Business Buzz
By Rich Baehrle
In business, sometimes there are matches that are made in heaven. Brigantine just had that match occur with the Jersey Cow ice-cream store, which is located at the prior Auntie B’s Ice Cream at 3307 Brigantine Ave. It’s next to the famous Ernest and Son at 3305 Brigantine Ave. The people of Brigantine loved Autie B’s, but unfortunately it was time for the renowned local business to move on.
Ernest and Son was established in 1977. For more than 47 years this famous butcher shop has been serving up fabulous fresh meats made to order to their loyal customer base.
The current owner, Mel Cortellessa, started working in the store at the age of 13, filling shelves and learning every aspect of the business. In 2007 Mel, along with his wife Jodie, to whom he has been married for 24 years, bought the business from the original owner, Sam Storino. Since then the business has become a family affair with two of their daughters helping in the daily operations.
The business got national attention when the popular show, “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” came to Brigantine. Host Guy Fieri discovered the hidden gem first in 2014, spotlighting its outstanding homemade sausage, fresh-cut meats, huge fresh sandwiches and extensive menu of everything from the popular breakfast sandwiches to eggplant specials, delicious burgers and beyond. Fieri was so impressed he did a recap 2021. Mel has been riding high ever since the publicity from the two episodes.
This is a must-stop at the Jersey Shore. They are open year-round, seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fast forward to May 3, 2024, when the now extremely popular Jersey Cow from Northfield chose to add a location at 3307 Brigantine Ave. right next to the iconic Ernest and Son butcher shop and sandwich business.
The owners of Jersey Cow invested in a completely new exterior and interior makeover of Auntie B’s to give their new business a look similar to their original store in Northfield. The colors and the look from A to Z portray a warm, inviting atmosphere. The Jersey Cow seamlessly transferred their phenomenal success from Northfield to Brigantine.
The complete business model, everything from their colors to the names of their homemade flavors to most importantly, the quality of the product is second to none.
Flavors include Rocky Road, variations of banana (nutty nana), strawberry, Bordeaux Cherry Chip, Mint Oreo, Chocolate Therapy, Reese’s Pieces and much more.
Along with the hard homemade ice cream, Jersey Cow offers a vast choice of soft-serve flavors.
The only thing that can top the quality of their ice cream is the pleasant service you receive from the employees. The owners take pride in their training process and it certainly is manifested through each of the employees.
The bottom line you have to find out for yourself why Jersey Cow has become such a hot spot for hundreds of families every night.
Forget your diet and stop in from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. You will thank me for making you aware of the ice-cream company sensation which is taking Brigantine by storm.
Remember to support local businesses, especially small businesses.
Rich Baehrle, of Berkshire Hathaway Fox and Roach, can be reached at 609-266-6680 or 609-641-0011. Email richardbaehrle@gmail.com or see www.getrichinrealestateSJ.com
