A rendering of the eatery Victor Rallo plans to build on the site of the old Bridge Avenue Gas station at 187 Riverside Avenue in Red Bank. (Photo by Brian Donohue. Click to enlarge.)
By BRIAN DONOHUE
Fill it up Italian.
Birrivano restaurant owner Victor Rallo has unveiled his plans for the new eatery he plans to open in the long-vacant gas station building next door at the town’s gateway.
Retail Churn has the details on the new spot, along with signs of a new frozen yogurt spot, a new spa on Broad Street and a tiny cafe staying alive after its big brother, Catezza Italian Kitchen and Bar went under.
Keep reading for all the latest in Red Bank’s eternal Retail Churn.
Victor Rallo and son Jake Rallo issued a press release and some new renderings this week, providing more details on the business they got Planning Board approval to build on the former Bridge Avenue gas property in April. At that point, the application for development permits indicated it would be a pizza restaurant – but that was just a placeholder while they developed the concept for the spot.
“The long-anticipated transformation of this prominent gateway into Red Bank is now officially underway, marking the beginning of Rallo’s newest culinary venture,” the press release reads.
“Inspired by the timeless café culture of Milan, Rallo Alimentari & Focacceria will blend the charm of a traditional European café with the warmth of an Italian neighborhood gathering place. Operating as an all-day café before transitioning into a restaurant each evening, the concept will feature house-made laminated pastries, freshly baked focaccia sandwiches, seasonal small plates, and an exclusively Italian beverage program. The interior of the space, warm, inviting, and entirely Italian, reflects Rallo’s vision of creating the dynamic gathering place that has been missing in Monmouth County. Visit any time of day—morning, noon, or night—and experience genuine Italian hospitality.
Construction is expected to begin in the coming months at the 187 Riverside Avenue location, with Rallo targeting an early 2027 opening to coincide with the start of the new year.
Rallo will soon have hundreds of new customers just a short stroll away as the new 212-unit Commodore building rises just across the street. (A long-sought traffic light at Bodman Place to help them cross more safely would probably help.)
Elsewhere in Churnville:
• After writing in the last edition of Churn that we were unsure of the fate of Cafe Pari at 17 Broad Street, we have details.
Cafe Pari’s sister restaurant Catezza Italian Kitchen & Cafe had closed down after less than two years in the landmark building at 19 Broad Street. It was unclear where that left the smaller panini/espresso/cocktail spot next door owned by the same folks. A sign in the window listed very limited hours just two days a week. 
Catezza’s bar manager, Ryan Purdy explained that he’s opening the place up on Fridays and Saturdays.
Old World soon to have a new location on Monmouth Street.
• Froyolicious, a frozen yogurt and gelato spot is prepping to open later this month at 45 Broad Street, according to a strawberry yogurt colored sign in the window. The company’s website says they’re a family-owned Staten Island-based business with a location in the outer borough.
There’s a couple of new businesses preparing to open up on the south end of Broad Street, adding to a growing cluster of wellness related spots on that end of the street.
• At 132 Broad Street, where Fourchette cheese shop closed in April, there’s a sign in the window announcing “OsteoStrong” a bone, muscle and join “wellness center” coming soon.
• Just a ways down Broad Street at 88 Broad, signs have gone up signalling the imminent opening of Skin Scrub Spa, which will offer massage, sauna and Korean body scrub services.
redbankgreen editor Brian Donohue may be reached via email at [email protected] or by calling or texting 848-331-8331.
