Avon Pavilion

11/03/2025

This week marks the 13th anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, and my photo memories have been flooding my iPhone all week so I thought I’d share 🙂 They have reminded me not only of the devastation and heartbreak that tore through the Jersey Shore, but also of the perseverance and dedication the Avon Pavilion team displayed during those extraordinary years of 2012–2014 when we rebuilt the Avon Pavilion… TWICE! 😅

As we watched our beloved Avon Pavilion - our second home for 22 years - reduced to rubble and sand, our hearts broke and our spirits were crushed. Soon after, we faced the added strain of a legal battle, “fighting City Hall,” as they say, to secure the rightful continuation of our lease. Thanks to the incredible support of thousands of loyal patrons, our attorney and dear friend Dennis Collins, and Steve Livingstone, producer of ABC7’s On Your Side, we prevailed!

By February 2013, however, we were forced to face a painful reality: the coming summer would be without the Avon Pavilion, as construction on the permanent building wouldn’t begin until the following year.

Yet in the midst of that despair, Rob had an extraordinary idea: while driving down the New Jersey Turnpike, we passed a long stretch of rusty old shipping containers when Rob suddenly exclaimed, “There! That’s it! You’re looking at the next Avon Pavilion restaurant and boutique!”. I initially dismissed this as an emotional reaction, something virtually impossible.

I should’ve known better. 😆🤣

From that moment on, there was no stopping it. Chef Ken and Manager Lisa, of course, jumped on board without hesitation, and the dream team set out to transform those old shipping containers into a brand-new, full-fledged restaurant and boutique.

With no blueprint or playbook to follow, the project began in a freezing cold field in Howell - generously donated by our wonderful friend Dave Applehardt - where the shipping containers were reimagined. They were cut, painted, and outfitted with floors, ovens, grills, walk-in freezers, refrigeration, ice machines, soda machines, and of course, our beloved Pavilion soft-serve machines. Electrical panels powered the entire operation, while Lisa’s office became a fully wired command center complete with routers, computers, and monitors. (“Too many!” she would exclaim. 😆)

Then came the next great challenge: transporting those loaded containers from the field to the boardwalk. Coordinating massive trucks and cranes, we carefully positioned each one onto the newly constructed platform. Piece by piece, Robs vision came to life - roofs were built to connect the containers, and a grand party tent rose to serve as our dining room.

The entire project - from planning and construction to logistics - was an incredible feat. But to accomplish it all in just FIVE months!? There are truly no words.

And then came Opening Night, July 2013 (not without its drama, of course)! As a fierce storm rolled in, over 100 guests filled the tent while wind and torrential rain put our new structure to the test. Water leaked through seams, electricity flickered… but no one complained. The staff carried on - Lauren even held umbrellas over the servers as they navigated between buildings! 🤣 Our amazing guests refused to be deterred; they splashed and laughed, celebrated, savored Chef Ken’s cuisine, and even grabbed squeegees to help keep the water at bay! 😂🤣😍

It turned out to be the perfect first night overflowing with love, laughter, and the true spirit of community. It was a moment that captured the resilience, determination, and extraordinary dedication of the Avon Pavilion family, and the powerful community spirit that lifted us all.

The Avon Pavilion shipping-container restaurant became a symbol of resilience and a beacon of hope in the wake of Sandy’s destruction, when so little else was rebuilt that summer of 2013. It stood as a promise that light can return, even after the darkest storm.

And yes… only three months later, in September, the exhausting task of disassembling and removing it all began. Then it was back to the drawing board to rebuild - this time, the permanent structure for summer 2014.

For Rob, myself, Chef Ken, Lisa, Lauren, and our incredibly devoted AvPav team, it was truly a labor of love - 33 years of love. ❤️

Enjoy the slideshow, and remember… always stay Jersey Strong!! 💪🌊

06/09/2025

The Avon Pavilion family will always be Family and when one is going through a difficult time, we rally to support them.

