Harpoon Willy’s has been a staple of the Jersey Shore dining scene for decades, offering warm hospitality and contemporary American cuisine.
The Jersey Shore Restaurant Group continues its rapid expansion with the opening of Harpoon Willy’s newest location in Robbinsville. The restaurant brings its inviting atmosphere and diverse menu to additional communities across New Jersey.
The new venue, located at 2360 State Highway 33 in Robbinsville Town Center, celebrated its grand opening in February. The restaurant features seating for more than 300 guests, including a 70-seat bar area with TVs and a seasonal outdoor patio that can accommodate nearly 100.
The history, vision, and commitment to quality that define Harpoon Willy’s have set the stage for its continued success over 50 years since its first establishment opened its doors. The story of the Jersey Shore Restaurant Group begins in Manasquan, where the first location of Harpoon Willy’s opened in 1972.
The building itself has an even deeper history—dating back 300-plus years to when George Washington was serving his first term as President. Over the centuries since then, the structure has housed various restaurants, continuously serving as a gathering place for the local community.
In 2007, longtime friends Jack Kane and John Kitrick purchased the restaurant, assuming operations and building on its already rich legacy.
The Kane-Kitrick partnership dates back more than 40 years to their days at Seton Hall University. Kitrick says their shared passion for the restaurant industry led them and their third partner, Jim Scarponi, to acquire Harpoon Willy’s and transform it into a thriving brand.
With years of experience and a commitment to maintaining a welcoming environment, they have cultivated a restaurant group that they say focuses on prioritizing quality food, friendly service, and a comfortable atmosphere.
The success of the Manasquan location fueled expansion. In 2017, the partners launched Half Moon Point in Point Pleasant. Over the past year, the group’s growth has accelerated dramatically, with six new restaurants added across the state.
“We’ve really exploded over the past year,” says Kitrick, who acts as the Jersey Shore Restaurant Group’s CEO. The brand has extended to multiple locations, along with a new concept, Coastal Canteen, which is set to open in Manasquan and Monroe Township. Looking ahead, the group envisions continued expansion along the East Coast, from Boston all the way to South Florida.
The decision to open a Harpoon Willy’s in Robbinsville was driven by the location’s exceptional potential. Kitrick says he had been keeping an eye on real estate listings—this location in particular—and was drawn to the space’s beautiful open layout.
When the opportunity arose to acquire it, the deal was quickly cemented.
“I jumped on it immediately,” Kitrick says, adding that the location offers an inviting environment that aligns perfectly with the restaurant’s theme—an American tavern, reimagined.
According to Kitrick, the uniqueness of Harpoon Willy’s comes from “the warmth and friendly vibe that people get when they step into the restaurant.”
The concept features earthy elements such as wood, stone, and brick with a slightly modern twist. It incorporates contemporary food and drink options while preserving the traditional tavern feel. The goal is to create a space where guests can relax, enjoy high-quality meals, and feel at home.
In a competitive dining landscape, Harpoon Willy’s differentiates itself with its friendly, laid-back ambiance, says Kitrick.
The restaurant is designed to be a place where guests can unwind, enjoy good food, and spend quality time with family and friends. Whether stopping by for a casual drink or indulging in a full-course meal, customers are encouraged to savor their experience for however long they desire, he says.
Harpoon Willy’s specializes in contemporary American cuisine, offering a diverse selection of dishes that cater to various preferences. The menu features fresh seafood, premium steaks, gourmet burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
Among the signature dishes are flavorful short ribs, expertly crafted burgers, and a variety of salmon entrees. Additionally, the restaurant offers a range of standout appetizers that complement its hearty mains.
Opening a new restaurant always comes with obstacles, and Harpoon Willy’s at Robbinsville was no exception. Renovations posed some challenges, as delays in construction extended the timeline before the restaurant could officially launch.
“No matter how good your plans and builders, delays are part of the process,” Kitrick says.
Additionally, even with careful planning and extensive training, fine-tuning operations—such as food preparation, drink consistency, and service timing—was necessary after opening. Through teamwork and adaptability, the team successfully navigated these challenges to ensure a smooth launch.
“Just things we overcome—we work on them,” Kitrick says.
The Robbinsville location offers unique features designed to enhance the customer’s experience. One standout amenity is the private event space, capable of hosting up to 70 guests for parties, showers, birthdays, and business meetings.
Live entertainment is set to begin on Friday and Saturday nights, Kitrick says, adding a social element to the dining experience. As the weather warms, guests can also look forward to outdoor seating, providing a scenic and comfortable setting for dining.
Since opening, the Robbinsville community has embraced Harpoon Willy’s with enthusiasm. The reception has been “fabulous,” Kitrick says.
Residents have expressed excitement about having a new dining option that offers something for everyone. Previous restaurants have struggled in the 6,277-square-foot space, and the hope is that it will have longer staying power than the spot’s four previous tenants.
Since the Town Center opened in the early 2000s, restaurants in that location have included Kuo Social, Centro Grille, Poseidon Mediterranean Bar & Grill, and Santino’s Bar One.
Jersey Shore Restaurant group believes that Harpoon Willy’s will stand out due to its unique approach. The restaurant’s versatile menu caters to a wide range of tastes, whether guests prefer a casual meal at the bar or an upscale dining experience for a special event.
The positive response from the community reinforces the team’s belief that they have created something special in Robbinsville—by providing a welcoming atmosphere, a wide range of cuisine, and a dedication to customer satisfaction, Harpoon Willy’s is poised for long-term success in Robbinsville and beyond.
Still, Harpoon Willy’s values customer input and actively monitors reviews to gauge guest satisfaction, Kitrick says. The team makes a concerted effort to respond to feedback and implement changes based on common themes in reviews. This approach ensures that the restaurant continually evolves to meet the needs and preferences of its patrons.
Harpoon Willy’s is in an exciting phase of growth, with plans to continue expanding throughout New Jersey and beyond. According to Kitrick, discussions are already underway with business realtors from Boston to South Florida as the team explores new opportunities.
The restaurant group’s vision is to bring its signature experience to more communities along the Atlantic seaboard while maintaining the lofty standards that have made it a success.
