Iconic frankie's bar and grill in point pleasant closed after sale to new owners

Iconic Frankie’s Bar and Grill in Point Pleasant Closed After Sale to New Owners

POINT PLEASANT, NJ – Frankie’s Bar and Grill, a privately owned and operated restaurant has been sold to restaurant management group Chefs International. The iconic downtown bar and restaurant has been in business for 36 years, opening in 1985.

During the transition, the restaurant will be closed as the new owners work on transferring ownership of the state liquor license.

Chefs International owns popular shore restaurant brands including Jack Baker’s Lobster Shanty, Baker’s Water Street, Wharfside Restaurant, The Cabin, Escondido, Moores Tavern, Sunset Ballroom, and Anchor Tavern.

“Frankie’s will be temporarily closed for a short period of time awaiting liquor license transfer. We would like to share the news that we will be passing our keys over to our good friends at Chefs International to help restore the Frankie’s you all know and love to its prime,” the new owners said in a statement this week. “In the meantime, beloved staff will continue employment working to clean and organize Frankie’s or at sister Chefs locations until the re-opening. We appreciate the support we’ve seen from our community for so many years and we hope to be serving you for many more. We will post any and all updates on re-opening here to our page. We can’t wait to see you all again soon.”

Last year, Chefs International purchased Frankies’ sister restaurant, Rod’s Olde Irish Tavern in Sea Girt. The new owners have pledged to bring back Frankie’s beloved pre-COVID-19 menu.

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