Two well-known restaurants in Brick, New Jersey, have officially closed their doors for good, leaving regular customers and the community heartbroken.
Known for their great food and friendly service, Windward Deli and Brick Oven Restaurant were favorites among locals. Now, both places have permanently shut down, and people are feeling the loss.
Windward Deli, located on Drum Point Road, had been a go-to spot for breakfast, lunch, and quick bites for years. Locals loved the cozy atmosphere and familiar faces behind the counter.
Their breakfast sandwiches, subs, and daily specials had built a loyal fan base. But in recent weeks, signs appeared on the doors saying the deli was closed. S
ocial media posts later confirmed the news that Windward Deli was closing permanently. No official reason was shared publicly, and the owners haven’t made any announcements about why they shut down.
Brick Oven Restaurant, which was also nearby, closed quietly around the same time. This Italian-American eatery was popular for its pizzas, pasta dishes, and warm, welcoming feel. Families, couples, and even solo diners regularly visited for lunch or dinner.
People who had visited the restaurant recently noticed the doors were locked and a “closed” sign posted. Like Windward Deli, Brick Oven Restaurant didn’t give any formal reason for closing either. Their website and social media accounts have not been updated, leaving many to wonder what happened.
Residents in the Brick community were shocked by the sudden closures. Many shared their disappointment online, recalling their favorite dishes or memories from both places.
Some even mentioned how these restaurants were part of their weekly routines. On Facebook, longtime customers posted goodbye messages, thanked the staff, and expressed sadness over the news. A few also hoped the restaurants might return in some new form one day.
There’s no official word on whether either restaurant plans to reopen elsewhere or if the closures are final. The unexpected nature of the shutdowns has led to lots of speculation, with some guessing financial challenges or personal decisions could be behind them.
Small, family-owned restaurants often face tough competition, rising costs, and staffing problems, especially in recent years.
While many places tried to recover after the pandemic, not all could bounce back fully. Still, these closures came as a surprise because both restaurants had strong followings and seemed to be doing well.
Locals are now wondering what will replace the two restaurants. The storefronts remain empty for now, with no signs of new businesses coming in yet. Some people are hoping for another local food spot to take their place, but others say it won’t be the same.
These types of closings are always hard on communities, especially when they involve long-time favorites. Brick residents say Windward Deli and Brick Oven Restaurant were more than just places to eat—they were part of their lives. People celebrated birthdays, had casual hangouts, or grabbed food on the go at these spots.
Now, they’re gone, and customers are left with memories and a bit of sadness. Whether or not the owners will share more details about the closings remains to be seen. For now, the community is simply saying goodbye to two beloved local landmarks.