Good morning Monmouth County! Mother’s Day is in two weeks. You’re welcome.

🥖 Jersey Mike’s IPO and Move to Bell Works

🚗 Classic Car Show

🍷 Rose’ Fest at Wave Resort

👩‍🍳 Basia Newman on Master Chef

🎙 The Life and Music of Bobby Darin

👻 Tours of the Paranormal Museum

🎭 Sins of the Mother

🕯 Candlelight Concerts: Tribute to Queen and The Beatles

🪷 Sound Meditation

⚾ Blue Claws Home vs Hudson Valley

🌊 Ocean Temp/Tides

Jersey Mike’s Subs has officially taken its first step toward the public markets, submitting a confidential filing for an initial public offering on April 20, 2026. Backed by private equity powerhouse Blackstone, they’re reportedly targeting a valuation of at least $12 billion, aiming to raise more than $1 billion in the debut. This move follows a period of rapid scaling under the leadership of CEO Charlie Morrison, who has transitioned the brand from the pride of the Jersey Shore into the second-largest sub chain in the U.S. with over 3,200 locations.

The IPO comes roughly a year after Blackstone acquired a majority stake in the company, a partnership that has already fueled aggressive international expansion plans into Canada and the United Kingdom. While the company’s net income for 2025 saw a slight dip to $183.6 million, its top-line revenue growth remains robust at over 10% year-over-year. Investors are closely watching the filing as a bellwether for the fast-casual dining sector, with the official market debut expected to occur as early as the third quarter of 2026 under the guidance of lead advisors Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan.

In more local Jersey Mike’s news, the company is reportedly bringing its corporate operations to the "Baby Bell," signing a 68,750-square-foot lease at Bell Works Fort Monmouth in Tinton Falls. Representing one of the largest New Jersey office transactions of Q1 2026, the deal underscores a persistent trend as high-profile tenants seek out high-end, amenity-rich spaces like the former Commvault headquarters. The move coincides with their IPO filing and highlights the growing demand for premier office space in Monmouth County, which currently boasts an 11% availability rate—the second-tightest in the state.

Redevelopment momentum at the fort continues to accelerate, with Bell Works Fort Monmouth sitting at the heart of an emerging ecosystem that includes the massive Netflix production hub, new housing by Lennar, and RWJBarnabas Health’s Vogel Cancer Center. This high-profile lease not only validates the reimagining of the 276,900-square-foot facility but also solidifies the region's status as a top-tier destination for major corporate growth.

Dinosaur Festival | 4/30 10am-5pm | Arrowhead Farmstead (Manalapan) | info

Storytime & Crafts | 4/28-4/30 11am-11:30am | Monmouth Museum (Lincroft) | info

2026 Manasquan Driveway Crawl | 5/16 2pm-5:30pm | Various locations (Manasquan) | info

Greater Long Branch Chamber of Commerce Link-Up | 4/28 5:30pm-7:30pm | Wave Resort (Long Branch) | info

U-Pick Tulips: Spring Spectacular | 4/27-4/30 9am-5pm | Holland Ridge Farms (Cream Ridge) | info

Book Bedazzling | 4/28 6pm | Beach Bee Meadery (Long Branch) | info

Tulip Experience | 4/28-4/29 10am-5pm | Arrowhead Farmstead (Manalapan) | info

Free Classic Car Show | 4/29 5pm-8pm | Triumph Brewing (Red Bank) | info

Pet Portrait Watercoloring | 4/29 6pm-8pm | Tall Oaks Farm & Brewery (Farmingdale) | info

Keller Williams Red Day Fundraiser Gift Auction | 4/29 6pm-9pm | Bakes Brewing Co. (Wall) | info

Tours of the Paranormal Museum | 4/29-4/30 12pm-3:45pm | The Paranormal Museum (Asbury Park) | info

Doodle Club | 4/28 & 4/30 11am | Sun Moon Studio (Keyport) | info

Two River Theater Spring Gala | 4/30 6pm | Park Loft (Oceanport) | info

Mayor's Rodeo for Recreation Fundraiser | 4/30 6pm-10pm | The Stone Pony (Asbury Park) | info

Cherry Bloom: A Sultry Queer Women's Mixer | 4/30 6:30pm-10pm | 3BR Distillery (Keyport) | info

Sip & Sparkle: A Glittery Girls' Night Out | 4/30 7pm-8:30pm | Sun Moon Studio (Keyport) | info

Cloisonne Bookmark Workshop On Demand | 4/30 Varies | Sun Moon Studio (Keyport) | info

Basia Newman, a special education teacher from Asbury Park, has officially secured her spot on the global stage by earning a coveted white apron on MasterChef: Global Gauntlet. Competing as a member of Team Europe, Basia impressed the judges by leaning into her deep-rooted Polish heritage, bringing authentic flavors and a personal narrative to the high-stakes kitchen. Her entry into the competition is a historic milestone for the franchise, as she joins her husband, Season 11 finalist Michael “Jersey” Newman, to become one of the show’s first "power couples." Michael was famously on hand to cheer her on during the auditions, marking an emotional passing of the torch from one Jersey Shore local to another.

Her culinary background is a rich tapestry of family tradition and local influence. Growing up in a household where Polish customs were central, Basia learned the art of traditional cooking from her mother and grandmother, mastering staples like pierogi and bigos long before stepping in front of Gordon Ramsay. While she has spent years serving the community as an educator, her passion for the Jersey Shore’s vibrant food scene—often documented alongside Michael in their "Jersey Style" food reviews—has refined her palate and prepared her for the rigors of the competition. As she represents Asbury Park on this international platform, Basia aims to prove that her blend of old-world heritage and modern Jersey resilience is a winning recipe.

