Nearly two decades after opening the first Toast City Diner in Montclair, No. 5 is on the way in Manalapan.
Founder Amy Russo and partner Adam Torine plan to open this winter at 357 Route 9 South in the Towne Pointe shopping plaza. The space, on which construction will begin next week, was previously home to Project Brunch, which closed in August after five years in business.
“We’re incredibly excited to bring Toast to Manalapan and the surrounding communities,” Russo said in a news release. “Our goal is to bring the unique charm and flavors that have made Toast a favorite breakfast and lunch spot for over 17 years with another location in Monmouth County.”
The first Toast opened in 2007, followed by restaurants in Asbury Park, Red Bank and Cranford. They serve breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes like pancakes, from classic buttermilk to red velvet to carrot cake; eggs Benedicts, including one made with corned beef hash; sandwiches, like a Cuban, a three-cheese grilled cheese, and a falafel wrap; and bowls, including one made with mixed greens, wild rice, farro and quinoa.
“We revamped our menu a little bit last November to open Cranford, and we’re going to be doing the same for the Manalapan location,” Russo told the Asbury Park Press.
A selection of dishes from Toast City Diner, which has four locations in New Jersey and is opening a fifth this winter in Manalapan.
Provided by Foxtrot Media
She plans to add French toast sticks, another vegan item, another salad, and bring back cream cheese-stuffed French toast topped with berries, a customer favorite.
Toast City Diner’s expansion has given Russo and Torine the chance to be intentional with the design of their restaurants.
Sandwiches, power bowls and more are on the menu at the Shore’s newest restaurants.
“There was no real rhyme or reason in the first three buildouts. It was my own personal preference,” Russo said. “I wanted Asbury to match Montclair, and Red Bank was a diner. In Cranford, we finally worked with a real designer and met with a general contractor. We have a look that we’re going for, a vibe.”
The Manalapan restaurant will “have a bit of Asbury and Cranford (combined),” she said. “I want each location to look a little bit unique.”
SOURCE: https://eu.app.com/story/entertainment/dining/2024/09/04/toast-city-diner-manalapan-replacing-project-brunch/75071291007/
Sarah Griesemer Asbury Park Press
Featured Image: A rendering of Toast City Diner, opening this winter in Manalapan.
Provided by Krissy Skuback/Skuback Design Group