TOMS RIVER — The vacant Bahama Breeze restaurant outside Ocean County Mall could be replaced by a Chick-fil-A under a proposal awaiting review by township officials.
The fast-food company has submitted plans to demolish the former Caribbean-themed restaurant and build a new location with drive-thru service. The property sits along the mall’s perimeter near Hooper and Bay avenues.
The Toms River Planning Board is scheduled to consider the application during its Sept. 2 meeting. The Ocean County Planning Board approved the proposal in July.
The future of the vacant restaurant has already drawn considerable interest from local residents. On July 18, Jersey Shore Online shared a photo of the former Bahama Breeze and asked readers what they hoped would replace it. The post attracted more than 500 comments, with suggestions ranging from Cracker Barrel, The Cheesecake Factory, Waffle House and Pizza Hut to an Apple Store, an indoor water park and even a homeless shelter.
If approved, the project would give Chick-fil-A its first restaurant in Toms River and its third in Ocean County. The chain currently operates locations in Brick Township and Stafford Township.
Chick-fil-A also has several restaurants in nearby Monmouth County, including locations in Howell, Freehold Township, Eatontown, Hazlet and Ocean Township.
Tommy’s Tap + Tavern opened elsewhere on Hooper Avenue in April, replacing the former TGI Fridays.
The post Chick-Fil-A Eyes New Toms River Location At Ocean County Mall appeared first on Jersey Shore Online.