Distillery Tour | 5/2 Varies | Asbury Park Distillery (Asbury Park) | info

Cocktail Class | 5/14 6pm | Asbury Park Distillery (Asbury Park) | info

Bell Works Fresh Farmers & Makers Market | 4/29 11am-4pm | Bell Works (Holmdel) | info

Rosé Fest at Wave Resort | 4/30 6pm-9pm | The Bar at Wave Resort (Long Branch) | info

April is National Poetry Month Exhibit | 4/27-4/30 9am-9pm | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info

Blossoms & Wings: A Spring Reverie | 4/27-4/30 9am-9pm | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info

Earth Month Exhibitions | 4/27-4/30 8:30am-4:30pm | Arts & Culture Center (Long Branch) | info

Figure Drawing: Life Drawing with Nude Model | 4/27 6pm-8pm | Art629 (Asbury Park) | info

Beginner's Sewing Class - Coasters | 4/27 & 4/30 Varies | Middletown Library (Middletown) | info

Garden State Watercolor Society Juried Exhibition | 4/27, 4/29, 4/30 11am-4pm | Middletown Arts Center (Middletown) | info

Casual Birder at Clayton Park | 4/28 9am | Clayton Park (Upper Freehold) | info

Fraud Protection | 4/28 2pm-3pm | Wall Library (Wall) | info

Tech Tuesday - Basic Video Design with Canva | 4/28 2:30pm-4pm | Middletown Library (Middletown) | info

Celebrating the Stories & Music of Springwood Avenue | 4/28 6:30pm-8pm | Manalapan Library (Manalapan) | info

Unearthing Revolutionary New Jersey Through Archaeology | 4/28 7pm-8:30pm | Middletown Library (Middletown) | info

Splendid Spring Stroll at Clayton Park | 4/29 10am-11:30am | Clayton Park (Upper Freehold) | info

Learn to Play Duplicate Bridge | 4/29 12pm-4:45pm | Manalapan Library (Manalapan) | info

Early Spring Harvest and Planting for Warm Weather | 4/29 6pm-7pm | Marlboro Library (Marlboro) | info

The Good, The Bad, and The Scary of A.I. | 4/29 6:30pm-7:30pm | Middletown Library (Middletown) | info

Learn to Play Bridge | 4/30 9:30am-12pm | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info

Meet the Artists: Blossoms & Wings | 4/30 1pm-4pm | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info

Performing Art Series: Roger McGuinn Music Lecture | 4/30 2pm | The Great Hall (W. Long Branch) | info

Painting Class | 4/30 5:30pm-7:30pm | Art629 (Asbury Park) | info

Beyond the Sea: The Life and Music of Bobby Darin | 4/30 6:30pm-8:15pm | Manalapan Library (Manalapan) | info

A Time Within a Time: Juried Art Exhibition | 4/28-5/10 11am-4pm | Monmouth Museum (Lincroft) | info

Val Dyshlov: Reflection Exhibit | 4/28-5/10 11am-4pm | Monmouth Museum (Lincroft) | info

Staged Reading - Advice | 4/27 7pm | West End Arts Center (Long Branch) | info

Bards - Poetry, Comedy, Debauchery | 4/27 7pm | My Way Cafe (Long Branch) | info

The Vlassic Classic Open Mic | 4/28 9pm-12am | The Chubby Pickle (Highlands) | info

Poetry Jam Night | 4/30 6pm | Taylor Pavilion (Belmar) | info

Sins of the Mother | 4/30 7pm | NJ Repertory Co. (Long Branch) | info

Jazz Arts Jam Sessions | 4/27 6pm-8pm | Triumph Brewing (Red Bank) | info

Neon Rayon, The Azures, and Cussing | 4/27 7pm | The Wonder Bar (Asbury Park) | info

Jazz Arts Cafe | 4/29 6pm | Triumph Brewing (Red Bank) | info

Count Basie Center Gospel Choir: Concert for World Peace | 4/29 7pm | Count Basie - The Vogel (Red Bank) | info

Candlelight Concerts: Tribute to Queen & The Beatles | 4/30 6pm | Pollak Theater (W. Long Branch) | info

Redd Faye | 4/30 7pm | House of Independents (Asbury Park) | info

Candlelight Concerts: Coldplay vs Imagine Dragons | 4/30 8:30pm | Pollak Theater (W. Long Branch) | info

De-Stress Through Meditation, Yoga, and Breathing | 4/27 7pm-8:30pm | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info

Sunset Yoga on the Rooftop | 4/27 6:30pm-7:30pm | Beach Haus Brewery (Belmar) | info

Sound Meditation | 4/28 1:30pm-2:30pm | Sea Girt Library (Sea Girt) | info

Bakes Run Club | 4/30 6:30pm-8:30pm | Bakes Brewing Co. (Wall) | info

Yoga in the Park | 4/30 6:30pm-7:30pm | Lincroft Village Green (Lincroft) | info

Brookdale Baseball vs County College of Morris | 4/28 2pm, 4pm | Brookdale CC (Lincroft) | info

BlueClaws vs Hudson Valley | 4/28-4/30 6:35pm | ShoreTown Ballpark (Lakewood) | info

Mon 4/27: High 4:44am | Low 11:04am | High 5:22pm | Low 11:28pm | Sunrise 6:02am | Sunset 7:47pm

Tue 4/28: High 5:38am | Low 11:48am | High 6:10pm | Sunrise 6:00am | Sunset 7:48pm

Wed 4/29: Low 12:16am | High 6:26am | Low 12:29pm | High 6:52pm | Sunrise 5:59am | Sunset 7:49pm

Thu 4/30: Low 1:01am | High 7:09am | Low 1:09am | High 7:31pm | Sunrise 5:58am | Sunset 7:50pm