43 Point Boro, Point Beach Businesses Have Helped Many Amid COVID

POINT PLEASANT BEACH – Michael Loughran, a customer, said the Angry Fish in Point Pleasant Beach has been the kind of place that makes you feel very good – even when things are not so good.

Angry Fish is a store where you not only love the artwork, but also love the owner, Tom, he said.

"I have a house filled with his artwork, as do my children," Loughran said. "Tom always gives you the best work whether it’s framing one of his works or if he uses your pictures."

The store is always prompt and his prices are always fair, Loughran said.

"He welcomes you when you walk in the door but never pushes any sale on you. He is a great addition to our town," he said.

This is just one of the businesses that have always been there for people in Point Pleasant Beach and Point Pleasant Boro throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Angry Fish was among 43 establishments nominated for Patch's "Business of the Year" in Point Pleasant Beach and Point Pleasant Boro as many businesses continue to battle through the coronavirus pandemic.

But it was these businesses, the customers say, that also came through for others in need – even as they were struggling themselves.

Here is what people are saying about these businesses:

• Cauldron & the Cupboard, Point Pleasant Beach: "They are genuinely the nicest and most hospitable employees I have ever seen at a business. It always smells amazing in there and the environment makes me feel so safe" ~ Skylar Penczak, customer
• Point Beach Interiors, Point Peasant Beach: "Unbelievable Products, service and care given to everyone they deal with. It is a pleasure to work with them" ~ Carol Lodish, customer
• Little Mia's, Point Pleasant Boro, Arnold Avenue: "Their food is excellent, their customer service is outstanding. They are one of a few businesses that have not raised prices during these trying times. I am so thankful they are here for us" ~ Dennis Daly, customer
• Butler's Pharmacy, Point Pleasant Boro: "This is an amazing pharmacy, unique gift shop and all-around asset to the community. The staff is beyond friendly, genuinely caring and just wonderful people" ~ Margaret Leola, customer
• Plethora Boutique, Point Pleasant: "Great little shop with lots of home fashion, gift ideas, and unique clothing and accessories. Plus, everyone is treated like their best friend, so they give honest fashion suggestions so you can wear your purchase with confidence" ~ Heidi, customer
• Shrimp Box, Point Pleasant Beach: "Great place, great staff" ~ Charles Haines, customer
• Beaver Dam Hardware, Point Pleasant Boro: "The staff is always friendly, and will go out of their way to help. They did a great job of helping out during the shutdown. Rich, the manager, will always go above and beyond to help" ~ Andrea Dimaio, customer
• Soothing Hands Massage & Bodywork, Point Pleasant: "Staff is extremely professional and the best in the business" ~ Ray, customer
• Pampered Spirit Wellness Center, Point Pleasant: "Caring professional compassionate owner who has reached out in the community to help relieve stress and provide support. Can’t say enough about how this center is critical in this stressful time and beyond" ~ Suzanne LoGalbo, customer
• Studio 2 Salon, Point Pleasant: "Great staff and clients!" ~ Kathy Emery, employee
• STN Creative, Point Pleasant, Arnold Avenue: "Excellent customer service and design" ~ Maryellen McDermott, friends/relatives with the owner
• Stop and Shop, Point Pleasant Boro: "They provided needed food etc. during pandemic" ~ John Blau, customer
• Salon Dimaria, Point Pleasant: "Amazing talent and heart in this salon" ~ Brittanni Giaimo, friends/relatives with the owner
• Illusions Hair Salon, Point Pleasant: "Owner Sue gives so much to all local businesses . She deserves the recognition" ~ Kathy Graves, employee
• Briggs Transportation, Point Pleasant: "Above-and-beyond safe transport" ~ Irene DeAngelo, employee
