Former mellow mushroom restaurant still vacant

It seems like 1111 Route 37 in Toms River is having a tough time keeping restaurants alive. First, we saw the closure of Mellow Mushroom, a quirky pizza joint, and more recently, Lot 11.Eleven, a gastropub that opened with much fanfare but ultimately closed last year after trying to breathe life into the spot(

Now, the building just sits there, taunting us with its potential. So, what should we do with it? Here are some ideas that could make this location thrive.

A Cool Hangout for Teens and Young Adults

Toms River could really use a fresh, local spot for the younger crowd. While diners used to be the go-to hangout, today’s teens seem more into chain restaurants like Applebee’s. What about a modern restaurant with a laid-back vibe that offers good food and entertainment, similar to Surf Taco’s former vibe in Jackson?

Think live music, a game room, and an upstairs lounge like surf taco used to have—a place to gather after football games or on the weekends, somewhere that feels like a community hub.

A Barcade or Adult Arcade

Let’s face it, regular restaurants haven’t had much luck at this location. So, why not try something like Barcade, where people can enjoy food, drinks, and retro arcade games all in one place?

It’s a concept that’s been successful in many cities, and with the area’s nostalgic love for gaming and craft beer, this could be a winner. Plus, it would add something new and fun to Toms River’s social scene.

Well, none of that is happening as Fat Patty’s, a Kentucky and West Virginia-based hamburger chain, has announced it will be opening in that spot.

Phil Stilton Latest posts

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.