Hot dog businesses continue to shut down in northern ocean county

BRICK-Another hot dog icon at the Jersey Shore has shut its doors. This time, it was the Brick Windmill at the old Laurelton Circle.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the closing of the WindMill of Brick, effective this Sunday, September 15. The WindMill has operated in Brick for over 30 years and has taken great pride in serving multiple generations of WindMill fans,” the company said before shuttering its doors yesterday. “To each of you, we say thank you for your loyalty and patronage throughout the years. With that being said, it also gives us a chance to get back to our roots, and really put all of our focus on providing the best dining experience at all of our locations.”

According to the company’s website, Windmill now operates in Belmar, North Long Branch, Red Bank, Asbury Park, and West Long Branch. Earlier this year, the company’s franchise in the Barclay Square in Freehold Township shut its doors.

Many have tried and failed to make a hot dog stand work in northern Ocean County, and many have failed. Perhaps it’s because of wars waged against fast food by younger generations as those who see the hot dog as a traditional American dish age out of the process but selling hot dogs isn’t as easy as it once was.

Lindy’s Hot Dogs on Cedarbridge Avenue had a good run featuring ripper style hot dogs, but they went out of business. They had great dogs, burgers and other items from the classic Americana menu. Their Italian hot dogs were also among the area’s best.

Even nationwide chain Nathan’s Famous shut its doors just months after opening a little bit south in Toms River.

Survivors of the hot dog’s demise in Ocean County include Joe-Joe’s Italian Hot Dogs on Route 37 in Toms River and Boardwalk Hot Dogs on Drum Point Road.

Joe Joe’s has always separated themselves from the pack by offering traditional Newark style Italian hot dogs for over 30 years! The site sprouted up across the street from the once popular Sabrett Hot Dog wholesale and retail store across the street which has been closed for many years.

You can’t have the Ocean County hot dog discussion without talking about Stewart’s most famous location in New Jersey just a few miles east on Route 37, which closed its doors after decades of serving tourists at the Jersey Shore.

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