6 Stafford Restaurants Apply To Add Outdoor Seating

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — Looking for outdoor dining in Stafford? Six restaurants have applied to add outdoor seating.

Stafford Township officials signed an emergency order May 29 to make it easier for restaurants to develop outdoor seating during the coronavirus crisis.

The order simplifies the process for restaurants looking to add outdoor seating, since they would normally need to go before the zoning or planning board. This doesn't apply to restaurants that already have outdoor dining set up.

The following restaurants have applied through Stafford's temporary process to add outdoor seating:

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• Element Restaurant & Bar
• TGI Fridays
• Stafford Diner
• The Old Causeway Steak & Oyster House
• Loyal Order of Moose
• ManaFirkin Brewing Company

"We expect more applications as the state starts to open up and we welcome working with the restaurants in the township to help get businesses to open back up," said Stafford Councilman Thomas Steadman, liaison to the Building Department.

Restaurants can find the application here or call the Building Department at 609-597-1000 ext. 8562.

New Jersey lifted its ban Monday on outdoor dining, which had been prohibited since March. Some local restaurants have already gotten into the swing of it.

The Old Causeway hosted customers Monday and even added an outdoor bar. They are enforcing safety regulations. For instance, everyone must wear a mask when they arrive but can take it off when seated.

Read more: NJ Coronavirus, Reopen Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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