August 21, 2022, 1:52 p.mUpdated 3 hours ago
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Gas prices, staff shortages, beach badges, inflated food and drink prices mean that a day trip to the coast isn’t as affordable as it used to be.
News 12’s Kimberly Kravitz was in Belmar this morning talking to small businesses and beachgoers as the summer season winds down and asking them how different this summer has been.
“In my opinion, there are not that many people who go down to the shore. Mainly because because of COVID, people are now on planes going places,” said Tom Rogers, owner of Mamalukes. “Business is on par with last year. Yes, our prices went up. I think people are a bit conservative. I have been here for 27 years. I see more and more cold ones. People bring their own meals and I understand that. People can’t afford between the travel and the fees involved.”
“We’re very busy. Everybody’s trying to get their last bit out before the summer is over,” said Tim Somers, owner of Dunes Donuts in Spring Lake, which has kept its prices lower with long lines. “This is food for normal people. You have to eat. Nothing fancy.”