Frankie's Bar & Grill in Point Pleasant Beach to reopen under Chefs International

Patrons of Frankie's Bar & Grill in Point Pleasant Beach may have noticed that the longtime restaurant recently closed its doors.

But the closure is only temporary. 

Frankie's, which opened in 1985, has been sold to Chefs International, a Point Pleasant Beach-based restaurant group that last year purchased its sister restaurant, Rod's Olde Irish Tavern in Sea Girt.

Rod's is currently under renovation; a reopening date has not yet been announced.

Frankie's will not undergo any renovations and will reopen once the restaurant's liquor license has been transferred to Chefs International. 

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“Frankie’s was always the perfect meeting place for Point Pleasant Beach,” said Frank Kineavy, who opened the restaurant in 1985, in a news release. “Some of our employees have been here for over 25 years with me. I’ve always loved running it more than owning it, being with my customers. I know Bob (Cooper, Chefs International CEO) and his team will give it the management it needs to live on in the community."

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Chefs International operates Jack Baker's Lobster Shanty, Wharfside Patio Bar, and Jack Baker's Wharfside Restaurant in Point Pleasant Beach; Marina Grill, 9th Ave. Pier, and Anchor Tavern in Belmar; Escondido, The Cabin, and Moore's Tavern in Freehold Township; Baker's Water Street Bar & Grille in Toms River, and Baker's American Bar & Grill in Monroe. 

“I’ve been a customer of Frankie’s since 1985," Cooper said in the release. "When I first met Frank to talk about Rod’s, I didn’t realize Frankie’s would even be available – although I hoped it would.

"I had no intention of changing the name on either place," he said. "They are two iconic, well-run Jersey Shore establishments that were prominent front-runners in bringing great casual dining to the area. We purchased these businesses because we love them."

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According to the restaurant group, updates include cleaning, new dishware and table tops, minor repairs, training and adding additional staff. The group also will be working with Frankie's chef Dennis Sullivan "to bring back a pre-Covid Frankie’s menu that highlights Frankie’s favorites, including the signature 10-ounce hand-formed burger chargrilled behind the main bar."

Frankie's Bar & Grill is at 414 Richmond Ave. For more information, call Chefs International at 732-295-0350.

Sarah Griesemer joined the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey in 2003 and has been writing all things food since 2014. Send restaurant tips to sgriesemer@gannettnj.com.