Gov. Murphy Says He Didn't Know Middletown Restaurant Broke Rules

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Gov. Phil Murphy responded to criticism Friday days after he dined outside at the Nicholas Barrel & Roost in Middletown just as police officers were on the front sidewalk, threatening to issue the owner a summons for violating the state's indoor dining ban.

Murphy said during a Friday news conference that he wasn't aware anyone was eating inside. He also seemed to address at least one lawmaker who took him to task for eating at the restaurant, saying: "I mean, c'mon. I haven't eaten indoors – I can't even remember when I've eaten doors."

State Sen. Declan O'Scanlon, R-Monmouth, used the opportunity to blame Murphy for being overly cautious and keeping businesses closed too long amid the coronavirus crisis.

As far as the restaurant allegedly violating indoor dining rules, Murphy said: "I don't show up with a tape measure to try to figure out whether or not the guy has 50 percent of his walls open."

"If he doesn't, then he deserves whatever is coming his way, and if he does, then I wish him the best," he said. "But we were outside and had a really good meal."

Murphy showed up Wednesday at the exact same time the police arrived to give the restaurant a summons, Nicholas Harary, owner of the fine dining establishment on the Red Bank/Middletown border, told Patch this week.

The scene was first captured by More Monmouth Musings, a local political blog.

Middletown Administrator Anthony Mercantante said this week that the town has gotten numerous complaints about indoor dining at the restaurant, and said the decision whether to issue a summons will ultimately come from the Monmouth County Prosecutor's office.

This summer, Harary underwent an ambitious renovation and in the process, converted two of the restaurant's walls to open at least 50 percent. Harary said he understands that this allows him to serve a limited number of diners indoors, per a July 9 executive order signed by the governor.

Except Middletown police don't see it that way, and have stopped by his restaurant three nights in a row — Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings — to question him about why he's allowing indoor dining, he said.

When Middletown police came by for visit No. 3 at about 7 p.m. Wednesday night, Murphy and his security detail were actually on site at the restaurant; the governor lives very close by on Navesink River Road, and is a frequent patron, the owner said.

Harary, a longtime Middletown resident, called Murphy a good friend, and said he thinks Murphy's decision to dine at his restaurant shows the governor, at least, supports his indoor seating.

"Phil has been a longtime support and friend," said Harary. "He and I have had heated debates and we don't agree on anything. He's a Red Sox fan; I'm a Yankees fan. When it comes to politics it's even worse. But as a business owner, you have to serve both Republicans and Democrats."

Read more: Middletown Restaurant Accused Of Breaking Rules While Murphy Ate