Celebrated New Jersey restaurateur, Tim McLoone, is bringing a fresh new concept to the boardwalk in 2024. The Blue Heron will open in Asbury Park in mid-to-late 2024, reports local media outlet Asbury Park Press.
The Blue Heron is set to occupy 7,341 square feet above the Iron Whale at 1200 Ocean Avenue, Unit 504. Blue Heron and Iron Whale owner, Tim Mcloone, spoke to What Now Philadelphia about the upcoming enterprise, explaining it’s been a long time coming.”We’ve been in Asbury Park since 2007”, McLoone states. “The first lease we signed was on the boardwalk. We got a pretty good thrashing in the beginning-we were a little bit too early. I always felt if we were part of the revitalization, I’d be happy.”
McLoone explains that the Iron Whale opened the door for the Blue Heron. “We looked a little further down the boardwalk and opened the Iron Whale. Above it is an empty box that hasn’t been developed, which we’re turning into the Blue Heron”
McLoone and his crew hope to open the Blue Heron in the spring. Construction on the restaurant is set to begin in the coming weeks. McLoone anticipates the renovations taking about six months once they commence. However, the entrepreneur is prepared to allow the project the time it requires. “I’m never one to hurry into things like this.” he explains. “We have 10 locations and I try to make each as individual as possible.”
The precise theme of the Blue Heron hasn’t been determined yet. McLoone explains that the restaurant’s location is both a complication and a boon, saying “It’s on the third story and the view of the ocean and the surrounding area is crazy good. It’s hard to make second and third story restaurants work. Part of the trick is to make it year round. My number 1 job is to make sure the doors open every day.”
McLoone explains that making the Blue Heron a year-round hot spot requires a number of specific considerations. “We’re putting some pretty magnificent fireplaces in the room so it’s cozy. I look at it as a meeting place-even if people eat elsewhere, they could meet at the Heron. Restaurants are pretty good about customer sharing.”
Though he anticipates the eventual fanbase skewing younger, McLoone is hoping the Blue Heron will draw in a diverse crowd. “I like to say our places are demographic free.” he explains.
“As far as the menu goes, I’m still not sure” he adds, stating “I’m toying with the idea of a pizza oven up there. But I think it’s going to be more of a sharing menu-lighter dining.”
The Blue Heron will have a comprehensive drink program, offering a wide range of bespoke cocktails. McLoone states “We’re going to have a sophisticated approach to our spirits “
