high-end features like soaring 9’ ceilings, luxury plank flooring, central air, expansive windows with complimentary window treatments, and in-home washer and dryer.

The designer-style kitchens boast quartz countertops, soft-close cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances — including a gas range and side-by-side refrigerator. In the bathrooms, residents will find porcelain tile floors and full-height tiled walls.

Prospective residents can take a tour to see the exceptional new builds for themselves. The luxurious homes feature spacious, sun-filled layouts with expansive closet space, and some even have lofts and private outdoor spaces.

Ocean Gate is also providing 1 month free on a 13-month lease for 2 and 3-bedroom homes.

“The brand new residences at Ocean Gate provide the best of all worlds in one spectacular beach-ready location,” the on-site team shared with The Hoboken Girl.

Ocean Gate delivers staycation-style living with amenities that prioritize relaxation, entertainment, and activities for its residents. The community has access to the beach and offers beach valet service, which includes chairs and umbrellas set up for Ocean Gate residents as they soak up the New Jersey sun.

On a recent tour of Ocean Gate, Team HG had the chance to check out all of the amazing amenities including the expansive clubhouse, the heated pool, a huge outdoor movie wall, and the state-of-the-art fitness center. The gym has yoga and stretching areas and a separate cycling studio — perfect for getting in your daily workout.

We also love that the community has pickleball and volleyball courts and an outdoor courtyard with firepits, cabanas, and a tiki bar.

Residents who love hosting will appreciate the party room with a catering kitchen, private outdoor gas grills, and dining areas. There’s even a resident lounge with a bar and billiards.

Hybrid and remote workers can take advantage of the business center with state-of-the-art coworking spaces. Living steps from the beach means you can even take a mini sunbathing sesh or run on the boardwalk during your lunch break.

Ocean Gate also has extra resident perks like a package room, resident storage, bike storage, garage parking, and electric charging stations. Families can take advantage of the children’s playroom and pup parents will be happy to know about the on-site dog park.

Ocean Gate is ideally located for residents who want a beach-access lifestyle. It’s also close to the New Jersey Transit Long Branch Station which stops at both Newark-Penn Station and New York Penn Station.

Long Branch itself is a town with endless opportunities. The oceanfront community has charming shops, eclectic eateries, and tons of parks all within steps of Long Branch Beach.

New luxury rentals are now leasing at Ocean Gate and the community is ready to welcome residents who want to embrace a staycation lifestyle.

Don’t forget to mention ‘Hoboken Girl’ to receive a $500 rent credit when applying for a lease.

Ocean Gate is located at 30 Ocean Boulevard in Long Branch, NJ. You can call 732-483-6156 or email [email protected] to schedule a visit.

The Bazaar, The Jersey Shore’s Most Beloved Event, Marks a Decade of Excellence with a Fall Festival in Long Branch

LONG BRANCH, NJ- Get Ready for a Spook-tacular Celebration. The Bazaar is thrilled to extend its 10-year anniversary festivities with an extraordinary Fall Festival at Whitechapel Projects in Long Branch, NJ, on Sunday, October 29th, from 12 PM to 5 PM. This event promises an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages, celebrating a decade of unique shopping, local artists, family fun and community engagement. Step into the enchanting world of the Bazaar Fall Festival, where a massive Sailcloth tent and the cozy inter...

LONG BRANCH, NJ- Get Ready for a Spook-tacular Celebration. The Bazaar is thrilled to extend its 10-year anniversary festivities with an extraordinary Fall Festival at Whitechapel Projects in Long Branch, NJ, on Sunday, October 29th, from 12 PM to 5 PM. This event promises an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages, celebrating a decade of unique shopping, local artists, family fun and community engagement. Step into the enchanting world of the Bazaar Fall Festival, where a massive Sailcloth tent and the cozy interior of Whitechapel Projects will host a plethora of exciting activities, vendors, and entertainment.

"We are so excited to continue our 10 year anniversary celebration of The Bazaar at the Fall Festival at Whitechapel Projects! This will be a Fall Fest you won't want to miss! Fun for the whole family and friends, the event will feature shopping from incredible makers, delicious food and drinks, a pet costume contest, kids halloween trick or treating and dress up, DJ, face painting, tarot card readings, fall flower photo station, and much more! Bring your loved ones and cozy up at our new S'mores Kits & Firepit area. We can't wait to see you there!"- Jenny Vickers Chyb, Founder of The Bazaar.

Highlights of the event: Long Branch Spring Bazaar: ? Unique Shopping: Explore a curated market featuring artisans from the Jersey Shore and beyond, offering a wide array of gifts and goods.

? S'mores Delights and Fire Pits: Hosted by Syby Designs, indulge in delightful S'mores Kits while warming up by custom tabletop and larger fire bowls, available for purchase.

? Pet Halloween Costume Contest: Get your furry friends in the spirit of Halloween and stand a chance to win a gift basket filled with pet goodies.

