TOMS RIVER, NJ – Charlie Browns, the restaurant franchise loved by locals across New Jersey became a victim of the pandemic after New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s extended business and restaurant lockdowns.
As a result of the prolonged lockdown and seating regulations imposed against bars and restaurants, the franchise couldn’t make it to the other side of the pandemic policies.
Ocean County lost two Charlie Brown’s restaurants. One in Lakewood and one in Toms River’s Silverton section.
When Charlie Brown’s opened, there was some excitement and some uneasiness after the community lost Phil’s Liquor Locker Lounge, a local bar adored by many. It was also the go-to place to load up on your weekend booze necessities.
Locals, especially the senior community, flocked to Charlie Brown’s, but when they were told to stay home at the direction of Governor Phil Murphy, the restaurant chain realized it couldn’t survive. Across the state, Charlie Brown’s restaurants were shut down until there were just two left. One is in Scotch Plains. The other is in Woodbury.
This week, a new restaurant announced it would open shop at the corner of Kettle Creek Road and Hooper Avenue in the old Charlie Brown’s restaurant. The name of the restaurant is Roxy’s Bar and Grille. Little is known about the restaurant except that it is now accepting applications for restaurant staff.