By Laura D.C. Kolnoski
OCEANPORT – The atmosphere was electric throughout the new multilevel space inside Fort Monmouth’s former Commissary, now named Baseline Social, at 3 p.m. last Thursday when The Two River Times arrived for a pre-opening tour.
In a “moving” interview, owners Phil Villapiano, Andrea Pappas and Greg Bartz hurried through the final touches – Villapiano flipping stools along the long bar tops as he went, Pappas conferring with staff and waiting for an interviewee.
“We will be open in two hours for the rest of our lives,” she quipped.
The ample sports bar/ eatery/entertainment complex spans 14,000 square feet inside and 3,000 outside. In one section, a two-sided bar opens to an outdoor patio seating area with artificial turf and cornhole games.
Inside, patrons have distinct sections to choose from to eat, play and watch. The largest is the main floor or “bullpen” with a wall of LED viewing. Across the room, a lounge area with a DJ booth puts the focus on music and socializing. Cross the hallway and ascend the steps to the “mezzanine” overlooking the bullpen, offering a living room ambiance with more bar seating and televisions, intended primarily for private events.
Five golf simulator bays with seating are located in an adjacent section with a separate entrance directly from the parking lot. Baseline Social offers memberships for those who want to utilize the high-tech games and opens there as early as 8 a.m.
Sports references permeate the menu, with some items featuring Birdsmouth Beer Cheese, courtesy of the brewery located on the other side of the building.
The third and final tenant also bringing a food concept back to the Commissary is MGT Foods, maker of Mr. Green Tea ice creams and other brands, a commercial venture only, though and not open to the public.
Villapiano said Baseline’s early culinary favorites include light bites like Hot Honey Chicken and calamari, found under “Dunks,” and Pork Roll Cheese Sliders from the menu’s “Teamwork” section. Pizza ovens turn out specialty takes like the “Field of Dreams” with sliced ribeye, sweet corn, and potatoes, and “Getting Messi in Miami,” named for the soccer superstar and featuring ham, pork and pickles. Specialty cocktails include The G.O.A.T.; Float Like a Butterfly, Sting Like a Bee; and Pickle Ball. There are a dozen beers on draft and several Garden State brews are featured. The meat supplier is D’Ambrisi Meats of Long Branch.
Full and part-time employees at Baseline Social number 110, another step toward bringing back the 5,000 civilian jobs lost when the fort shuttered in 2011.
Fort Monmouth is now about 86 percent sold, with Netflix progressing on its plans to purchase 292 acres to house a major movie studio. Other properties on the 1,126-acre former U.S. Army base spanning portions of Eatontown, Oceanport, and Tinton Falls have already been redeveloped over the past decade under the auspices of the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA).
The 26-acre Commissary parcel, which also includes a warehouse district and former Post Office, was purchased by Denholtz Properties of Red Bank in 2020. Villapiano said there weren’t many obstacles during construction because “Denholtz had the building ready for us. It was also great working with FMERA and Oceanport. Everyone has been so helpful.”
Pappas, Villapiano and Bartz are partners in BarCo Brands, a growing culinary endeavor founded in 2017 that now includes Deal Lake Bar + Co. in Loch Arbour (the former McGillicuddy’s Lakeside) and The Break and Low Dive on the Asbury Park boardwalk (formerly Langosta Lounge and the Asbury Park Yacht Club). Villapiano, son of the former Oakland Raiders football star, has a background in facilities management and operations; Pappas has experience in employee recruitment in the food and beverage industry; and Bartz has worked in sales and marketing. The company’s president and CEO, Tim McMahon, was an executive with McLoone’s restaurant group for 18 years and has worked with national dining brands. All are Monmouth County residents.
Baseline Social is located at 675 Oceanport Way, a road currently owned by FMERA. As part of the replacement of infrastructure fort-wide, a sewer project is underway in that area and the roadway will be paved when the project is complete, said Sarah Giberson, FMERA senior marketing and real estate development officer. She added FMERA then intends to transfer the roadway to Oceanport.
“The significance and history of Fort Monmouth generally, and the commissary specifically, is not lost on us,” McMahon said. “The fort was part of the fabric of this area. We are excited to be part of the transition to a new and vibrant use of these grounds. We will be carrying on the tradition of the Commissary building as we bring food, drink and community back to this iconic building.”
Future special events at Baseline Social are still being planned, but Pappas said, “Inquiries for parties are coming in fast and furious.” The venue’s website was still under construction at press time, but information can be found on social media. Hours are 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. The kitchen will be open until midnight and 1 a.m., respectively.
The article originally appeared in the October 12 – 18, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
