Skip to content 
When my wife Nancy and I decided to open The Skillet, there was never any question about where it would be. After almost three decades of serving the Freehold community through our previous business ventures, including founding the Tuscany Italian Markets, this town had become more than just a place to do business. It had become home.
Freehold was chosen for the breakfast restaurant because the owners had nearly thirty years of roots in the community, trusted local relationships, and access to nearby farms. The town’s central Monmouth County location, support for local businesses, and welcoming feel made it the right place for a farm-to-table breakfast gathering spot.
Our Deep Roots in the Freehold Community
Our family’s connection to Freehold, New Jersey, spans nearly thirty years. We’ve watched this town grow, supported local initiatives, and built relationships with neighbors who have become like family. When the opportunity arose to pursue my long-time passion for breakfast food, opening anywhere else would have felt like starting over. Freehold gave us our start, and we wanted to give something meaningful back to this community that has supported us through the years.
A Town That Values Quality and Connection
Freehold has always been a community that appreciates quality, values family connections, and supports local businesses. These are the same principles that guide everything we do at The Skillet. We noticed that while Freehold had plenty of dining options, there was room for a farm-to-table breakfast restaurant that could serve as a true gathering place for the community. We wanted to create a space where neighbors could come together over exceptional food made with locally sourced, sustainable ingredients.
Access to Exceptional Local Farmers
One of the most compelling reasons we chose Freehold was its proximity to some of New Jersey’s finest local farms and producers. The surrounding regions provide us with access to fresh, seasonal ingredients that make our menu possible. Our commitment to using sustainable and organic food isn’t just a marketing message. It’s a daily reality made possible by the network of dedicated local farmers we’ve built relationships with over the years.
These partnerships allow us to offer our guests the freshest ingredients while supporting the local agricultural community. When you order our avocado toast or farm skillet, you’re not just enjoying a delicious meal. You’re supporting New Jersey farmers and the sustainable food movement.
A Central Location for Surrounding Communities
Freehold’s central location makes it easily accessible to residents throughout Monmouth County and surrounding towns. Whether guests are coming from Howell, Marlboro, Manalapan, or Colts Neck, The Skillet is conveniently located at 300 Mounts Corner Drive. This accessibility was crucial to our vision of becoming a regional destination for breakfast and brunch lovers.
The Perfect Space for Our Vision
Finding the right physical location was essential to bringing our vision to life. We needed a space that could accommodate our kitchen concept, allow for some outdoor seating, and create the warm, welcoming atmosphere we envisioned. Freehold offered us exactly what we needed. The space at Mounts Corner Drive allowed us to design a restaurant that feels both cozy and energetic, where the aroma of fresh coffee and sizzling bacon creates an inviting environment from the moment you walk in.
Supporting Local Craftsmen and Vendors
Our commitment to supporting the local economy extends beyond just sourcing ingredients. During the buildout of The Skillet, we made it a priority to work with local craftsmen and vendors whenever possible. From contractors to equipment suppliers, we wanted our investment to benefit the Freehold business community. This approach aligns with our broader mission of creating an establishment that bolsters the community and brings people together.
Building on Established Community Trust
Having operated successful businesses in Freehold for decades, we had already established trust and credibility with local residents. People knew our family, our commitment to quality, and knew we would deliver on our promises. This foundation of trust gave us confidence that the community would embrace our new venture focused on breakfast and brunch.
Conclusion
Choosing Freehold for The Skillet wasn’t just a business decision. It was a natural extension of our family’s commitment to this community. After thirty years of growth, relationships, and shared experiences, we couldn’t imagine launching our farm-to-table breakfast concept anywhere else. Freehold provided us with access to exceptional local ingredients, a supportive community that values quality, and the perfect location to serve as a gathering place where neighbors become family. Every morning when we open our doors at 8:00 AM, we’re reminded that we made the right choice. This is where we belong.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has The Skillet been serving Freehold?
While The Skillet is our newest venture, our family has been serving the Freehold community for nearly thirty years through various business endeavors, including founding the Tuscany Italian Markets.
Do you source all your ingredients locally?
We work with local farmers and engage with as many local vendors as possible to source fresh, sustainable, and organic ingredients. While we prioritize local sourcing, some specialty items come from trusted suppliers to ensure we maintain our quality standards.
What makes The Skillet different from other breakfast restaurants in the area?
We offer unique breakfast dishes that most competitors don’t offer, combined with our commitment to farm-to-table ingredients and our mission to create a true community gathering place where everyone is treated like family.
Do you only serve breakfast and brunch?
We specialize in breakfast and brunch and are open Monday through Sunday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Our menu also includes lunch items like sandwiches, bowls, and salads for those looking for heartier midday options.
Can I make a reservation at The Skillet?
We operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations or call-aheads. This policy ensures fair access for all our guests and maintains the welcoming, casual atmosphere we’ve created.