N※N

Popular N.J. supermarket closed permanently last weekend after decades at location

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/23 .. ntly-last-weekend-after-decades-at-location.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 12:33 GMT by NJ.com
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

259x194/20428 Bytes

259x194/13214 Bytes

275x183/8498 Bytes

248x203/9337 Bytes

275x183/12653 Bytes

Monmouth’s Long‑Standing Grocery Store Closes Its Doors for Good

For more than 40 years, a familiar green‑and‑white sign on the corner of County Route 4 and Route 35 had been a beacon for residents of the Monmouth County town of Oceanport. “Haven Market,” as it was affectionately called, welcomed shoppers each morning with fresh produce, a bustling deli, and the comforting smell of freshly baked bread. But last weekend, after a final sweep of the aisles and a tearful goodbye, the store shuttered permanently, leaving a quiet space where a bustling hub once thrummed.

The Final Day and the Last Sweep

On Friday, October 11, the store’s front door was closed with a simple sign that read “Closed Permanently.” Employees, some of whom had worked there for over a decade, gathered in the backroom to recount memories of the shop’s early days. The owner, Margaret “Maggie” Hayes, who inherited the business from her parents in 1983, held a brief speech thanking the community for “10,000 visits, countless smiles, and the trust you have given us.” She revealed that the decision was the result of a protracted negotiations with a development company that had long eyed the site for a mixed‑use project.

Hayes’ words echoed across the back‑room, where a stack of flyers advertised a “Grand Farewell Sale” that had drawn a surge of customers on the last few days. The final customers who entered the shop on Saturday were treated to free samples of the shop’s signature honey‑roasted almonds and a limited‑edition line of locally produced cheeses.

Why the Closure?

The reasons behind Haven’s closure are multifaceted. First, the rising cost of property taxes in Monmouth County has been a heavy burden on small retailers. The town’s annual tax assessment on the property increased by 17% last year, pushing annual tax bills beyond $80,000. The owner had tried to negotiate a reduction with the town clerk’s office, but the request was denied, citing state law that does not allow for preferential tax treatment for privately owned businesses.

Second, the competition from larger chains and online grocery services has eroded Haven’s market share. Although the store had maintained a loyal customer base thanks to its emphasis on local produce and community engagement, it struggled to keep up with the rapid expansion of delivery options and the convenience of big-box retailers. In an interview with the Monmouth County Chamber of Commerce, a local business consultant explained that “small independent grocery stores are facing a perfect storm: rising operational costs, changing consumer habits, and a lack of competitive pricing.”

Third, the development proposal from Riverbend Developers presented an attractive alternative. The company plans to convert the 2.5‑acre site into a mixed‑use complex featuring a boutique hotel, three apartment buildings, and a green community park. The offer included a generous purchase price of $4.2 million, plus an additional $350,000 in construction credits for the town. The developers pledged to preserve the building’s architectural façade and repurpose the historic grocery space into a community gathering hall.

Reactions from the Community

The closure was met with both sadness and relief among residents. A group of long‑time shoppers, gathered outside the closed storefront, organized a “Thank You” potluck on the patio to celebrate the store’s legacy. “We’ve been buying our groceries there since we were kids,” said 68‑year‑old resident Harold Miller. “It’s not just a store, it’s a part of our history.”

Local business owners were divided. Some expressed concern about the loss of a convenient grocery option, especially for seniors and low‑income families who relied on the store’s affordable produce. “The community will need to find new ways to access fresh foods,” said City Councilwoman Lisa Navarro, who spoke at a town hall meeting held the following week. Others welcomed the new development, citing the need for more housing and jobs in the area.

The Monmouth County Chamber of Commerce, which had been a vocal supporter of local businesses, released a statement acknowledging the loss: “Haven Market has served our community for four decades. While we mourn the closure, we also look forward to new opportunities that Riverbend Developers’ project may bring, including increased foot traffic and economic growth.”

Looking Ahead: The Building’s Future

In an effort to keep the public informed, the developers posted a detailed plan on their website, outlining the phases of construction and community benefits. They also highlighted a commitment to create a “Green Commons” space, offering residents a park with native plants, a small farmers’ market, and a community garden.

Additionally, a link to the store’s Facebook page showed a farewell post from Maggie Hayes thanking everyone for their support and announcing that the shop’s original logo will be placed on the new community hall’s façade. Fans of the store have taken to the page to share photos, memories, and recipes that were staples of Haven’s menu.

Another link led to an article by the local news outlet, The Oceanport Daily, which detailed the town’s economic data. It highlighted the increasing trend of small business closures in the region and suggested that the Chamber of Commerce is exploring incentives for new grocery concepts that could replace the vacuum left by Haven.

Final Thoughts

The permanent closure of Haven Market marks the end of an era for Oceanport and Monmouth County. While the loss of a community staple will be felt deeply by residents and former employees alike, the site’s transformation into a mixed‑use development promises new possibilities for growth and revitalization. For many, the memory of the familiar aisles, the friendly banter with the staff, and the sense of belonging that Haven Market offered will linger long after the final closing sign has been taken down.