JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ – When the previous owner of Jackson Crossing was trying to flip his successful property during the COVID-19 pandemic, he was seeking suitors who would cater to the growing Orthodox Jewish population in Lakewood and Toms River.
Investors who spoke to Shore News Network on the condition of anonymity said the former landlord promised to flip the entire plaza to attract a different set of businesses to the site.
Tenants were hit with higher rents and unaccommodating demands during and after the pandemic.
In the two years since, the plaza has ‘flipped’.
Surf Taco has been forced out and today, Cornerstone Kitchen and Tap reported a similar experience.
Other businesses are moving out to make room for the expansion of the Kalamata pizzeria which will soon be expanding to add more seats for private events.
Against all odds, Cornerstone Kitchen and Tapped turned a location that saw as many as five previous bars and restaurants fail into a success. But they couldn’t overcome the odds of changing times at the plaza.
The restaurant will close on June 30th.
“Our lease is expiring and despite our efforts to try to negotiate and make it work, we have come to the difficult decision to not move forward with the renewal due to uncontrollable circumstances,” the owners reported on Facebook. “The last 7 years has been an amazing journey for all of us and with every single person who has walked through our doors. Great Memories have been made. From “first dates”, engagements, retirements, weddings & showers, to baptisms & birthdays, we are honored to be your host through it all.”
They hinted that the restaurant might reappear somewhere else in the future, but provided no details.
Over the past two years, businesses in the plaza have catered to the needs of the growing Orthodox Jewish community and that trend is expected to continue with Kosher restaurants most likely to replace Cornerstone and Surf Taco.
Built and formerly owned by Vito Cardinale and Cardinale Enterprises, Cardinale sold the property for $25 million to Jackson Crossing LLC, based out of Lakewood in January of 2022.
