By KENNY WALTER
Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH — New stores, movies and sidewalk sales highlight the summer season at Pier Village.
Pier Village is kicking off the summer season with the arrival of weekend food trucks, a packed schedule of events, a new family game center and expanded retail options, including Booskerdoo Coffee & Baking Co., Playa Bowls, Havaianas and Dough Mama.
Pier Village is owned and operated by Kushner Companies and Extell Development Company.
“Pier Village is a premier oceanfront destination for both local residents and tourists, and we’re excited to launch this great series of summer events for everyone to enjoy,” said Ike Newman of Kushner Companies, who is also a Long Branch native. “We’re proud to add to the already vibrant collection of food and retail options at Pier Village with the arrival of food trucks and restaurants that represent New Jersey’s high-quality local businesses.”
Booskerdoo Fresh Roasted Coffee Co., a fast-growing local coffee company, just opened its fourth Booskerdoo Coffee & Baking Co. location at Pier Village.
“We are so happy to bring fresh roasted drip coffee and espresso to Pier Village, accompanied by bakery products crafted each morning,” said James Caverly, Booskerdoo co-owner and roastmaster.
“We are excited to become a part of the Pier Village community,” added Amelia Caverly, Booskerdoo co-owner and head baker.
Since opening over Memorial Day weekend, Playa Bowls, has had lines out the door. Playa Bowls, founded in Belmar, offers California-style acai fruit bowls and other healthy, organic options near the beach.
“We are very excited to be in Pier Village and become a member of the Long Branch community. The feedback has been amazing even before we opened doors,” said Playa Bowls Partner Desi Saran. “We thank all of our customers for their business and continued support.”
Dough Mama, recently opened at Pier Village, offering bagels and breakfast items. The business services the grab-and-go customer and provides an alternative option for the morning and lunch rush.
In the coming weeks, Havaianas, the stylish and comfortable flip-flop brand, will be opening a summer pop-up shop, catering to men, women and children.
The fun continues with food trucks at Pier Village, every Thursday through Sunday all summer long, to provide tasty and unique quick-serve options to beachgoers. Kushner Companies partnered with the New Jersey Food Truck Association to curate local food trucks that complement existing restaurants.
Kushner Cos. also announced the upcoming opening of a new family game center that will be open year-round. The space will feature family-friendly activities, including traditional arcade video games as well as games like air hockey and skee ball, and will also offer an event space that can be rented for birthday parties.
Deals with Playa Bowls, Booskerdoo and the family game room were procured by Alan Walker and Mike Testa of Jeffery Realty.
Free summer events at Pier Village include:
- “Rock at the Pier” each Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. through Aug. 30;
- “Movies at the Pier” beginning at dusk on Sundays through July 31;
- “Broadway at the Pier” from 7-8 p.m July 25, Aug. 8 and Aug. 22;
- Pier Village Sidewalk Sales on the weekends of July 15-17, Aug. 26-28 and Sept. 23-25;
- “Art at the Pier Auction” to benefit The Valerie Fund on Sept. 11, where the 10 starfish creations currently on display at Pier Village will be auctioned.