Cluck'n Crabs, known for chowder and wings, closes in Stafford
Nearly four years after opening their Stafford restaurant, John and Amy Costa have decided to close Cluck'n Crabs.
The couple shared the news on social media.
"It’s with great sadness that we announce Cluck’n Crabs will be closing its doors as of today (Sept. 20). With rising food costs and an extremely tough economic marketplace, we just can no longer continue to push through," they wrote. "We want to thank all of our wonderful customers and employees over the last (four) years, and we will truly value all of the friends we have made along the way."
The Costas opened the restaurant in fall 2018. Cluck'n Crabs was known for its chicken wings and clam chowder, even winning Long Beach Island's Chowderfest in 2020. Their winning dish was a smoky Manhattan clam chowder.
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"My husband John, who is the chef, says the secret ingredient is love," Amy told The Asbury Park Press.
Their restaurant is one of several to close or announce an impending closure in recent weeks. Greg and Jeannette Manning, owners of The Serenity Cafe in Toms River, will close their restaurant Sept. 30; and Steve DeAngelo's Red Bank restaurant, Soul Sandwich; Mike Gingrich's Mike's Crumb Cake Factory in Ocean Township; Stephen Catania's Red Bank shop, The Cheese Cave; and Joe and Elizabeth "Lisa" LoMonaco's Peace Love Pickles in Atlantic Highlands all closed last month.
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, and for more Jersey Shore food news, subscribe to our weekly Jersey Shore Eats newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Cluck'n Crabs restaurant in Stafford NJ closes permanently
