It is finally open.
Casual marine center Boatyard401 reopened on Friday, September 30, following a building renovation that began in June 2021.
Brothers Bob and Chris Fahey — who own the Fahey Restaurant Group, which operates Reef and barrel in Manasquan, Cross and orange in Asbury Park and Joe’s Surfing Hat on Lake Como — said when it took longer than expected.
“We faced labor shortages, material and equipment issues … but the property just needed more love than we originally anticipated,” said Bob Fahey, who lives in Brill. “We wanted to do it the right way.”
The duo came up with the nautical theme of the restaurant because the area was surrounded by Irish pubs and they wanted to be different. The idea for the name, however, came to him while admiring the views from the restaurant’s second floor.
“I realized we’re surrounded by shipyards … and I think the name really fits the spirit of Point Pleasant Beach with its strong fishing culture.”
The menu for the 245-seat space is as casual as the casual atmosphere, with seafood, tacos, pizza, burgers and more.
“We’re surrounded by some of the best seafood on the coast, … but we wanted to include seafood from Point Pleasant,” Fahey said. “Instead of traditional dishes, we will show [bites] like tuna bowls and tuna nachos.”
While Fahey raves about the “colorful, bright and fresh” tuna bowl (with tuna, cucumber, mango, edamame, radish, avocado, carrot, scallion, wonton strips, sesame seeds, seaweed salad, jasmine with rice and a choice of sauce), he also recommended hamburgers.
The Boatyard is a classic burger with lettuce, tomato, onion and cheese on a brioche bun, while the Ghost Ship is a spicy burger with smoked corn on the cob bacon, allspice jack, country slaw and onion jam on brioche buns.
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Other dishes include chicken bruschetta (with grilled chicken, mozzarella, fresh tomato bruschetta and balsamic dressing), vegan pizza (with cauliflower crust, tomato sauce, mushrooms and vegan cheese) and vegan tacos (with chopped meat, spicy corn mayo, avocado , chopped lettuce and red onion).
“We want to be a family restaurant that’s open until about 10 p.m., and then hopefully younger people can come in for live music and sporting events and things like that,” Fahey said.
On the second floor there is a private room: glass garage doors lead to a deck with a beautiful view of the marina. The space will be great for musical performances, Fahey said.
Formerly home to Duke’s Tavern & Tap, the restaurant also offers a late-night menu from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. that includes appetizers like fried calamari, burgers, pizza and more.
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Many people on social networks were looking forward to the opening of the restaurant. Point Pleasant Beach Mayor Paul Canitra had something to say before the big day.
“We love all the Fahey Restaurant Group locations, but we’re sure Boatyard401 in Point Beach will be the best!”
Although the Faheys’ restaurant empire has expanded along the coast, that’s not where they started.
“When we were kids, our dad owned restaurants and liquor stores and a bar, so we were always in the industry,” Fahey said of his father, Joe, after whom they named Joe’s Surf Shack. “Chris and I went to Fordham University, where we bartended in college and in (New York) after,” he said. “Eventually we formed a group of friends and investors and opened a group of restaurants in New York, but then went offshore.”
Fahey is eager to get into this new business.
“My brother and I have been best friends since childhood, we went to the same school and college,” he said. “We work together from my father’s old places and continue to do so,” he said. “We trust each other and we support each other.”
Go: 401 Broadway, Point Pleasant Beach; 732-714-6689, boatyard401.com.
Gabriela L. Laracca joined the USA TODAY NETWORK in New Jersey in 2021 and is excited to bring her passion for cuisine and culture to our readers. Send restaurant tips to glaracca@gannett.com.