Lindsay joined the Avon Pavilion at 14 yrs old and over the next 23 years, we watched her grow up from her high school years and her time at Monmouth University to when she met her love, Jimmy. Even after they pursued careers, married and had children, Lindsay made herself available to lend a helping hand at The Pav when we needed her most.

Jimmy and Lindsay have two young boys and are currently going through a very challenging time as Jimmy focuses on healing from some recent medical difficulties. If you, like many others who cherished the AvPav family, would like to offer support, whether it’s through meals or donations, please visit the Dempsey MealChain link below.

Thinking of you Jimmy, sending Love and Healing prayers from your Avon Pavilion family. 💜

Thank you all very much, we miss everyone dearly…


Please copy and paste link for meals or donation:
https://mealtrain.com/73grqm

08/19/2024

The loss of Dennis is difficult to process and almost impossible to accept. His loyalty to his friends and his love of his family was bar none. His love of ci**rs and Bourbon are high on the list. His love of the word ‘DUDE’ right up there also. Our love for him, immeasurable.

I keep replaying one of our recent conversations which helps describe the man Dennis was. He was so surprised and grateful for the outpouring of love from not only those who were in his close circle but from many who reached out to tell him how much he impacted their lives over the years, in some cases 30 - 40 years ago. They shared stories of how he changed the trajectory of their lives whether through legal assistance or gestures of friendship. He was so touched, he said it made him feel like George Bailey 💜

I reminded Dennis of how he was our George Bailey too when he fought for the Avon Pavilion after Sandy. He knew the outcome would affect hundreds of families, jobs and the community and he was right. He was valiant, determined and successful in his quest. Rob and I framed this employee appreciation picture after Sandy which he kept in his office ever since. He said it served as a reminder of what he could do for people as a lawyer and a friend. 💜

My memories of 30+ years of friendship with Dennis are ones of constant laughter. Every picture and every memory brings a laugh. The “Dennis stories” and one-liners are priceless 😍

Our hearts will always have a void where Dennis was. And even though his Leggetts seat will as well, we know we can look UP (literally 🙂) and raise a glass. He’ll always be there.
Dude… we love you. ❤️

https://www.app.com/obituaries/pnys0915185

01/14/2023

Three Kings Day celebration pictures are in from the Church of Mother of Mercy, Asbury Park. Thanks to all our donors and the Avon Pavilion team of volunteers, we were able to provide so much this year to those in need of a little joy and a lot of warmth.

Over 50 coats, hats and gloves were gifted as well as toys for tots, Santa Shops and food drives. We help provide support in the background but none of it would be possible without the dedication of Father Miguel, the Pastors, coordinators and religious educators at Mother of Mercy Church and Our Lady of Mt Carmel School. They work tirelessly and devote their lives to the children and families of our local communities.

It sure does take a village so Thank You again for your part 🙏
Have a Healthy and Happy New Year!

12/29/2022

Happy Holidays to our friends, family and Avon Pavilion community. Thank you for checking in as we feel the need to continually address the misrepresented facts surrounding the closing of the Avon Pavilion.

When our lease with the Borough of Avon ended this winter, we decided not to rebid at that location and to close the Avon Pavilion restaurant and boutique on the Avon boardwalk after 33 years.

Our restaurant has been misrepresented as having been “saved” by new owners and is reopening as the original Avon Pavilion this spring 2023. This is simply not true. We closed our doors voluntarily and have chosen not to reopen on the Avon boardwalk.

There is now a new tenant, Liam Moloney, leasing the building from the town of Avon, who will be operating his own restaurant on the Avon by the Sea boardwalk. However, it has come to our attention through several media interviews with Mr. Moloney, that he plans to use our restaurant name, the Avon Pavilion, when opening his boardwalk concession in 2023.

The use of our restaurants name is surprising considering that for the past 50 years, each new leasee on the boardwalk has named their business personally: Skopa’s 1970s, Scotty’s early 1980s and Hutchinson’s late 1980s. When the Fishmans began in 1990, Rob, his parents and partner Chef Ken Samuels philosophy was one of team effort and community involvement. Hence, choosing to name their restaurant not a family name but “the Avon Pavilion” for the past 33 years.

