MJ’s Restaurant and Bar’s location in Spotswood. (Credit: MJ’s/ Facebook)
The Brick Township council this week approved a liquor license transfer that will bring one of the Jersey Shore’s fastest-growing local chains to the center of town.
About a month ago, the management of PJ Sweeney’s, a success in its own right, announced they were closing their doors after selling their Brick Boulevard location to MJ’s, which has steadily been buying and building locations in the area for the past several years.
“Over the past 8 years, we have been privileged to serve our community and work with exceptional individuals like you,” owner Gene Gillespie wrote in a final announcement. “Your loyalty, trust, and belief in our hospitality has been the driving force behind our success. ”
Gillespie said he hopes to open a new Irish pub-style restaurant locally at some point in the future.
The former PJ Sweeney’s in Brick. (Credit: TripAdvisor)
MJ’s, the new owner of both the building – and as of Tuesday, the license – has not yet established a Brick-specific online presence in which its opening date was announced. Its nearest location in Bayville (the former Windows on the Bay) offers a wide variety of cuisines, from standard bar fare to a taco station, seared ahi tuna, sliders of various sorts and the restaurant’s “famous” sliced steak sandwich, among salads and other items.
MJ’s locations also generally feature Sunday football-viewing specials, sushi, and martinis. It also offers a kids’ menu. Most of their locations also offer regular entertainment, including local bands and DJs, making former Sweeney’s customers feels at home.
The rapidly-growing business currently operates restaurants in Bayville, Long Branch, Matawan, Middletown, Neptune, Spotswood and Tinton Falls. The company also operates the Buttonwood Manor wedding and catering hall in Matawan.
The Brick location will operate at 447 Brick Boulevard.
