Zebu Forno Reopening in Sight

When Andrew Gennusa couldn’t negotiate a rent he thought was appropriate to keep Zebu Forno on Broad Street open he, like many other business owners facing the pinch of high rents in a sour economy opt to do, closed it down.

But a commitment to Red Bank brought him back.

At a recent Planning Board meeting, Gennusa, owner of the local hangout that serves simultaneously as a bakery, café, and coffee bar, was granted unanimous approval for a change of use variance. The mostly perfunctory measure clears the way for Red Bank Zebu Forno’s reopening, which could come as early as the end of the month, Gennusa said following the meeting.

The new Zebu will be located at 12 Broad St., just a few steps from its previous location at 20 Broad St.

Though a rent dispute was enough to force Gennusa to close down the previous incarnation of Zebu in September and potentially jeopardize the brand by simply disappearing for several months, Red Bank has always been home to his business and the only decision was to bring it back, he said.

“I’ve been here so long. Eleven years is a long time. It wasn’t enough to end this relationship over a rent dispute,” he said. “It made coming back a no brainer.”

Construction at the site is currently underway. Though the front windows are covered by brown paper, a quick peek inside reveals significant work, something that has been ongoing for some time.

Mayor Pat Menna, who sits on the Planning Board, had no issue with providing a change of use variance to bring Zebu back. Not only is the Zebu name known throughout the state, he said, but the building where it will be located has been notoriously difficult to fill over the years.

Gennusa said the new location would have about 2,400 square feet, nearly identical to what the old location offered.

“It’s wonderful for the residents of Red Bank to have Zebu Forno stay,” Menna said. “It’s wonderful to be able to keep them here.”