The Black Swan Public House in Asbury Park, a European gastropub opened by Chef James Avery in 2021, is under new ownership.
The restaurant, which sits at the corner of Mattison Avenue and Emory Street in the city’s downtown, has been acquired by BarCo Brands, a hospitality group led by Monmouth County residents Andrea Pappas, Greg Bartz, Phil Villapiano and Tim McMahon.
Avery will stay on to oversee the culinary aspect of the restaurant.
“We are very excited to acquire The Black Swan, along with a partnership with James Avery,” McMahon said in an email, adding that no major changes to the restaurant are anticipated. “What he built here is a very successful brand, evidenced by his loyal clientele and strong reviews. We hope to continue the momentum he created and, with his help, grow the concept into the future.”
The Black Swan Public House from Chef James Avery will open its doors. It’s an English gastropub-type place in the downtown area of the city. Asbury Park, NJWednesday, August 11, 2021
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BarCo Brands also owns Deal Lake Bar + Co in Loch Arbour, Baseline Social in Oceanport, and Low Dive, Swimcrush and The Break on the Asbury Park boardwalk. The Break is currently under renovation and will reopen later this year.
“BarCo has had its sights set on the vibrant downtown of Asbury Park for some time now,” reads a news release from the hospitality group. “Chef Avery has agreed to partner with the new ownership as they continue the operation of Black Swan for the foreseeable future.”
BarCo Brands partners (from left) Phil Villapiano, Tim McMahon, Andrea Pappas and Greg Bartz feature Swimcrush, their new beach bar on the Asbury Park boardwalk.
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“The Black Swan will always be dear to my heart, like all the projects I’ve done in Asbury Park,” Avery said via email. “It is truly a special place, and although this decision was not an easy one to make, I am excited to have built what could be a long-term relationship with BarCo Brands. I look forward to working with them to continue to grow and refine the concept.”
In September, Avery closed The Mainstay, formerly The Bonney Read, at Cookman and Bangs avenues. The chef has returned to FOX’s “Hell’s Kitchen,” a cooking competition show on which he works as Gordon Ramsay’s on-camera sous chef.
“I’ve spent the last 11 years in downtown Asbury Park, and I’m excited to be able to pursue other avenues and opportunities and still be involved with The Black Swan,” he said.
Sarah Griesemer joined the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey in 2003 and has been writing all things food since 2014. Send restaurant tips to sgriesemer@gannettnj.com, follow on Instagram at Jersey Shore Eats and subscribe to her weekly newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: The Black Swan Public House in Asbury Park has new owners
