The restaurant scene in Monmouth County and the Jersey Shore is competitive.

Even so, this closure is catching many by surprise.

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With a seemly amazing restaurant every block or so at the Shore, it begs the question, how do eateries compete?

The answer isn't that simple, but I can tell you that it's way more than just the food.

Many restaurants in our area have a family history and a deep connection with the community.

These are the restaurants that have been in a family for generations.

These are the restaurants that are always involved with local non-profits.

You know the staff, the servers, the bartenders, and often the owners as well.

This afternoon I caught word that one of my favorite Monmouth county restaurants would be closing for good next month.

I'm truly shocked and saddened.

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A husband and wife duo opened this boardwalk eatery in 2008.

It quickly became popular as the place to dine for Mexican-inspired cuisine.

Even in the off-season, you knew you were going to have to wait a bit to get a table, and that was alright. It was worth the wait.

Like many businesses, this restaurant was wiped out during Superstorm Sandy. With a tight-knit community behind them, the owners rebuilt.

When COVID-19 forced many restaurants to stop operating, this restaurant stayed open to make sure those who needed food got fed.

The owners of this Monmouth county mainstay really went above and beyond for the community.

You may have heard the name Marilyn Schlossbach.

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She is more than a restaurant owner and chef, she's a humanitarian.

Marilyn's community work includes a collaboration with Interfaith Neighbors on Asbury Park’s Kula Urban Farm, organizing community gardening and surf lessons with the Boys and Girls Club of Monmouth County, and unwavering support of environmental organizations like Clean Ocean Action, Surfrider Foundation, the American Littoral Society and Waves For Water that work to protect coastlines and marine environments.

Marilyn is the founder of the not-for-profit Food For Thought By The Sea. The organization fosters healthy relationships and learning opportunities through culinary job placement and environmental studies.

I've had the pleasure to interview and talk with Marilyn many times, and she is truly a good person that is always looking to help others.

She and her husband are also the brains behind Langosta Lounge in Asbury Park.

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APP.com reported on Friday that BarCo Brands operated by Andrea Pappas, Greg Bartz, and Phil Villapiano will be taking over Asbury Park Yacht Club, Pop's Garage, and Langosta Lounge.

Langosta will close on February 4.

Andrea Pappas said in a press release:

To take over a space from Marilyn Schlossbach, such an Asbury Park icon and pioneer, and a woman who has done so much for the community and the hospitality industry, feels very special to me and is truly a dream come true.

There is a ray of sunshine in this news.

Langosta is not closing for good.

APP.com is also reporting that BarCo is planning on closing on February 4, but will reopen "with only brief closures."

A full renovation and closure are expected to begin in November of this year and continue through March 2024.

A huge thank you to husband and wife Marilyn Schlossbach and husband Scott Szegeski for so many years of great meals and memories at Langosta Lounge. It simply won't be the same without you.

Remember...

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