Jersey Shore business owners report near record-high sales this summer

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Through stuck bridges, heat waves and severe weather, the Jersey Shore wasn't without challenges this summer. But with one unofficial week left of the season, local shop owners say they would like to thank their patrons for their support. “It was very, very busy. We had a lot of traffic this summer, it was good,” said Grace Sicoli, a hostess at Blend on Main in Manasquan. “I just think this will go down as one of the best summers ever, for sure,” said Luke Mesanko, owner of Wanderlust in Asbury Park and Wall Township. “We’ve had a great summer. Really, the weather was phenomenal, so it really helped out,” said Brenden Carroll, of Bing’s Beach House Deli in Avon-By-The-Sea. Many business owners are reporting record or near-record sales. “I think more people are doing their little vacations in towns like this rather than getting on a flight,” said Sicoli. Joseph D’Alonzo and Kristen Eddins opted for an extended weekend at the Jersey Shore, visiting from Ellicott City, Maryland. “It was easy for us to find a hotel aligned with what our plans were and only a hop, skip and a jump away - so makes sense to us,” said Eddins. “It’s a beach with sun in the summer so of course people are having a great time,” added D’Alonzo. Fears of a lost summer for shop owners near the now-repaired Belmar-Avon bridge never materialized. “They got it done and it was just a sigh of relief and really able to get us going for the summer,” said Carroll. And those weeks of sizzling 95-degree days sent massive crowds to the much cooler beaches. “June was remarkable, one of the best on record, if ever and I am hearing that in all the industries at the Jersey Shore,” said Mesanko. Will the momentum continue into the fall? “We really hope for nice weather, nice local summer September October people still come out if the weather is nice,” added Carroll. "