? Kids' Activities: Little ones can dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes and trick-or-treat, or enjoy face painting and other exciting activities.

? Create Your Own Sunnies + Bead Bar: Join Jphannypack Designs for an interactive event where both kids and adults can customize their own sunglasses with a variety of adornments at the bead bar.

? Flowers & Photos: Visit Bloom Street Flower Cart to shop for beautiful blooms and capture memorable moments against their stunning fall flower photo wall.

? Delicious Eats and Libations: Satisfy your taste buds with delicious craft beers, fall menu, and refreshing libations at Whitechapel Projects.

? Forever Golden Permanent Jewelry Bar: Create a special ‘bonded’ memory with 14 karat gold-filled and sterling silver permanent bracelets.

? Temporary Tattoo Bar: Enjoy cool and unique temporary tattoos with The Turquoise Pony.

? Music: DJ Astrovan (Mike Chick from Yawn Mower)

? Exclusive Giveaways: Be one of the first 25 shoppers through the door each day and receive a coveted Bazaar tote bag

The Fall Festival is an all-ages, pet-friendly event that takes place rain or shine, ensuring a fantastic time for everyone. Stay up to date with event news and announcements by following The Bazaar on Facebook and Instagram.

The Bazaar's mission is to foster the growth of small businesses, while delivering distinctive and enjoyable event experiences that spotlight New Jersey's exceptional retail, dining, and entertainment establishments. Our events harness the power of shopping local and shopping small.

MORE: Check Your Mailbox: Vote By Mail Ballots Coming Soon MORE: Shop Long Branch - Receive Tax Credits MORE: Calling All Business Owners: Become a Long Branch Certified Green Business

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Interested in marketing your business on TAPinto Long Branch? Email [email protected].

Long Branch Buys Santander Bank Building, Will Make It New Town Court

The city of Long Branch paid $1.7 million to buy the former Santander bank building at 600 Broadway, and it will become the new town court:Posted Fri, Jul 7, 2023 at 10:38 am ET|(City of Long Branch)(City of Long Branch)LONG BRANCH, NJ — The city of Long Branch announced Friday it has purchased the shuttered Santander bank on Broadway, and it will become the new home of the Long Branch municipal court.The Long Branch Santander is one of the many New Jersey Santander branches that closed this year; a...

The city of Long Branch paid $1.7 million to buy the former Santander bank building at 600 Broadway, and it will become the new town court:

Posted Fri, Jul 7, 2023 at 10:38 am ET|

(City of Long Branch)

(City of Long Branch)

LONG BRANCH, NJ — The city of Long Branch announced Friday it has purchased the shuttered Santander bank on Broadway, and it will become the new home of the Long Branch municipal court.

The Long Branch Santander is one of the many New Jersey Santander branches that closed this year; as Patch previously reported, they closed their doors on April 27.

The state of New Jersey gave Long Branch a $2-million grant, which covers the $1.7 million purchase of the former bank building at 600 Broadway, plus moving costs. A spokeswoman for Mayor John Pallone (D) said the city does not have an approximate date for when the new town court will open.

For the past 20 years, the city has been renting the first floor of 279 Broadway as its town court, and Pallone has made no secret he wants to find a permanent home for the municipal court. Long Branch currently pays $135,000 a year to rent 279 Broadway.

"The acquisition of the Santander building is yet another component in our continued efforts to revitalize Broadway and the urban spaces throughout Long Branch," said Pallone Friday. "Santander Bank is selling us this prime real estate, which includes the main bank building and the drive-thru building on 1.7 acres, for $1.7 million dollars. We are working with Santander to keep the drive-thru building open for ATM purposes ... It is greatly needed due to the costs of renting and the need for additional space. Our initiatives such as the Recovery Diversion Program have become recognized statewide but lack room at the current municipal court."

Find out what's happening in Long Branch-Eatontownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Prior: Long Branch Santander Bank On Broadway Permanently Closes (May)

“We hope to preserve some of the uniqueness and charm of this classic art deco building, with its sleek style and decorative details, while creating a space that best serves the needs of the city and its residents," Pallone added. "We want to thank the state legislature and Governor Murphy for assisting in getting this money in the state budget for the relocation of our municipal court."

The new LB court will be located at the intersection of Bath Avenue, Norwood Avenue and Broadway and across from Norwood Park and the historic Oceanic Firehouse, the original Long Branch City Hall.

This purchase will reenergize the area, helping to bring it back to its original municipal triangle, said Pallone.

At the turn of the 19th century and well into the 20th century, upper Broadway was the center of Long Branch village. The village was the seat of government for Ocean Township before Long Branch separated from Ocean Township and became its own city in 1905.

