We are happy that NJ restaurants have the ability to open for indoor dining in a limited capacity, however, The Blue Monkey, has made a decision to err on the side of caution and remain open for outdoor dining and takeout services at this time. We have created a beautiful, open, airy and safe outdoor dining space and have a DJ playing background music nightly. We are open Wednesday through Sunday from 4:00-9:00 p.m. Please call 856-661-8008 to book your reservation. pleasing and safe space for our community and hope you will continue to dine with us until we decide to bring business back indoors. Our policies and procedures remain the same - all customers must practice proper social distancing and wear their masks when not seated at their table. We operate on a reservation only model and expect customers to remain at their assigned tables. Our If you have not visited we hope you’ll come soon and try one of our newer menu options, viewable at BlueMonkeyTavern.Com. Our entire staff thanks you for your continued support and patronage. 

Courier-Post writer, Tammy Paolino, recently penned a piece on "A food geek's guide to best dishes in South Jersey, still available as takeout". The article shared local places to find incredible "drive-by" food while social distancing. And, it was no surprise to us that two of Merchantville's eateries, Charlies Crepes and Park Place Cafe & Restaurant, took the spotlight. Featured were Charlie's seasonal crepes with crispy potato croquettes or spicy deviled eggs and, ice cream flavors from Chef Manganaro that compliment his juicy burgers and celebrate the region, like the Cherry Bomb or Merchantville Mudslide. And, on June 8th, Tammy featured The Juice Bar owners, Seth Amoah and Kelli Mouzon, in her article about black business owners in SJ.  The cafe is touted as "a healthy oasis in the heart of Merchantville" offering fresh pressed juices, smoothies, salads, panini and vegan options. 

Early in 2019, Nicole Nurthen Photography collaborated with The Merchantville Business and Professional Association (MBPA) to promote, advocate for and educate local businesses through a series of featured video profiles. Since then she has created and published photo and videos narratives on social media highlighting the shops, restaurants and service providers in our town. Now, more than ever, her pictorial works have served as a constant reminder of the need to support small businesses. Her newest offering, "Come Back", is a 90 second video montage of Merchantville's business owners welcoming the community to support them as they ready to reopen. Stay up-to-date with our business community through the MBPA on Instagram @shopmerchantville and follow #shopmerchantville on Twitter.

On July 14th, Kate Holden, owner of Soulflower Yoga, announced the closing of her brick and mortar location at 20A South Centre Street. "Wow, what an amazing year and half it’s been here in Merchantville. The community we built, the fun we had and just getting to know and serve every single one of you was a true honor. COVID-19 has hit so many of us so hard, both as individuals and the small business community. Just because we won’t have our peaceful place to gather doesn’t mean we’re leaving Merchantville or the yoga community!" Kate will still be hosting outdoor classes and provide special, and fun local yoga events to keep in touch. Not knowing what the future may bring, she hopes one day to be able to hold space with you and have regular classes again. Kate thanked the community for all their love and support and reminded everyone that, "It'snot good bye - it’s see you later. Keep your eyes peeled for our upcoming outdoor classes and events on social media.

On Friday, June 5th, Ryan's Retail, at 22 North Centre Street, held a Grand Reopening to celebrate resumption of business beginning June 10th, when their hours will be Wednesday through Saturday from 10-6 p.m.. Customers were able to peruse and purchase lots of new products like snow peas, bunching onions and fresh herbs from Black Sheep Farm, spa sets by Bear Soaps, fresh chicken and duck eggs from Farm Fresh Butt Nuggets, knitted goods from Graceful Knit Knots and, shortbread

Curbside pick-up, virtual events and online shopping are just a few of the strategies Merchantville's small businesses are using to succeed during this pandemic. Owners of our new taquería - La Guadalupana Mexican Restaurant - Fausto and Francisca Medina, celebrated Cinco De Mayo by offering a traditional chicken recipe with fresh watermelon for take out. Jeannie Francis, owner of Spirit To Sole Connection, is still blending teas and making all natural body products for curb side pick up or online shipping. The Blue Monkey Tavern menu features regular favs plus wine, beer and cocktail kits to go. They expect to be prettier than ever when they reopen thanks to Merchantville’s own local artisans Dan Shotwell and Scott DiSimone - wait 'til you see!. Saleemah Smith, owner of A Milli Little Thing, creates all natural body products available for curbside pick-up or online shipping. And, Custom Travel Services owner, Georgiann Jaworskyj, invites you to take a virtual Caribbean vacation on May 7th at 7:00 p.m. to learn all about Sandals and Beaches Resorts. As Halil says, "Clear skies will be upon us soon, friends!" The following retail shops and restaurants are open for your business in Merchantville.