Sea Bright Favorite Woody’s Ocean Grill Enters New Chapter as Local Hospitality Group Takes Over

A popular Jersey Shore restaurant is reopening. Woody’s Ocean Grill in Sea Bright was sold after nearly 15 years under its current management, signaling a major change for the community hangout.

Chris Wood revealed that the eatery will change hands on March 18. RBC Hospitality Group, led by Richard Corbo and Ken and Vinnie Hager, bought it. Wood openly reflected on his years running the restaurant and explained his choice to sell it to local entrepreneurs.

Wood opened Woody’s Ocean Grill at 1 East Church Street in Sea Bright in August 2011. The space was Ichabod’s before becoming Woody’s. The restaurant became a local fixture, servicing year-round residents and Jersey Shore visitors.

During Superstorm Sandy, the COVID-19 epidemic, and numerous big nor’easters, the business operated. The restaurant adapted to shifting conditions and remained active in the local eating scene. Wood admitted that client devotion helped the eatery overcome those hurdles.

Wood said the deal was bittersweet in a statement. He prioritized finding the right buyer. He stated that he did not want a corporate organization without local knowledge to take over the eatery. Instead, he sought new owners who valued the restaurant’s community and history.

RBC Hospitality Group will keep Woody’s Restaurant open. The group wants to keep the model customers know and add culinary skills from its leadership. Kitchen professional Richard Corbo is a group principal. After Christian Brothers Academy and Rutgers University, he studied cooking in Florence. Corbo was a James Beard Award semi-finalist and executive chef at Tribeca Grill in New York City.

RBC Hospitality Group partners Ken and Vinnie Hager are from Holmdel. The company operates Corbo & Sons in Shrewsbury and Bell Works, strengthening its Monmouth County hospitality presence.

Many Sea Bright and nearby neighbors consider Woody’s Ocean Grill more than a restaurant. Wood recalled watching high school kids who started working at the restaurant become adults and parents. This continuity and local connection defined the business under his leadership.

The new proprietors have stated that the Woody’s name and concept will stay. Customers may expect familiar meals, a comparable atmosphere, and Sea Bright service. Corbo’s culinary background may mindfully merge classic favorites with refined techniques on the menu.

Many shore communities see longstanding local companies evolve while maintaining rooted in their surroundings. Woody’s Ocean Grill wants to keep its uniqueness while preparing for the future by selling to a local hospitality firm.

Transfer is scheduled for March 18. Normal operations continue till then. Both new and outgoing leadership assure devoted customers that the restaurant’s base is strong and its link to Sea Bright will continue.