Community Corner

What Does the Ocean County Mall Need?

Benihana and El Chico gone, so is Friendly's

Last week, Benihana and El Chico restaurants at the Ocean County Mall closed, and although the signage remains, the tenants do not.

We remember the last time the large square of that section of the Ocean County Mall was empty.

The wing was vacant for years after the departure of the movie theater at the mall, and now that area is home to an Applebee's and several retail tenants.

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Our Question of the Day asks, what are you hoping fills the shoes left by the departing restaurants?

The mall grew to include El Chico, adding square footage for the eatery, so there are potentially two restaurant slots open in that wing. Plus, the longtime Friendly's by Sears is also gone.

Find out what's happening in Toms Riverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

If you could pick any business be added to the mall, what would you wish for?


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