Pier Pins at 20 Melrose Place in Long Branch is the latest addition to the mixed-use Pier Village — Courtesy: Kushner Cos.
By Joshua Burd
A new bowling and entertainment lounge has opened at Pier Village, the sprawling oceanfront destination in Long Branch that’s home to a mix of shops, restaurants and upscale homes.
Kushner Cos., which owns the property, said the offering known as Pier Pins has not only four full-sized bowling lanes, but virtual reality sports simulators, table games and a full bar and lounge. The business at 20 Melrose Place is slated to have a Sept. 7 public grand opening, with plans to market the 8,000-square-foot space as both a social venue and an option for corporate teams.
“We knew that a high-end entertainment concept would be the ideal complement to the diverse slate of food and beverage and shopping experiences available to visitors at Pier Village,” the firm’s Nicole Kushner Meyer said. “We’re excited to host our grand opening for the public and showcase our latest enhancement to Pier Village that we are confident will cement its status as the Jersey Shore’s premier year-round destination.”
In a news release, Kushner said Pier Pins’ three sports simulator bays provide experiences including golf, lacrosse and soccer. Other offerings include air hockey, ping pong and pool tables, along with a full-service bar surrounded by high-tops and lounge seating.
Complementing the beverages is a menu of bar bites overseen by the team behind Pier Village’s award-winning Salt Steakhouse. Kushner has tapped operations veteran Ernie Blundell to manage Pier Pins, citing his more than 30 years of management experience at iconic attractions such as The Empire State Building, The National September 11 Memorial & Museum, The Seattle Space Needle and Six Flags Great Adventure.
“Every single detail — from the decor to the thoughtfully crafted menu to the selection of games — has been meticulously orchestrated to ensure an unparalleled experience for each and every guest who walks through our doors,” Blundell said. “This unparalleled new offering stands as a true testament to Pier Village’s commitment to offering something for everyone at the Jersey Shore.”
