There are likely very few eating places in Monmouth County where, under one roof, one can find a grilled chicken mango salsa wrap, butternut squash soup and “Spongebob Squarepants” cookies, but all of this – and more – can be found at the Colts Neck Café, located at 65 Route 34 North.   
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Under new ownership since mid-March with manager Jason Durante from Hazlet at the helm, he and other six part-time employees there are determined to turn first time customers into return customers, enticing them with great food and prompt, courteous and convenient service in an informal and friendly atmosphere.

“When customers are in here having a meal” said Jason, “we want them to feel as comfortable as they are when they are sitting in their living room at home.”

When rush-hour traffic is stop-an-go on Route 34 – and if the wind is right on a summer morning – you just might be able to smell the fresh muffins baking at the Colts Neck Café while you are sitting in the traffic. And, around lunchtime, it might be the scent of an open-face roast beef sandwich or any number of soups or lunch specials that change daily that might lure you in.

“Weather it’s the hot soups or cold salads,” said Jason, “we’ve gotten some very good feedback from our customers. They really seem to like the place.”

Jason said people have made comments like, “Everything is so fresh here” and “It’s nice to have this kind of variety” to, “Keep doing what you’re doing. This place is great!”

Jason says the lunch business at the café is growing bigger everyday, thanks, in part, to satisfied customers spreading the word. Jason also sends out about 100 faxes every weekday morning, telling his customers who work at local businesses that day’s specials, sandwiches and soups.

“That way,” said Jason, “people can take time to make their decisions, call in their orders, pick them up right outside the door and be back on the road in a minute.” Of course, various coffees and teas, cappuccino and espresso are available all the time.

With 1500 square feet of space – and outside seating when the weather gets warmer – the Colts Neck Café can accommodate up to 50 people for birthday parties, bar-mitzvahs or other occasions. So far, the Colts Neck Lions Club, the Business Networking Committee and St. Mary’s Church groups have held functions there.