Furthermore, Mr Moloney approached us, Michelle and Rob Fishman and Chef Ken, in December and asked to buy the rights to all things Avon Pavilion... our website, page, Instagram, name, etc… we declined any monetary offer for our social media access or rights. We explained that our integrity, business model, philosophy, relationships and the 33 years of blood, sweat and tears - literally 🙂 to build the Avon Pavilion to what it became, was simply not for sale. Other than some furnishing/equipment purchases, we have no connection whatsoever with the new and current leasee.

As further explained to Mr. Moloney, the Avon Pavilion remains the conduit to the many charities we hold for local communities, churches and schools.

The false narrative from Mr. Moloney that he is reopening the original Avon Pavilion with our employees is 100% unequivocally untrue. He is simply renting the building that once housed our restaurant. The Avon Pavilion, operated by the Fishman’s, Chef Ken, Management team Lisa Hosley, Lauren Brutsman and our long standing Pavilion team, have absolutely no involvement and no affiliation with the new leasee or his business operations in any capacity whatsoever.

Chef Ken would also like to make it crystal clear that his coveted and savored recipes will not be available at the new leasees restaurant. (we know you all have your favorites 🙂

As announced this fall, the Avon Pavilion team is taking this time to regroup health-wise, restructure and relocate the next ‘Avon Pavilion’ venture in the future.

The photo of the staff being used in media reports with Mr. Moloney’s statements that many are ‘returning in the Spring’ is a clear and abhorrent misrepresentation. The employees pictured are individually contacting the press themselves to ask for a retraction.

The legalities surrounding the misuse and misrepresentation of our name are complex and are being looked into.

Thank you for your continued support of our ongoing Avon Pavilion charities. Please know you are making a difference 🙏 ☮️ 🎄 Thank you and HAPPY NEW YEAR 2023!

Photo: CHEF KEN SAMUELS and ROB FISHMAN

12/24/2022

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! We had a spectacular success of giving this Christmas thanks to our wonderful donors and volunteers! We collected countless pieces of beautiful jewelry and set up a Santa’s Shop for the children of Mother of Mercy Church and Our Lady of Mt Carmel to choose Christmas gifts for their Moms and loved ones.

Our Avon Pavilion team of volunteers helped the kids wrap each one. I wish I had the names of all our jewelry donors who were so incredibly generous!! 🙏 Thank You.

We were also able to provide over FIFTY new, warm winter coats, hats and gloves for the kiddos with your donations!!

Thank you AvPav team and volunteers Johanna, Evie, Roger, Meegan and Maureen Fitzsimmons. And thank you Kim Calway, Ron Karg and Matthew and Maggie McGovern for your Xmas shopping and warm donations! A special shout out to the businesses who helped us collect donated jewelry - Half Moon Point restaurant, Pink Moon Boutique, Bradley Beach and Jean Louise candies, Spring Lake.

To all our supporters and GoFundMe donors, please know that you helped make this Christmas much brighter for so many!

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Michelle and Rob Fishman and the entire Avon Pavilion family
🎄💜🎁🙏

12/14/2022

As we have previously posted, the Avon Pavilion has permanently closed at the Avon boardwalk location after 33 years. Since then, there has been lots of speculation regarding the new restaurant that will occupy the building, so to clear up further confusion, here’s the scoop🍦🍦🍦

The Borough of Avon owns the boardwalk building in which Rob Fishman and Chef Ken Samuels operated the Avon Pavilion restaurant and Boutique for over three decades. The lease ended after the summer season of 2022.

On Nov 16, 2022, the Borough held a public auction for a new tenant to lease the boardwalk building for the next 5 years and the bid went to the leasee of Barelis Italian restaurant.

