Farewell, and what a long strange trip it’s been.
It started with a cynical statement to one of my best high school buddies, Anthony Ventre, in the summer of 1985. “Let’s go to downtown New Brunswick and get some good seafood.” He immediately knew that there was no such restaurant there serving seafood as the redevelopment effort in the downtown was in its infancy. We did extensive research into making such a restaurant happen. The concept evolved into a New Orleans seafood restaurant as we fell in love with the cuisine and musical culture of that city. Along the way Robert Steiger joined us as an investment partner and on Thursday May 28, 1987 we opened the doors to The Old Bay Restaurant. The rest as they say, is history.
But now is the time to say goodbye. After over thirty years we will be closing our doors for the last time in late December. I will always be thankful for the countless patrons that frequented our premises. And give heartfelt thanks to all the employees that have given their hard labor and dedication into making The Old Bay the great success it has been over the years. Many of our guests and employees have become some of my closest friends.
In our final weeks here, we would like to see you one last time for your favorite dish, an awarding winning craft beer, or one of our famous cocktails. And to say goodbye. As we wind down operations please keep an eye out for mail or social media announcements as we post some special events to celebrate our time here.
In closing I want thank again everyone that has passed through our doors. I have been blessed to get to know many of you.
With much gratitude.
Anthony Tola
It started with a cynical statement to one of my best high school buddies, Anthony Ventre, in the summer of 1985. “Let’s go to downtown New Brunswick and get some good seafood.” He immediately knew that there was no such restaurant there serving seafood as the redevelopment effort in the downtown was in its infancy. We did extensive research into making such a restaurant happen. The concept evolved into a New Orleans seafood restaurant as we fell in love with the cuisine and musical culture of that city. Along the way Robert Steiger joined us as an investment partner and on Thursday May 28, 1987 we opened the doors to The Old Bay Restaurant. The rest as they say, is history.
But now is the time to say goodbye. After over thirty years we will be closing our doors for the last time in late December. I will always be thankful for the countless patrons that frequented our premises. And give heartfelt thanks to all the employees that have given their hard labor and dedication into making The Old Bay the great success it has been over the years. Many of our guests and employees have become some of my closest friends.
In our final weeks here, we would like to see you one last time for your favorite dish, an awarding winning craft beer, or one of our famous cocktails. And to say goodbye. As we wind down operations please keep an eye out for mail or social media announcements as we post some special events to celebrate our time here.
In closing I want thank again everyone that has passed through our doors. I have been blessed to get to know many of you.
With much gratitude.
Anthony Tola
Last edited: