Local family opens new restaurant on Rte. 18

BY ANDREA OLIVIO
Staff Writer

CHRIS KELLY staff Old Bridge residents Melanie and Jeff Jonas, owners of Gavlan’s, hold the newest addition to their family in their new restaurant the afternoon of March 1. EAST BRUNSWICK — Gavlan’s Grill & Bar officially opened its doors last week, bringing with it weekend crowds and a new life at the building previously occupied by Stuff Yer Face.

Melanie and Jeff Jonas decided to hold the grand opening on Feb. 28, the date that two years ago their sons, Gavin and Dylan Jonas, passed away after being born prematurely. The restaurant was named after the boys.

“It was a tragedy that inspired the name of the restaurant,” Melanie said.

“Our guardian angels are looking over us.”

Gavlan’s is now open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. for lunch and dinner, with food items from $6 to $20. The menu features steaks, seafood, chicken, brick-oven pizza, pasta, salads, a full children’s menu, almost 50 selections of beer and a wide range of specialty drinks including a unique martini list.

The restaurant also offers wireless Internet access, satellite TV with sports packages and satellite radio.

The owners have completely renovated the building that houses Gavlan’s, and they hope to attract families as well as single people looking for a restaurant with “a happening bar.”

Melanie and Jeff both grew up in the area and currently reside in Old Bridge. They also own Jonas Gymnastics Academy and Cheer Center, Marlboro.

Jeff worked as a cook on the premises when Stuff Yer Face opened nearly 20 years ago and also owned a pizzeria at one point.

The Jonases said their new restaurant embodies their tagline: “Where friends and family come together.”

“We saw what was on [Route] 18,” Jeff said, “and we saw the same old tired restaurants. We wanted something new and fresh, something for everybody.”

The Jonases said they hope to eventually turn their restaurant into a franchise.

Since its opening, Gavlan’s, which uses valet parking and employees 120 employees, has had a packed house on several nights.