What Types Of New Restaurants Does Silverton NJ Need In 2024?

As we look back on the foodie landscape of the Silverton section of Toms River this past year, there have been a lot of great new places to dine. However, one can't help but wonder not only if some of these new places will survive, but what is in store for our community's collective pallets in the coming year?

There was much fanfare early in the year when Pizza Hut moved from its decades-old location on Brick Boulevard and reopened with a drive-thru at the brand-new strip mall located at 1182 Hooper Avenue in Silverton. Subsequently, just a short time later Salad House joined the Hut in the same strip mall. Later in the year, we saw the opening of the much talked about and highly anticipated Roxy's Bar and Grille, where the former Charlie Brown's Steakhouse once stood at 11 Kettle Creek Road.

Also this year Silvertonians saw the openings of Wavershaks Deli at 1898 Hinds Road,  Hot and Healthy at 1846 Hooper Avenue, and Patricia's in the Shoppes at Hooper among others. Meanwhile, we are all anxiously awaiting the opening of Sweet Carolina BBQ later this month, in the Rands Plaza. Not to mention the reinvention of the beloved McIntyre's into the shiny new Mac's Pub, in the Anchorage Square Plaza. Needless to say, it was a good year for restaurant openings and a bad year for waistlines in Silverton, but we still want MORE...

I play a game with my wife, that drives her nuts. We'll be driving around the Jersey Shore, and I see a place and say "We need one of those in town!" I guess I do this a little too often because her standard response nowadays is "JIM, SILVERTON IS ONLY SO BIG!" She is right, however, I still see empty storefronts and businesses, both food and non-food-related floundering, and I can't help to imagine the gastronomical delights to come in 2024! Figuring out what would work and get folks in the door? Well, that's above my pay grade.

ALSO SEE: Silverton’s Sweet Carolina BBQ Co.: An Exclusive Look Inside

When one takes a deeper dive into the landscape of restaurants in the area, some things are obvious. Right now at least, we seem to be at our limit of Bar and Grill/Tavern type establishments. Fine dining? Well not really MY forte' but there are a couple, and people seem to enjoy them. Same with BYOB's like Patricia's and Brooklyn Bistro. Would I like another bagel place or Chinese takeout? Hey, why not right? I mean we have 38 Pizza joints in a 2-mile radius! However, if I am being honest, there are two types of places I would love to see open in the coming year.

First is a Hot Chicken/Wing spot. I recently wrote about Dave's Hot Chicken opening in Neptune. I'd like to see that, or even a Wingstop open on our side of town. Truthfully, a nonchain version of either one of these types of places would be optimal.

Second, and maybe most noteworthy, would be an Indian Restaurant. Toms River is very limited in this area, and I think a quality place, not overpriced, churning out quality Butter Chicken, Tandoori, Tikka, and a fine piece of Naan, would be embraced by our community!

I'd like to know. Maybe this time next year I'll see you at the table next to me having some Mango Habanero Wings, or spicy Curry!