Like most businesses in New Jersey, we were forced to temporarily close on March 16 due to COVID-19 concerns.
When we closed, we thought it would be for a few weeks. We never could have imagined where we were entering week 14: still closed other than limited outside dining that was permitted (beginning June 15).
When we learned Gov. Murphy was allowing outside dining on June 15, we called Peter Valesi, the township administrator in Freehold Township, to discuss the process.
He assured us the township was doing everything in its power to help local businesses and that the reopening process would not be difficult. He was not kidding.
The township streamlined the process that took less than 48 hours from request to approval to reopen. Not having offered outdoor seating prior to now, we constructed our outside dining area with capacity for 80 patrons in six days.
We were able to open on June 15 because of the proactive people dedicated to making Freehold Township a better place to live and operate a business.
Every member of the township’s governing body, as well as the administration, from the planning, zoning and construction departments to the parks and recreation department, police and emergency responders truly care about this community and New Jersey.
Surviving in business during COVID-19 will be one of my greatest business challenges, but I am inspired by the light at the end of the tunnel that Freehold Township has helped me see.
I would be remiss if I did not also thank state Sen. Vin Gopal, who is working tirelessly for all people of Freehold Township and the other towns in his district to reopen for business. Thank you Freehold Township and Sen. Gopal.
Bob McDaid
President and CEO
iPlay America,
Game Time Bar & Grill
Topgolf Swing Suite
Freehold Township
