Zebu Forno is expanding into this space formerly occupied by Red Bank Red Hot. (Photo by Dustin Racioppi)
By DUSTIN RACIOPPI
Freehold, Hoboken, Holmdel and Morristown have all been targets of expansion by Zebu Forno owner Andrew Gennusa.
The dour economy, however, stunted that growth. The baking racks and coffee urns of the latter three shops were boxed up and moved out in 2009, an admittedly painful year for Gennusa.
But he’s trying to “turn that negative into something positive,” he said, and is again ready to expand, this time to a much safer, and familiar, location: a 600-square-foot shoebox of a space that’s conveniently attached to his Red Bank store on the English Plaza side.
Formerly the home of Red Bank Red Hot magazine, the cardinal-colored structure will allow  Zebu to add tables and some 40 seats. (Red Hot has moved to the western side of English Plaza.)
Gennusa says when renovations are complete — he anticipates late May or early June — the space will be a natural extension of the cafe’s homey vibe, with wood floors, televisions placed high on the walls and the distinguished artwork of muralist Gregg Hinlickey.
“It will feel as if it’s connected to the other space,” Gennusa said. “It’ll really rock in here.”
Gennusa said the space will also afford him the opportunity to cater or host small parties and meetings.
The addition is the largest component to what Gennusa said is a slight reinvention of Zebu. At both the Red Bank and Freehold locations, he’s upgrading the computer systems and will unveil a new, more “user-friendly” menu, he said. Current menu items will stay, he said, but the shops will also offer combination and value items.
With these steps, Gennusa believes he’ll be able to counteract a tough 2009 and recoup the business’s losses.
“I anticipate we’ll get back every last bit by the end of this year,” he said. “And it’s by doing nothing more than being progressive with our business.”
