Pisces Seafood Sold In Toms River After More Than 45 Years In Business

TOMS RIVER, NJ — In March 1976, Robert and John Kurzynowski filed a certificate for the trade name Pisces Seafood Service, launching a new business in Toms River.

In the more than 45 years since, Pisces Seafood and Restaurant, which sits on Route 37 not far from the base of the Tunney Bridge as you head west toward the center of Toms River, has been a staple in the community. Whether you were buying fresh seafood to prepare at home or stopping into the restaurant for a meal with family or friends, Pisces has held a special place in the hearts of many.

On Thursday night, that time came to an end: the Kurzynowski family has sold the property and is moving on to the next chapter in life: retirement.

The family announced their retirement on the Pisces Seafood & Restaurant's Facebook page.

"Today, the Kurzynowski family fried our last famous fish & chip dinner and officially completed the sale of Pisces Seafood," the post said. "In many ways, it feels like we've been a part of this tight-knit community in our shore town since the invention of the wheel! There's just too many memories to count, right? We cannot thank all of you enough for everything you have done for us and our family since the start."

The family thanked their customers, from retail partners who bought seafood for their own restaurants, to the folks who stopped by for a meal occasionally: "You all are the reason that this dream from two brothers almost 50 years ago to open up a seafood shop was a reality. Without each and every one of you, Pisces Seafood is just that -- a dream. It's been a pleasure to serve this community."

The announcement prompted more than 100 comments, from people who ate there regularly to some whose first jobs were working at the restaurant.

"I'll always remember Pisces, and the delicious food. When I was really young, we would immediately eat there after a long, fun day at Island Beach. One of my most treasured traditions," one man wrote.

"I ate there every Thursday night with my Dad," a woman wrote. "You made him shrimp scampi even though it wasn't on the menu then. Best halibut ever for me! Going to miss you but I have lots of memories."

"My first job and it was an amazing place to work at and the Kurzynowskis made a memorable first job! It was more like coming to spend time with family than work," another woman wrote.

"Congratulations on an almost impossible run in this crazy industry," another restaurant owner wrote. "What a testimony to hard work, dedication, commitment, grit, and all heart. For those who know, you know, this kind of longevity in the restaurant business is rare. Such humble and beautiful people that I am grateful to know."

The post did not reveal who has purchased the property, and a message to the Pisces Seafood page was not answered.

The full text of their farewell message reads:

To the entire Pisces Seafood family,

It has been nothing short of an honor to serve you for the last 45+ years. From our long-standing retail partners, to those of you that made Pisces a common occurrence for your family, and everyone in-between, these last 4.5 decades wouldn't have been possible without your support.

Today, the Kurzynowski family fried our last famous fish & chip dinner and officially completed the sale of Pisces Seafood.

In many ways, it feels like we've been a part of this tight-knit community in our shore town since the invention of the wheel! There's just too many memories to count, right? We cannot thank all of you enough for everything you have done for us and our family since the start. Throughout these years, the most valuable thing that our family had are the friendships with all of you that we know will stay true after this. Whether you were a familiar face, or someone that came in for a bite during a hot Summer day/a cold Winter night, we hope you truly felt the care we put into all of our services.

Pisces was a place of comfort for our family. It was a place where our children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and plenty of friends started their adult working careers (the dishwasher gig was always first!). We hope that Pisces was also a place of comfort for yours.

"You all are the reason that this dream from two brothers almost 50 years ago to open up a seafood shop was a reality. Without each and every one of you, Pisces Seafood is just that -- a dream. It's been a pleasure to serve this community. We'll miss this chapter, and we'll welcome the new one in our lives -- retirement!

Always,

The Kurzynowski family