Toast City Diner to open in Manalapan this winter

Nearly two decades after opening the first Toast City Diner in Montclair, No. 5 is on the way in Manalapan.

Founder Amy Russo and partner Adam Torine plan to open this winter at 357 Route 9 South in the Towne Pointe shopping plaza. The space, on which construction will begin next week, was previously home to Project Brunch, which closed in August after five years in business.

"We're incredibly excited to bring Toast to Manalapan and the surrounding communities," Russo said in a news release. "Our goal is to bring the unique charm and flavors that have made Toast a favorite breakfast and lunch spot for over 17 years with another location in Monmouth County."

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The first Toast opened in 2007, followed by restaurants in Asbury Park, Red Bank and Cranford. They serve breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes like pancakes, from classic buttermilk to red velvet to carrot cake; eggs Benedicts, including one made with corned beef hash; sandwiches, like a Cuban, a three-cheese grilled cheese, and a falafel wrap; and bowls, including one made with mixed greens, wild rice, farro and quinoa.

"We revamped our menu a little bit last November to open Cranford, and we're going to be doing the same for the Manalapan location," Russo told the Asbury Park Press.

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She plans to add French toast sticks, another vegan item, another salad, and bring back cream cheese-stuffed French toast topped with berries, a customer favorite.

Toast City Diner's expansion has given Russo and Torine the chance to be intentional with the design of their restaurants.

"There was no real rhyme or reason in the first three buildouts. It was my own personal preference," Russo said. "I wanted Asbury to match Montclair, and Red Bank was a diner. In Cranford, we finally worked with a real designer and met with a general contractor. We have a look that we're going for, a vibe."

The Manalapan restaurant will "have a bit of Asbury and Cranford (combined)," she said. "I want each location to look a little bit unique."

Sarah Griesemer joined the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey in 2003 and has been writing all things food since 2014. Send restaurant tips to sgriesemer@gannettnj.com, follow on Instagram at Jersey Shore Eats and subscribe to our Jersey Shore Eats newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Toast City Diner to open in Manalapan this winter