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 Gatehouse and Visitor Center 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 Seaside Park, 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.
“I just started using always best care for my dad The certified aids that came from”
“Such an amazing company with employees who truly care about their business and those they”
“It is a pleasure to work for someone that genuinely respects caregivers for the job”
“I am a current client of this provider I can’t begin to tell to you how”
“I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for helping us find an ideal Assisted Living”
“I am a current client of this provider Your manager is always nice and flexible, and”
“I am a current client of this provider We are very happy with Always Best Care.”
“I am a current client of this provider We have hired Always Best Care. We have”
“I am a current client of this provider We hired Always Best Care two weeks ago”
“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 Lake Avenue Playground and Beach 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 Berkeley Cut Steakhouse or visit Cedar Bridge Tavern Historic Site, 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 Seaside Park, 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 Seaside Park, 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 Seaside Park, 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.
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This summer season will be the last for a storied Jersey Shore restaurant.Chef Mike’s ABG in Seaside Park, one of the top restaurants at the Shore known for its creamy crab bisque and grilled lamb chops, will shutter later this year. Owner and chef Mike Jurusz announced the news in a social media video last week.A statement from Chef M...
This summer season will be the last for a storied Jersey Shore restaurant.
Chef Mike’s ABG in Seaside Park, one of the top restaurants at the Shore known for its creamy crab bisque and grilled lamb chops, will shutter later this year. Owner and chef Mike Jurusz announced the news in a social media video last week.
A statement from Chef Mike. More to come, here's to the best and last summer ????????
Posted by Chef Mike's ABG on Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Jurusz told NJ Advance Media this week that the property was recently sold to a developer who will demolish the eatery and attached motor lodge as part of a plan to build 12 houses.
The owner said the sale came as a bit of a shock because the property sat on the market for five years before being sold.
“The place went up for sale five years ago but no one was really biting. So we were like ‘Oh, we’re going to be here forever,’” Jurusz said. “And sure enough, someone came along and paid the number — a home developer who wants to put 12 custom homes there on the property."
Although ABG’s time is coming to an end on 24th Avenue, Jurusz is committed to keeping the eatery alive at another location.
“I’d love to get off the island because it’s very seasonal. We starve all winter, all restaurants do on the Jersey Shore, and we look forward to the (summer) season,” Jurusz said. “But I don’t want to go too far because the brand is really big here. We’re one of the top restaurants in Ocean County and if the brand fizzles out, it’ll be harder to build back up again.”
Jurusz has searched aggressively for a new spot over the past five years. He admitted it’s been a tough process because of his particularity — he wants a space with a liquor license and good location.
The restaurant, popular for its seafood and grilled offerings, carries a lease through the end of the year. The chef is hopeful he can find another spot before Dec. 31 and said the new owner would be fine letting ABG out of the lease early if that happens.
Jurusz, who’s spent more than 40 years in the restaurant business, revealed there are a few promising prospects for the new spot but nothing concrete yet.
“My staff’s been with me for the last 20 years,” Jurusz said. “I have a built-in staff ready to go and open up a restaurant in a close vicinity. That’s a big help because the hardest part of running a restaurant now is staffing.”
The restaurant opened as Atlantic Bar & Grill in the late ‘90s. Chef Mike took over as executive chef from 2000 to 2010 before returning in 2013 after the property owner offered him an opportunity to lease the restaurant.
Chef Mike’s ABG has gained acclaim as one of the shore’s best eateries since its inception. It was named Ocean County’s greatest restaurant by NJ.com.
“It was a really great run. We’ve made amazing memories and done so many good things here,” Jurusz said. “The friends I’ve made, the people I’ve met, the customers, the staff, it was a really unique place and you’ll never see that again after this.”
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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 atnj.com/tips/.
Primary results below are for contested races only. The results are unofficial until they are officially certified. Those who vote by mail, must have their ballot postmarked by June 10.New Jersey General Assembly10th Legislative District(includes the municipalities of Bay Head, Brick, Brielle, Island Heights, Lavallette, Manasquan, Mantoloking, Point Pleasant, Point Pleasant Beach, Sea Girt, Seaside Heights, Seaside Park, South Toms River, Spring Lake, Spring Lake Heights, Toms River)...
