WCEC Storming Back Stories: Despite Sandy damage, Leggetts still second home to many this summer

Leggett’s Sand Bar in Manasquan is one of those bars that everyone knows.  Locals go there to watch a variety of sports, drink beers and eat brick oven pizza  while vacationers go there for an afternoon cocktail after the beach.  It is one of those homey, comfortable places where everyone knows everyone and has a “Cheers” type of environment. 

It is one of the Jersey Shore’s most popular bars since John Paglia took ownership in 1986.   The theme for Leggetts has always been to create a friendly neighborhood/pub atmosphere.

“Our patrons have been coming years for years and we know practically every customer by first name.  I have been invited to weddings, birthday parties and christenings from our customers,” says Paul Wolf, general manager of Leggetts for the past six years.  Leggetts to Paul is like his second home.  Before he was named GM, he was a bartender for over twenty years.  “For many, Leggetts is their second home, so when news struck that we were severely damaged, many customers were very upset.”

During the summer, Manasquan is a second home to thousands of people living in and around Hoboken and New York City.  The number of residents triples in the summer.  Unfortunately, this beautiful shore town took the brunt of Hurricane Sandy’s wrath.  This popular sports bar is across the street from the Manasquan beach and they were flooded with water – 43 inches of water - and the interior had to be completely redone.  They suffered hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage.  Bottles of beer and liquor were shattered and debris was everywhere, Wolf recalls.  Customers were calling all winter and checking in to see how they could help and when the restaurant would be reopened.  Many even volunteered.

To toast the new season, Leggetts held a grand opening party in early May that was attended by hundreds of customers and local politicians, including Mayor Dempsey of Manasquan.  Wolf is happy that Leggetts reopened and even though the summer has been off slightly, he knows that it will take a while to get back to normal. 

A few months ago, a local artist painted a line around the back entrance to the pub and serves as a permanent reminder of the damage Hurricane Sandy caused.  The water line has become quite popular and now a photo opportunity.  The line has become a mini attraction. People take pictures with their phones at the water line and they post the pictures on Facebook. “I had a guy come in a week before Memorial Day and ask, ‘Where’s this line everybody’s talking about?’"

All the businesses and townspeople have been through a lot, but the overriding message is that the Shore is here; it is still a great place to vacation and our strength will out do any storm, Wolf reiterates.

About The WCEC

The WCEC, a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit corporation, is a U. S. Small Business Administration’s Women’s Business Center.  The WCEC provides the tools for individuals to successfully own, operate and grow their small businesses, thereby investing financially, intellectually and emotionally in their communities. The WCEC provides more than 150 classes, seminars and individual consulting sessions each year for more than 5,000 participants. For more information please visit hwww.wcecnj.org/.