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Circle Of Friends Cafe In Lake Como Is Serving Up Something Special

Circle Of Friends Cafe at 1709 Main Street in Lake Como offers employment opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a supportive environment. Circle Of Friends Story In…

The Exterior of the Circle Of Friends Building. White Panels
Jimmy Steal / BBGI

Circle Of Friends Cafe at 1709 Main Street in Lake Como offers employment opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a supportive environment.

Circle Of Friends Story

Circle Of Friends on Main Street in Lake ComoJimmy Steal

In the summer of 2023, Circle Of Friends began operation of the Circle Of Friends Cafe on the Belmar Boardwalk. The goal was to provide employment opportunities to adults with IDD. After the generosity of donations and help from the legendary Bar Anticipation, Circle Of Friends was able to open in a new and better location this past June at 1709 Main Street in Lake Como, right down the street from the Rat!

Sign asking for patience at Circle Of Friends CafeJimmy Steal

Did you know unemployment rates for adults with intellectual disabilities are more than twice as high as those without disabilities?

It's true! This comes from studies performed by the United States Special Olympics. However, by having a cafe open right here at the Jersey Shore, and offering paid employment to adults with intellectual disabilities, Circle Of Friends can help to start combating that statistic.

So What's On The Menu?

Circle Of Friends Cafe is open Thursday through Monday from 8 am until 3 pm, offering breakfast til 11 am, then lunch til 3 pm. For breakfast, patrons can choose from the likes of Avocado Toast, Yogurt Parfaits, Breakfast Sandwiches and Wraps, French Toast, or the Side Door Platter, paying homage to the beloved Side Door Eatery, that formerly occupied the space for decades.

Former Side Door Eatery Became Circle Of Friends Cafe In June.Circle Of Friends

That robust platter includes 2 eggs, potatoes, and toast, with a choice of bacon, sausage, or pork roll, of course! The lunch menu is pretty impressive as well. From Salads to Wraps and sandwiches, Grilled Cheese, and even homemade Smash Burgers!

Circle Of Friends Cafe has walk-in indoor and outdoor dining and has no credit card fees. They are a 501c3 nonprofit that also organizes social events for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, such as dances and karaoke parties. Their Federal Tax ID is 223 542 652

To find out more about Cafe and the Circle Of Friends organization, or to donate, click here.

View of the dining area at Circle Of Friends CafeJimmy Steal
View of the kitchen area at Circle Of Friends CafeJimmy Steal

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Mr. Billboard himself going for his first roll of the night. Hopefully he will bowl better this year.....


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Blowing doors off at Finnigan's!


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The lanes were packed with Ocean of Love families and supporters!


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WRAT and Ocean of Love is family!


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Had to give Gotts the lightest ball so he didn't roll with it.


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Sadly Gotts did not do any better this year. Hopefully he will do a better job on the billboard!


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Thank you to Ocean of Love for having the RAT there for an awesome night! See everyone at the Billboard in September!

Believe it or not, Jimmy’s first job was overnights at a Christian Radio Station. He claims he got into radio because like Rocky Balboa once said, “cause I can’t sing or dance.” Jimmy loves to write about all local happenings, especially around his town of Toms River. Favorite Pastime (other than masturbation, of course): Cheering for the Yankees, and crying for the J-E-T-S!!! Favorite Food: Hot Sauce…I collect ’em! Favorite Drink: PRUNO…look it up, if you dare! Favorite Movies: The Exorcist, Planet of The Apes (the original), To Kill a Mockingbird, Annie Hall, and of course GF 1 & GF 2…I heard that’s how the real fans refer to them. Favorite Movie Line: easy…Murry-Caddyshack-“big hitter, the Lama”…f#$*in’ riot! Best Rat Rock Bands: STP, VH, ZEP, PEARL JAM, FOOS, PEPPERS,AC/DC Favorite New Bands: Glorious Sons, Rival Sons, Dirty Honey Most Embarrassing Moment: the moment my mother reads this shit! Best Day: I know a lot of folks say this, but it’s true: the day my little girl Jynell and my boy Big D were born! Next to that, it would have to be the day I was baked on earth day in Central Park and met Keefer Sutherland…baked too, I believe.