Memories From Yesterday in Toms River & Brick

Maybe it's the holidays or maybe it's just this crazy year we have had in 2020 but I find myself looking back at growing up here in Ocean County and some of the places we would go that no longer exist. Now my memories may be a bit hazy and I’m sure you fans at home will correct me if I don’t get all the facts straight, but I wanted to take a look at three area businesses that we would frequent and my memories of the establishments.

Funny how these types of memories pop into your head and the images that pop into your head. I hope if you have memories of these spots, that you will share your memories as well.

The first stop down memory lane is the Bonanza Steakhouse. There were two locations one in Toms River and one in Brick. We would always go to the Toms River location on Route 37. Bonanza was cafeteria style and you would grab a tray and go through the line getting your meal. I would always get the small steak with mushroom gravy and potato. For dessert it was always the pudding, chocolate. I can still smell the steaks cooking and the flames from the grill. Always a great meal.

The second stop on our time travel is Brick Township. Britt’s Department Store in the Brick Plaza. Britt’s was kinda like a ”local” Macy’s. I didn’t care much about the shopping, hey I was a kid, what I did care about was their restaurant! Britt’s had a fantastic restaurant in the department store with great booths to sit in. I remember hot turkey sandwiches and really big milkshakes. The milkshakes were a highlight for me there.

The third and final stop is Toms River. The old Pizza Clown on Hooper Avenue. The site is home now to delicious Yellow Brick Road Ice Cream Carousel. Funny how we loved this ”clown” but I guess it was the pizza. It was such a unique place and it was very 70’s....if that makes sense.

All three of these former Ocean County locations will always bring back good memories and the people we went there with. Hopefully you enjoyed the three as well.