Frankie’s Is Back!
Popular Point Pleasant Beach Eatery Reopening As Part of Chefs International Restaurant Group
Frankie’s Bar & Grill has closed its doors for a short period of time in order to clean and transfer proper licensing to Chefs International, also of Point Pleasant Beach. Chefs owns numerous landmark shore restaurants, including The Wharfside Seafood & Patio Bar, Lobster Shanty and Marina Grill.
Frankie’s was previously owned and operated by Frank Kineavy since November,1985. Kineavy also owned Rod’s Tavern in Sea Girt, which was purchased by Chefs International in 2020 and has since been undergoing renovations.
Unlike Rod’s renovations, Frankie’s Bar & Grill will be closing only for a short time while Chefs awaits the liquor license transfer. In the meantime, Chefs will be focusing on cleaning, training, making minor repairs, to re-open the same Frankie’s that Point Pleasant Beach has known to love.
“Both Frankie’s and Rod’s became shore icons from the day they opened, especially with the locals,” says Bob Cooper, CEO of Chefs International.” “We’re proud to operate them under our umbrella because they both epitomize all we stand for: Great food at reasonable prices. Excellent service and friendly atmosphere, he adds.”
“Frankie’s was always the perfect meeting place for Point Pleasant Beach,” adds Kineavy. “Some of our employees have been here for over 25 years with me. I’ve always loved running it more than owning it—being with my customers. I know Bob and his team will give it the management it needs to live on in the community. As many offers as I’ve received in recent years it is a total compliment that Chefs has an interest in both establishments. I wouldn’t consider handing either over to anyone else but Bob.” He added.
Chefs International plans to re-open as soon as possible pending liquor license transfer. Updates for the re-opening will include cleaning, training, new dishware and table tops, minor repairs and adding additional staff. The Chefs team will be working closely with Frankie’s head chef Dennis Sullivan to bring back a pre-covid Frankie’s menu that highlights Frankie’s favorites including the signature 10 oz. hand-formed burger chargrilled behind the main bar. You will return to see your same favorite staff of whom are excited to be back. Chefs hopes to keep this favorite local hangout alive and give it the attention it needs to not only survive but thrive and remain a local landmark of the Point Pleasant Beach community.
“I’ve been a customer of Frankie’s since 1985. When I first met Frank to talk about Rod’s I didn’t realize Frankie’s would even be available—although I hoped it would. I had no intention of changing the name on either place. They are two iconic, well-run Jersey Shore establishments that were prominent front-runners in bringing great casual dining to the area,” says Cooper
“Since the onset of Covid-19 the restaurant business nationwide has changed dramatically. Operating during this time of uncertainty has been a great challenge. We hope to reintroduce the pre-covid menu items at Frankie’s that the local community knows and loves. Frank is our partner in both Sea Girt and Point Pleasant and we hope to have a long and fruitful relationship. We purchased these businesses because we love them. Chefs International is not a conglomerate—it is a small multi-concept restaurant group locally owned and operated out of Point Pleasant Beach with 13 total locations in Monmouth and Ocean counties. We’re not looking to be a national brand. Just like Frankie’s, each of our brands are individual Jersey Shore landmarks and that’s why we love them.” Chefs CEO Robert Cooper, concludes.