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More from Long Branch-Eatontown

Fire damages seaside restaurant in Long Branch for second time in three years

LONG BRANCH − Investigators are looking into the cause of a fire that broke out mid-morning on Saturday at Charley's Ocean Bar & Grill and will force the restaurant's owner to rebuild from a blaze for the second time in three years.The fire started about 11 a.m. shortly after the restaurant opened and appeared to damage the outside of the building."It was supposed to be a good weekend," Charley's owner Mario Magriplis said. "We had some parties and events booked that unfortunately now I h...

LONG BRANCH − Investigators are looking into the cause of a fire that broke out mid-morning on Saturday at Charley's Ocean Bar & Grill and will force the restaurant's owner to rebuild from a blaze for the second time in three years.

The fire started about 11 a.m. shortly after the restaurant opened and appeared to damage the outside of the building.

"It was supposed to be a good weekend," Charley's owner Mario Magriplis said. "We had some parties and events booked that unfortunately now I have to reach out and contact them and figure it out."

Firefighters from Long Branch, Asbury Park, Deal and Sea Bright responded. There were no reported injuries.

Charley's on Avenel Boulevard has about 30 employees during the off-season and 50 during the summer. The restaurant has been a neighborhood staple since 1985, serving New American cuisine.

More:Century-old Coca-Cola ad emerges in Long Branch. Can it be saved before it vanishes again?

Employees who were getting ready to start their day instead stood outside in the marine layer. They watched firefighters douse the back of the restaurant with water and peered through the exterior wall to make sure the fire was out.

Century-old Coca-Cola ad emerges in Long Branch. Can it be saved before it vanishes again?

"They went through a hard time like everybody else during COVID," said Rose Ann Dillon, 55, of Long Branch, a regular customer who was looking on. "It's sad. It's sad they have to shut down again and get everyone back on track. It really is a wonderful restaurant. Everyone gets along. They're friends. They're just great people."

Magriplis and his family, who also own Blue Swan Diner in Ocean Township, bought Charley's about five years ago.

It hasn't been an easy road. The business was damaged by a fire in the roof less than three years ago, forcing Charley's to shut down for a month while it was repaired.

Magriplis wasn't sure about the extent of the damage from Saturday's fire, but he was hopeful most of it was contained to the outside of the building.

"It's been a stretch of bad luck, but we're going to figure it out," he said. "We're going to get up and running as soon as possible again."

More:These old, dead spots Long Branch are getting new life as apartments and stores

Michael L. Diamond is a business reporter who has been writing about the New Jersey economy and health care industry for more than 20 years. He can be reached at [email protected].

Long Branch $12.3M NJ Transit pedestrian tunnel part of big changes for train station

LONG BRANCH - Two years ago, the city and its partner NJ Transit spoke publicly about a dramatic idea to build a pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks as part of a larger plan to upgrade the aging train station, one of the busiest on the North Jersey Coast Line.On Friday, Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-N.J., announced that the funding needed for the project, $12.3 million in total, has been secured through the federal Department of Transportation's ...

LONG BRANCH - Two years ago, the city and its partner NJ Transit spoke publicly about a dramatic idea to build a pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks as part of a larger plan to upgrade the aging train station, one of the busiest on the North Jersey Coast Line.

On Friday, Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-N.J., announced that the funding needed for the project, $12.3 million in total, has been secured through the federal Department of Transportation's Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program established in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Only it won't be a bridge. It will be a tunnel.

The tunnel will connect the east and west sides of the city that are currently bisected by a sound barrier wall that was erected during a 1988 upgrade to the station. The funds will also cover the reconstruction of the commuter parking lot for multimodal public transportation, ride share and taxi service, construction of a heated pedestrian overhang for bus service and landscape improvements.

Not 'just a place to catch the train':Long Branch transit village gets reshaped

“This announcement is wonderful news for the city of Long Branch," said Mayor John Pallone, brother of the congressman. "The pedestrian tunnel will ensure riders no longer have to cross the train tracks to access the platforms and residents can easily access businesses on each side of the station. I’m grateful to the federal and state agencies that worked to make this project possible."

The neighborhood has seen a recent burst of streetscape improvements and new development stemming from the creation of the Transit Village District in 2013. It received the state Department of Transportation's official designation as a transit village in 2016.

$34M for new sand:Long Branch's Elberon section getting beach replenishment soon

The city's vision is to bring in more housing and businesses while creating bicycle routes, pedestrian activity and easy access to goods and services that are all centered around mass transit. The transit village designation allows the city and NJ Transit to apply for DOT grant money, such as the funding it received for the Third Avenue road improvements and now the pedestrian tunnel.

Originally built in 1875, Long Branch Station has the fifth-highest ridership of the 20 stations that make up the North Jersey Coast Line, with over 1,000 average weekday boardings according to 2019 data.

When Jersey Shore native Dan Radel is not reporting the news, you can find him in a college classroom where he is a history professor. Reach him @danielradelapp; 732-643-4072; [email protected].

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