News
Owners of MIX To Open Sea Bright Eatery
By Ryan Fennell
SEA BRIGHT - The owners of Mix Lounge and Food Bar in West End in Long Branch thought that it was time to get back to Jersey Shore basics.
Mix is famous for its selection of traditional and custom martinis but the owners felt that chef Sam Nativo was being underutilized at the lounge and thought it was time to expand.
Mix owners Michael Bienz, Steven Graniero, Christina DiIorio, and Nativo are on schedule to open Dive! in downtown Sea Bright in the second week of September.
According to Bienz, Dive! would have a similar choice of libations but the operation would focus more on food and the restaurant atmosphere.
"It'll be a good, relaxed vibe and more of a restaurant," Bienz said. "We felt that Sam was underutilized at Mix."
Dive! is taking over the space formerly occupied by Elements at 1072 Ocean Avenue.
"This is going to be more of a restaurant bar," Nativo said. "It'll be from burgers to clam bakes to steamers to cheese steaks. It'll be coastal cuisine Jersey Shore style with some boardwalk favorites."
Nativo said that the restaurant pub is fixed with 18 taps for beers and would also have a selection of a dozen bottles and a dozen canned beers as well.
The upstairs section of the location has been outfitted to accommodate private cocktail parties for approximately 70 people.
"There's a casual atmosphere with TV screens, sporting events, and karaoke.
Beginning in September Dive! opens at 4pm seven days per week with plans to expand to be open for lunch beginning next spring.
"It's a beautiful, beautiful space," Bienz said.
Bienz appeared at a special meeting of the Sea Bright Council this past Monday to receive Dive's liquor license and thanked the council for its help getting the restaurant opened.
"Everybody here in Sea Bright has been just phenomenal," Bienz said. "Thank you for helping and being a great community for us to be in."
"Sea Bright has been wonderful toward us and it's been a wonderfully feeling being new in town," Nativo said.