Many people are contacting us and inquiring if the Avon Pavilion, Chef Ken Samuels or the Fishmans are involved in the upcoming restaurant and no, we are not associated or involved in any capacity with the new tenant. Although we certainly wish the new leasee our best as we do all our fellow Jersey Shore concessionaires and restaurants 💜. We have absolutely no involvement in the future endeavor at the Avon boardwalk location whatsoever.

However, Chef Ken, the Fishmans, Lisa and Lauren are taking this time to recharge, regroup and relocate the next Avon Pavilion venture… soooooo stay tuned!!!

Happy Holidays and thank you for your continued support of our ongoing Avon Pavilion charities.
You are making a difference 🙏 ☮️


Www.Avonpavilion.com

12/02/2022

As the donations continue, so do the coats!! There’s nothing better than filling up the ole’ van with warm - and adorable 🙂 coats and hats! Thank you, thank you! 🙏

11/30/2022

The Avon Pavilion restaurant may be closed but we have not forgotten…

The Avon Pavilion team has once again united with Father Miguel Virella this holiday season to bring a little Christmas joy - and a lotta warmth! - to the children of Mother of Mercy Parish, Asbury Park.

100% of donations will be used towards children’s warm winter wear, hats, gloves, socks and winter coats.

We are also collecting costume jewelry (lightly worn or new) for

SANTA’s SHOP Gift Bizarre
@ Our Lady of Mt. Carmel school

K-8 students will be able to choose a beautiful piece of jewelry for Mom or a special caretaker in their lives. Our volunteers will help gift wrap each piece so it’s ready to be placed under the Christmas tree!

COSTUME JEWELRY
DROP OFF LOCATIONS:

Through DECEMBER 12th

- Jean Louise Home Made Candies
Spring Lake

- Pink Moon Boutique
Bradley Beach

- Half Moon Point Restaurant
Point Pleasant

Thank you for your support, kindness and generosity this holiday season.

Michelle, Rob, Chef Ken, Lisa, Lauren and the entire Avon Pavilion family of elves are ready to shop, wrap and give the gift of giving!

The Avon Pavilion may be closed but we have not forgotten… We have on… Michelle and Rob Fishman needs your support for Avon Pavilion ‘Winter Warm’ drive

10/13/2022

Farewell from Chef Ken
————————————
The building lease for the pavilion has ended… And it is simply Time.

Time to refresh, time to relax and time to reinvent. But to be perfectly honest, it has not been simple. I have been on an emotional roller coaster since we announced that the Avon Pavilion will close.

Judging by the tremendous number of texts, emails, Facebook posts and phone messages we have received, many of our supporters and guests must be feeling the same. The loss of what has been called an “iconic restaurant” is about losing much more than great meals. The AvPav was a vessel of love. Living the belief that we ARE a family and accepting of all.

One of the greatest compliments I received recently is that the Avon Pavilion was “the ultimate equal opportunity employer.” We have had employees from many countries, races, ages ranging from 14 to 70’s, different socio-economic backgrounds and intellectual capacities. All were able to work in an environment of respect and love.

I am proud of the generations of kitchen, servers and dining room staff that have grown up at the restaurant. Some began at 14 yrs old and remained through grad school, marriage and starting families.

My “brothers in the kitchen” always had my back, sides and every angle covered. As a team, we could not be content with serving three meals a day in the restaurant and serving our beach guests. All with an unmatched level of pride and efficiency. I will miss daily interactions with Lisa, my “summer wife” and my summer family.

After 30+ years, I could not ask for a more fulfilling career. It has let me be a liaison of love for our staff, guests and even our 4 pawed furry friends. It has been 30+ years of extremely hard, physically challenging, but rewarding, work.

The lease has ended but relationships and friends are for life. I have come to realize that it gives me great satisfaction to prepare great meals for the pleasure of guests, family and friends. But my Joy comes from loving people.

I wish I could reach out to everyone personally. Until we meet again, Thank You. I am forever grateful.

Chef Ken

10/04/2022

Thank you for all your support through the years News12!! Lisa will especially miss your morning visits 💕😊

The iconic Avon Pavilion has closed after 33 years of service.