By Chris Rotolo
RED BANK – Another borough brewery is on tap after a long-proposed site plan for the former Fameabilia building was approved by the zoning board following a major alteration.
With the green light, some believe this could open the door for Red Bank to become known as an epicenter of microbrewery activity in the state – a new identity that appeals to Red Bank RiverCenter executive director James Scavone.
“It’s something we’d like to embrace,” Scavone said. “We want to look at the arrival of all of these breweries as an opportunity. People are definitely into the culture and I think having several breweries open in a short period of time of each other shows that Red Bank has a very active economic structure in place.”
During the hearing for the new brewery proposed for 42 Monmouth St., building owner Florin Lupu, on behalf of his company and applicant Phoenix of Matawan, agreed to scale back the scope of work for the mixed-use building with a microbrewery and store on the ground floor and four large apartments on the second and third stories.
Instead, Lupu said he would chop the third story from the proposal, eliminating two apartments and the need to lease additional parking spaces from nearby Amboy Bank.
Part of Lupu’s proposal for the former art and memorabilia store, which he purchased in 2017 for $1.2 million, called for the placement of a separate eatery alongside a microbrewery on the first floor.
Though Phoenix of Matawan attorney Rick Brodsky said the food vendor initially aligned with the proposal has walked away, the 3,000-square-foot microbrewery concept is still green-lighted, and one Lupu should be able to deliver.
Lupu also owns Maloney’s Pub on Main Street in Matawan, a beer-lover’s destination known for its rotating list of more than 100 draft beers, including seasonal specialties, high-end imports, the latest and greatest selections from local brewing operations and other craft options from around the nation.
“I never like to take the easy way out when it comes to my work. But if removing the top level is what it takes to get this done then that’s what it takes,” Lupu said. “I can’t wait to show people a finished product. This city is such a wonderful location with an exciting atmosphere and we can’t wait to be part of it.”
If Lupu’s brewery concept comes to fruition, it would be located just across Monmouth Street from another new Red Bank tasting room, Red Tank Brewing at 77 Monmouth St.
Founded by two prominent local photographers, John and Lovina Arcara, Red Tank opened its doors in October, pairing its brewing operation with weekly trivia nights, birthday bashes and live music events.
Located just a short walk through the White Street parking lot, inside the old Liberty Hose Company firehouse, will be a third microbrewery, when the long-awaited Ross Brewing Company presents its bold flavors to the public.
Less than half-mile stroll down Monmouth Street toward Bridge Avenue patrons can find Triumph Brewing, a regional brewpub just steps away from Red Bank’s historic train station and the Two River Theater. Triumph offers in-house dining options and additional has additional locations in Princeton, Philadelphia and New Hope, Pennsylvania.
A six-minute walk from Triumph to Riverside Avenue will bring craft beer fans to another brewery of sorts in Birravino, which offers house-brewed beer selections and an Italian-themed menu.
“The craft brewing culture is about freedom and experimentation, and people enjoy tasting as many different brands as they can. Having so many breweries in one area that people can hop to plays into that.”
There are 105 fully operational breweries in New Jersey, 13 of which are in Monmouth County, including five in the greater Two River area: Belford Brewing, Carton Brewing, Jughandle Brewing, Raritan Bay Brewing and Red Tank.
Three other Monmouth County breweries, including Ross Brewing Company and Source Brewing of Colts Neck, are in the licensing stage and preparing to launch.
There are three brewpubs in Monmouth County. Two, Birravino and Triumph, are located in Red Bank.
With so much Two River community brewing taking place in and around Red Bank, it certainly presents the borough as a centralized location for a larger event that could capture the attention of a statewide audience, much like Red Bank’s International Beer & Wine Festival and the Guinness Oyster Festival.
Though Scavone said the possibility for a craft beer-themed event is a possibility, Mayor Pasquale Menna isn’t sure another festival is necessary.
“We may not need a festival, because we already have activity and creative energy coming together. Long before craft breweries were big, Red Bank had the creative juices flowing. They were alive and well in coffee houses, galleries and art spaces. We have plenty of activity and entertainment already happening here,” Menna said.
This article was first published in the May 23 – 29, 2019 printed edition of The Two River Times.
