Donovan’s Reef, a beach bar in Sea Bright, has reopened after being dismantled in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.
Construction is underway to resurrect the establishment, a shore landmark since it opened in 1976. But in the meantime, the famous outdoor Tiki bar has re-opened and is back in business.
“Nature certainly cooperated with us and we had a great turnout,” said co-owner Chris Bowler, about the July 10 opening. It was a bright, sunny day in the mid-80s. Flower arrangements hung from the eaves of the Tiki bar and fluttered in the wind. At the bar, patrons kicked off their flip-flops to feel the warm sand. Bartenders happily served them drinks. “It was a fantastic weekend,” he said.
Bowler expects the pilings for the building to be installed this coming September. “We hope to have the structure complete, maybe in March of next year,” Bowler stated. “Regardless, this weekend was a huge relief.”
Donovan’s Reef is just one of several proper ties that suffered from the wrath of Superstorm Sandy. But one by one, gathering places in Sea Bright are re-opening, such as Harry’s Lobster House, Dunkin’ Donuts, Yumi Restaurant, Navesink Marina, and Sea Bright Pizza.
“The re-build has been slow, but the town is coming along pretty good,” said Sea Bright resident Eddie Michaels, who was cooling off with a beer at the Tiki bar. “I’ve been friends with the owners for a longtime. It’s nice to see them get started again.”
Kevin McGee, the community engagement manager of the St. Bernard Project, is thrilled with the reopening of Donovan’s Reef – along with the overall restoration of the Sea Bright. St. Bernard Project, a national non-profit, has partnered with Sea Bright Rising, a non-profit organization devoted to the recovery of the Sea Bright community after the destruction of Super Storm Sandy.
“This town really relies on those businesses to bring in a steady stream of vacationers and folks headed to the shore,” McGee said. The reopening of Donovan’s is a big boost for the community.”
McGee believes Donovan’s draws people to the shore town with its beautiful beach location right on Ocean Avenue. “It spills over to all of the other local businesses in the area,” McGee said.
“It’s a great atmosphere,” said Chris Porter, 21, of Middletown, who visited Donovan’s for the first time on Saturday night with a high school friend. “It’s a lot different from your typical bar because your feet are in the sand. Everyone should go check it out.”
“It’s amazing how far things have come almost three years later,” McGee said. “It is a testament to the destruction of this storm, but also the resiliency of this community.”
– By James Romano
