MANCHESTER – Starbucks and Jersey Mike’s are coming to the township’s Whiting section.
The township Planning Board recently approved a new retail building on Lacey Road, a part of the Stop & Shop-anchored Whiting Commons.
The 8,951-square-foot building, which will be built on what is now vacant land, already has three tenants signed up: Starbucks, including a drive-thru lane and an outdoor seating area, Jersey Mike’s Subs and an AT&T store.
The center’s owner, Paramount Realty Services, is in talks with a national retail chain for the fourth space in the building.
A timetable for construction was not available.
The new building adds to Whiting Commons and will be located next to Wendy’s.
“This center has become the epicenter and gateway to Whiting,” said Maurice Zekaria, president of Lakewood-based Paramount Realty Services, which also manages the center.
“Whiting has experienced consistent residential growth over the years, and we expect Starbucks and Jersey Mike’s to thrive.”
Manchester Mayor Robert Hudak said it adds to the retail in the area, which includes Wawa, Dunkin, Stop & Shop, Mavis Discount Tire, and OceanFirst Bank.
The unfilled space at the new center comes as the township makes four liquor licenses available, Hudak said. It can be marketed to a sit-down restaurant that would be interested in having a liquor license, he said of the vacant space.
“The residents there have been begging for something like that,” Hudak said. “They want more variety. This will add to the mix of restaurants that are out there.”
David P. Willis, an award-winning business writer, has covered business and consumer news at the Asbury Park Press for more than 20 years. He writes APP.com’s What’s Going There column and can be reached at [email protected]. Join his What’s Going There page on Facebook for updates.