Primary results below are for contested races only. The results are unofficial until they are officially certified. Those who vote by mail, must have their ballot postmarked by June 10.
10th Legislative District(includes the municipalities of Bay Head, Brick, Brielle, Island Heights, Lavallette, Manasquan, Mantoloking, Point Pleasant, Point Pleasant Beach, Sea Girt, Seaside Heights, Seaside Park, South Toms River, Spring Lake, Spring Lake Heights, Toms River)
Democrats
(Vote for two)
Debra Di Donato: 8,922
Phil Nufrio: 7,576
Janine G. Bauer: 4,477
Republicans
(vote for one)
Rory Wells: 16,575
John P. Kelly: 37,923
*415 out of 418 districts reporting
Republicans
(vote for two)
Barry Wieck: 217
Raymond Newman: 228
Augustine J. Rillo: 93
Republicans
(vote for two)
John H. Dixon: 488
Karen Stillufsen: 523
David Betten: 371
Republicans
(vote for two)
Robert Butkus: 139
Tom Tallon: 115
William Fenimore: 125
Council Ward 1
Republicans
Justin Lamb: 1,323
Robert Bianchini: 1,597
Council Ward 2
Republicans
Clinton Bradley: 1,555
William Byrne: 1,469
Council Ward 3
Republicans
Harry Aber: 1,559
James Quinlisk: 929
Council Ward 4
Republicans
Anthony Matarazzo: 743
Anthony Ricotta: 753
David Ciccozzi: 883
Democrats
Justin Moran: 725
Paul Williams: 415
It’s been a good run, an emotional Chef Mike Jurusz announced late Wednesday on social media, after learning that the building that has long housed his celebrated oceanfront restaurant, Chef Mike’s ABG, is being sold and will not be standing next summer. It may also mean his departure from the barrier island as he looks to capture year-round clientele.Shorebeat first reported on the ...
It’s been a good run, an emotional Chef Mike Jurusz announced late Wednesday on social media, after learning that the building that has long housed his celebrated oceanfront restaurant, Chef Mike’s ABG, is being sold and will not be standing next summer. It may also mean his departure from the barrier island as he looks to capture year-round clientele.
Shorebeat first reported on the potential sale of the restaurant property in January, after a permit application was filed with the state Department of Environmental Protection by Arya Properties, which was seeking permission under the state’s Coastal Areas Facilities Review Act to build 13 single-family homes on the block-long property that begins with Chef Mike’s on the oceanfront. Arya is owned by Ocean County Commissioner Frank Sadeghi. Neighbors on 24th Avenue received notices about the application in the mail.
Jurusz took to social media to announce that the property had, indeed, been sold to a developer and both the motel which spans the north side of the street, as well as his restaurant, would be replaced with 12 homes.
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“This is going to be our last summer here,” the always-jovial chef said with a look of concern. “Actually, every day moving forward is one last day that will ever exist here.”
Jurusz, at the time, said he was considering buying the property, which has been for sale for five years, himself. But the restaurant’s liquor license is tied to the operation of the motel, and would be set aside if the motel were to be razed. Additionally, the private beach outside the restaurant would potentially be at risk of reverting back to public ownership, taking away one of the aspects that makes the fine dining restaurant so unique.
In the video, Jurusz said he is looking at as many as 30 to 40 properties for a new location, and while nothing is settled, a move the mainland is possible since it would allow him to remain open full-time, year-round. The location would, however, require a liquor license and he would like to keep ABG’s signature tiki bar with its creative drinks and fun events.
“Seasonal is a very tough business,” he said, adding that one last summer on the ocean is in store. “We’ll definitely be here the whole entire summer, until September, seven days a week.”
Most important, Jurusz said, were the memories that were made along the ocean at the south end of the island.
“A lot of memories were made here,” he said. “Weddings, engagements, thousands and thousands of birthdays, all of the fundraising we’ve done here, all of the events, and all of the original OG staff from the 2000s who were here. It’s very heartbreaking to know this is our last memory.”
“Take a ton of pictures,” he continued. “Share them, share your favorite stories, share your favorite food that we’ve done. Your support would be awesome to finish this up strong. Let’s go out in style, let’s go out on top like we’ve always been.”
