UPDATE: Crowds Brave Thunderstorms To Eat At Joe's Crab Shack

When Joann Arellano, of Lakehurst, and Irene Mitchell, of Forked River, first arrived at  Joe's Crab Shack in Brick Plaza, yesterday at 10 a.m., they were alone.

But by noon, the word had gotten out about the free crabs.

Arellano, Mitchell, and 98 other people got a year's worth of free crabs just for being the first 100 on line to the opening day festivities at Joe's, held this morning.

When this reporter arrived on scene at 10:45 a.m. this morning, she found dozens of people huddled under umbrellas and tents waiting to be one of the first hundreds in the door, despite a torrential downpour.

Both women - a daughter and mother pair - tore into their crab pots - a Samuel Adams  steampot - which features crab steamed in Sam Adams lager - and a Joe's classic steampot - and told a Patch reporter the wait was "well worth it."

The pair also ordered a pineapple pina colada - which includes Malibu Coconut Rum,  ice cream, crushed pineapple, and of course, pina colada mix, all mixed up and served in a pineapple.

"We waited a long time, but this was definitely worth the wait," Mitchell said, adding that this was the first time either of them had eaten at a Joe's. She noted they slept for a short time in a tent outside the restaurant last night.

"We've been eagerly awaiting our opening in Brick so we can share a little bit of the Gulf Coast with the whole community," said Joe's Crab shack's general manager Steve Liebowitz. "We invite our new neighbors to come help us celebrate the grand opening with great giveaways and help us raise money for No Kid Hungry."

Guests could participate in the fundraiser for No Kid Hungry by purchasing coupons for kids meals, appetizers and entrées.


The new Joe's Crab Shack can accommodate 293 guests and will employ 140 members from the local area. It will be located in Brick Plaza, 1048 Cedar Bridge Ave.