• Leonard Perry Motors, Point Pleasant: "The atmosphere is always great and customer service is always fantastic. They are polite and they stand behind all their products. Best car dealership in Point Pleasant" ~ Josh Gale, customer
• Turf Surfers, Point Pleasant and Bay Head: "Keeping the towns' landscaping immaculate and beautiful. Great customer service and work ethic" ~ Madeleine Ehret, friends/relatives with the owner
• Angry Fish, Point Pleasant Beach: "Angry Fish is a store where you not only love the art work but, also love the owner, Tom. I have a house filled with his artwork, as do my children. Tom always gives you the best work whether it’s framing one of his works or if he uses your pictures. He is always prompt and his prices are always fair. He welcomes you when you walk in the door but, never pushes any sale on you. He is a great addition to our town" ~ Michael Loughran, customer
• 7-11, Point Pleasant Beach: "Did everything thing he could to stay open and safe for everyone" ~ Chester S. Nesley, customer
• Arctic Market, Point Pleasant Beach: "Outstanding customer service and VERY high-quality products at a fair price" ~ James Sigler, customer
• Round Dough With A Hole, Point Pleasant Beach: "Best bagels, sandwiches and service. It’s open every day" ~ Tina Marie Connors, owner
• JRs Barber Shop, Point Pleasant Beach: "No matter who cuts your hair, you're always going to get a great haircut or a great beard shave" ~ Brian Gallagher, customer
• Haven’s Sweet Shop, Point Pleasant Beach: The owner, Michael, spent the entire day helping put up Christmas lights around town. High up on that ladder all day and love his story of why he opened his business. Great little sweet shop with lots of goodies and a nice atmosphere" ~ Lori, customer
• Stella e Luna, Point Pleasant Beach: "Stella stayed open throughout the pandemic. They accommodated elderly clients. They always give back to the community, holding fundraisers for the community, Lee Miller, customer
• Lola's, Point Pleasant Beach: "Selection and customer service! Even through COVID!!!" ~ Dana Ferguson, customer
• Graziano's, Point Pleasant Boro: "Family-owned and operated for generations Excellent Comfort food has never changed throughout the years" ~ John Colella, customer
• Natures Reward Farm and Garden Center, Point Pleasant Boro: "Great staff, always willing to help customers. From flowers to fruit and vegetables to lawn furniture and Christmas trees, they have it all. The owner, without a doubt, is the most caring and giving to his town year-round" ~ John Tobias, friends/relatives with the owner
• Baron's Bagels, Point Pleasant Boro: "Service and product are always top-shelf" ~ Maryann Ravally, customer
• Spirits, Point Pleasant Boro: "Customer service and selection of products" ~ Rita Lucero, customer
• Frye Brewing, Point Pleasant Boro: Mike and Collen have a delicious product and a friendly and accommodating sense of customer service" ~ EIleen Ammiano, customer
• Silver Lake Kitchen, Point Pleasant Boro: "Very accommodating. The food is always on point!" ~ Terry Pesca, customer
• Plethora Boutique, Point Pleasant Boro: "Quality products, great staff and friendly service" ~ Chris Constantino, customer

Read more:

• Renu By Alice In Point Boro Provides Personal Touch Amid COVID
• Spa Bella In Point Beach Helps Like 'Huge Family' Amid COVID-19
• Shore House In Point Boro Helping Whoever Needs It Amid COVID-19
• Lenny's Colonial Market In Point Boro 'Saved A Family' Amid COVID
• Pinnacle Rehab In Point Boro Treats You 'Like Family' Amid COVID
• Joe Leone's In Point Beach 'Committed To Safety' Amid COVID-19
• Shore Academy Has 'Taken Care' Of Point Pleasant Boro Amid COVID
• No Job Too Big For Country Bakery In Point Boro Amid COVID
• PJ's Auto Shut Amid COVID – But Didn't Stop Helping Point Boro
• Divi Tree Coffee In Point Boro Is The Place 'To Go' Amid COVID-19
• Klotz's Kitchen Gave 1 Thing Point Pleasant Boro Needs Amid COVID

Patch readers nominated a Local Businesses of the Year. The local businesses included retail stores, restaurants, hardware shops, dry cleaners, plumbers, car mechanics, salons and more.

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