ROCKNJOES ROCKS THE JERSEY SHORE

For all of us who live north of exit 98 on the Garden State Parkway, there is always a landmark that we have that makes us officially down the shore. Growing up it was always the Edison Bridges; didn’t matter  how far south I was going.  Spending most of my 40 or so summers in Lavallette, as soon as we  hit the light on 35 in Point Pleasant, I just wanted to get out and walk the rest of the way. Now there’s actually a reason to. At the corner where the highway meets the beach is, the best cup of coffee and most amazing collection of rock and roll memorabilia that any WRAT (95. FM) fan could ask for. That place is Rock n Joes at Point Pleasant Beach.

Inside the doors, ( and sometimes the line is all the way outside) once you order from their excellent menu of coffees and culinary treats, your eyes are drawn to a vast collection of vinyl originals from the Sex Pistols, the Go- Go’s, Elvis and Oingo Boigo to name a few. Also adorning the walls are several gold records including Bon Jovi’s25th and a collection of autographed guitars; a music fan’s paradise. There is also a collection of black and white paintings of such famous artists as Ray Charles and Jim Morrison, all for sale by a local artist.

The collection of memorabilia is from the owner, Dave Terra Nova’s personal collection.  Long time local resident, Dave celebrates 2 years this month, of serving a great cup of coffee in a casual atmosphere in view of the ocean he grew up with. Listening to the great Matt Pinfield’s radio show, Terra Nova heard about the Rock n Joe franchise opportunity. The 15 yr business started in Cranford, and began franchising 7 years ago. Being a coffee and a music enthusiast and just looking for something new to do, he saw a need for a local hang out, different from the bar scene. The weekly event calendar is almost as diverse as the menu, ranging from local artists to family nights and ladies nights.

Aside from my personal love of an iced Americano in the summer, and the music memorabilia, what draws me there is the local feel. Terra Nova is life long Jersey shore resident, raising a family and giving back to the community he was raised in. A closer look at the rock and roll walls also reveals information and business cards of several local business owners, as well as support of charities and fundraisers. Most recently, Rock n Joes supported “The Cohesion Project” a documentary in production about the effects of Cerebral Palsy on some folks who live life in spite of their condition.

Something I not only supported, but wait eagerly for the release of.

As we begin the summer of 2010, when you find yourself in Point Pleasant, stop in, say hi to Dave and celebrate 2 years of great coffee and great fun, and tell him we sent you. If I happen to be there (which I am most weekend mornings and weekday afternoons) the coffee is on me.

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The Cohesion Project

www.kickstarter.com/projects/thecohesionproject