Jurusz, a Brick Township native, is one of the Shore area’s most prolific restaurateurs, having operated ABG (Atlantic Bar and Grill) as an employee before leaving to open a new venture in Point Pleasant Beach. He returned as owner a few years later, with the slightly-updated name, “Chef Mike’s ABG.” The restaurant has attracted a variety of clientele, from local regulars to the occasional famous guest. Governors have been known to dine there often while vacationing at their summer retreat at nearby Island Beach State Park.
The full video is embedded at the top of this story, and can be viewed on Chef Mike’s ABG Facebook page.
When I first arrived at the radio station in 2010, I set out to build relationships with the community I served. Through that, I've had the privilege to meet exceptional local leaders who make our area a wonderful place to live. One of the best is Chef Mike Jurusz.I met Mike shortly after I started doing the afternoon show. Mike's larger-than-life personality and creativity immediately set him apart. I would learn that Chef Mike's generosity is what truly makes him a special individual.At the time, Mike was the head chef at 709...
When I first arrived at the radio station in 2010, I set out to build relationships with the community I served. Through that, I've had the privilege to meet exceptional local leaders who make our area a wonderful place to live. One of the best is Chef Mike Jurusz.
I met Mike shortly after I started doing the afternoon show. Mike's larger-than-life personality and creativity immediately set him apart. I would learn that Chef Mike's generosity is what truly makes him a special individual.
At the time, Mike was the head chef at 709 in Pt. Pleasant Beach, what is now known as B2 Bistro + Bar. During a meeting with a local non-profit, The Ashley Lauren Foundation, I learned about a Monmouth County couple who had recently lost their young son, Mark, to cancer. His nickname was "Mark the Shark," and Marc had quite the obsession. Burgers. While traveling to New York and back for treatments, Mark's parents would make stops at burger joints across Jersey. The Ashley Lauren Foundation was able to arrange a meeting with one of Mark's idols, celebrity Chef Bobby Flay. The young boy even had his own special burger recipe.
It was shortly after Mark passed away that I learned about this special burger. I thought it would be a special way to remember Mark by having someone make his burger. Chef Mike was the first name that came to mind. We arranged a time for Mark's parents to visit the restaurant. They thought that they were meeting me and the executive director of the Ashley Lauren Foundation to discuss involvement. They didn't know that they would be served their son's creation, prepared by Chef Mike himself.
READ MORE: Follow The Story of "A Boy And His Burger"
It was a special moment that is still one of the highlights of my career. But in true"Chef Mike style," he took his generosity to the next level. Mike decided to hold a "Mark the Shark" burger night at his restaurant, with all proceeds benefiting The Ashley Lauren Foundation, which helps bring the dreams of local children battling cancer to life. That's just who Chef Mike Jurusz is.
Chef Mike would go on to purchase the legendary Atlantic Bar and Grill in South Seaside Park and rebrand it "Chef Mike's ABG." His philanthropic endeavors would also continue to grow. Mike elevated the failing eatery to a trendy hotspot that was hard to get reservations at in the summer. Chef Mike was able to marry his delicious cuisine with the million-dollar view of the Atlantic.
I was heartbroken to see on social media that the land on which ABG sits had been purchased, and the developer plans to demolish the restaurant and build 12 new homes. Chef Mike's neighbor, the Island Beach Motor Lodge, will also be torn down. The lease for Chef Mike's ABG is up December 31, 2025. In a tearful announcement video, Mike came to terms with the fact that this will be the last summer for his restaurant.
The chef added that he's currently looking at 30-40 new properties where he can keep his culinary legacy alive. He expressed his gratitude to his fans and customers over the years, who have enabled him to build a life for his family and fulfill his dream. Chef Mike closed by saying that ABG is going out on top with what he's calling "The Chef Mike's ABG Summer of Fun."
Thank you to Chef Mike Jurusz and his staff for many phenomenal meals, get-togethers at the Tiki Bar, and cherished memories with views that will never be replicated. Show your appreciation by making a reservation for one last dinner (or ten) at Chef Mike's ABG.
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.
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