A growing franchise is helping to make summer in Brick particularly delicious in 2024. Mahana Fresh, a chain which offers lighter, healthier fast-casual cuisine, is opening in the New Jersey neighborhood later this year, reports local media outlet Asbury Park Press.
The restaurant will be moving into a 1,450 square foot space on Route 88, joining Icarus Brewing and Burger 25 in a new shopping center. Owner Kevin Gitelson spoke with What Now Philadelphia about bringing Mahana Fresh’s unique meals to his home turf. “I am a Brick local resident” he states, adding ”I have been looking at expanding and really wanted to bring one to my town.”
Icarus Brewing is developing the retail center, which provided Gitelson with a direct connection to the lot. “I am friends with the owner of Icarus Brewing Company, Jason Goldstein, as we are both firefighters at Station 29 in Toms River (where I previously lived prior to moving to Brick).” Gitelson explains. “When he was talking to me about this location he was building, I figured it would be a perfect match to pair up with him and open my second restaurant at his location.”
Mahana Fresh will provide Brick residents with quick, nutritious meals to curb their hunger, without sacrificing taste. Gitelson describes the chain’s fare as: “Fast, Friendly, Healthy. Create your own bowl or smoothie, or choose from our list of chef inspired creations.”
Gitelson offers guidance for future regulars looking forward to sampling Mahana’s cuisine, but unsure where to start with the eatery’s impressive menu: “My personal favorite is our Protein Paradise Bowl and our fresh Strawberry Banana Smoothie with peanut butter, THE BEST.”
The restaurant is on track to open this summer. Gitelson states that he and his crew are “hoping to have plans in hand and filing for permits in the next week.”
While Gitelson is focused on making Mahana Fresh a staple of the Brick dining scene, he mentions that other Jersey neighborhoods may soon be able to enjoy the eatery’s delectable meals. “Keep an eye out on our social media pages for future New Jersey locations, possibly coming soon!” he states, adding “We are franchising and I am the local developer for Mahana Fresh in New Jersey and would love to talk to anyone else interested in opening up their own Mahana Fresh, feel free to contact me!”
